Mo’ Bettahs Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

From the distant islands to the southern states, Hawaiian-style Mo’ Bettahs Teriyaki Chicken Recipe quickly became popular with its bold flavor and smoky finish.

The sweet, salty glaze, paired with juicy grilled chicken, quickly stood out from other dishes. It is no surprise that this recipe became a winner among chicken lovers.

After trying it myself, I knew I had to pass it on. This homemade take is simple, tasty, and perfect for anyone who loves grilled chicken with a twist.

Why You Will Love this copycat Recipe?

Teriyaki chicken is all about marinating chicken in a sweet, salty sauce and grilling it until it is smoky and tender. My version uses the same base as Mo’ Bettahs but adds a few touches that make it even better.

Teriyaki stands out with its glaze and texture compared to other chicken dishes like BBQ or fried chicken. The sauce soaks into the meat, giving it a deep taste that is hard to beat.

I grill it over charcoal for a smoky taste. As a result, I get not crispy or dry but juicy, sticky, and flavorful, for the sauce clings to the chicken, and every bite is delicious.

Mo’ Bettahs Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Ingredients

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.

• 2-3 lbs. of skinless, boneless chicken thighs.
• 1½ cups of soy sauce.
• 1 cup of sugar for sweetness.
• 1 tsp of grated ginger for spice and to help tenderize the meat.
• 2 cloves of grated garlic for bold flavor, it goes well with the soy and sugar.
• 2 tbsp of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and richness.
• 2 tbsp of lightly ground sesame seeds for texture and crunch.
• 1 tsp of Ajinomoto to boost umami flavor.
• 2 stalks of chopped green onions for freshness and color.

Kitchen Tools You will Need.

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater
• Tongs
• Charcoal grill or gas grill
• Plastic wrap or lid for marinating
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Cooking Method of Mo’ Bettahs Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1 – Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a large bowl, add soy sauce and sugar to dissolve. After dissolution, add grated ginger, garlic, sesame oil, sesame seeds, Ajinomoto, and chopped green onions. Stir everything together until it looks smooth and smells fantastic.

Step 2 – Marinate the Chicken
Using tongs, cover each chicken thigh with soy sauce in a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to marinate for at least 4 hours.

Step 3 – Prep the Grill
Now, prepare the charcoal for the grill. I always use charcoal because it gives the best flavor. However, ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled so the chicken does not stick.

If you are using a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high.

Step 4 – Grill the Chicken
Take the marinated chicken out and let the extra sauce drip off. Put the chicken on the hot grill. Cook each side for about 5 minutes. Use tongs to flip the pieces gently. The chicken should be fully cooked but still juicy.

Step 5 – Rest and Slice
When the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to preserve the juices. You can then slice the chicken into strips or serve it whole.

Step 6 – Serve It Up
Place the chicken on a layer of thinly sliced cabbage. Add a scoop of hot white rice and a side of macaroni salad. If you have some sauce left, spoon a little on top.

Enjoy every bite!

My advice on this dish

• Use Shoyu, a type of Japanese soy sauce, because it has a smoother and less salty flavor than regular soy sauce.
• Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha if you like spicy.
• Please don’t skip the marinating time; it makes the chicken tender and flavorful. Marinate overnight for the best results.
• Do not overcook the chicken, as chicken thighs cook quickly and can dry out.
• Set aside some sauce before marinating to drizzle it on top later.
• You can choose either white sugar or brown sugar for a richer flavor.

Planning to Make Ahead?

Marinate the chicken in the fridge the night before you want to enjoy it. To freeze it, place the marinated chicken in a freezer bag and store it for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before grilling as usual.

Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it moist, reheat it in a pan or microwave with a splash of water. Throw it out if it smells sour, feels slimy, or looks gray.

Complete Dish Planning

To make a full meal, serve teriyaki chicken with steamed white rice and Hawaiian-style mac salad. For a fresh taste, try cabbage slaw or grilled pineapple. The sweetness of the pineapple with the salty chicken is fantastic.

Another good option is to serve the chicken with stir-fried vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions. For a lighter meal, wrap the chicken in lettuce leaves. Make sure everything is warm and fresh when you serve it.

Common Questions Answered

FAQs You May Need to Know regarding the Mo’ Bettahs Teriyaki Chicken Recipe.

1. Why should I use thighs instead of chicken breast?

Chicken breast is lean and dry, while thighs are juicier and absorb the marinade better.

2. What if I only have breast meat?

If you have breast meat, marinate it longer and grill it quickly to keep it tender. For this recipe, thighs work better because they stay tender on the grill.

3. What if I don’t have any chicken?

You can use turkey drumsticks or beef slices if you don’t have chicken.

4. What is Ajinomoto, and is it safe?

Ajinomoto is an MSG brand that adds umami flavor. It is safe to eat in small amounts and is common in many Asian recipes.

5. What if I want to avoid MSG?

If you are sensitive to MSG, skip it or use a splash of fish sauce or a pinch of mushroom powder.

6. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

You can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 25 minutes, but grilling gives better flavor. If you bake it, broil it for a few minutes at the end to get some char.

7. Can I reuse the marinade?

Do not reuse the marinade that touched raw chicken. If you want more sauce, save some before adding the chicken. Cook it separately to make it safe to serve.

8. What kind of grill works best?

Charcoal grills provide the best smoky flavor. Gas grills work too, but they don’t have the same taste. You can also use a grill pan indoors if necessary.

9. Instead of sesame oil, what can I use?

You can use olive oil or avocado oil instead.

10. Can I make this recipe without sugar?

You can replace sugar with honey, but the taste will change. Sugar helps the sauce stick and caramelize, so it’s best to use at least a little.

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Yield: 4

Mo’ Bettahs Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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Mo’ Bettahs Teriyaki Chicken Recipe delivers a tasty, bold, smoky Hawaiian dish for people who love grilled chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Marinating Time: 4 hours

Grill Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2-3 lbs. skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 1½ cups soy sauce (preferably Shoyu)
• 1 cup sugar (white or brown)
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 cloves grated garlic
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp lightly ground sesame seeds
• 1 tsp Ajinomoto (MSG)
• 2 stalks chopped green onions

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, add soy sauce and sugar to dissolve. After dissolution, add grated ginger, garlic, sesame oil, sesame seeds, Ajinomoto, and chopped green onions. Stir everything together until it looks smooth and smells fantastic.
2. Using tongs, cover each chicken thigh with soy sauce in a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to marinate for at least 4 hours.
3. Now, prepare the charcoal for the grill. I always use charcoal because it gives the best flavor. However, ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled so the chicken does not stick. If you are using a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high.
4. Take the marinated chicken out and let the extra sauce drip off. Put the chicken on the hot grill. Cook each side for about 5 minutes. Use tongs to flip the pieces gently. The chicken should be fully cooked but still juicy.
5. When the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to preserve the juices. You can then slice the chicken into strips or serve it whole.
6. Place the chicken on a layer of thinly sliced cabbage. Add a scoop of hot white rice and a side of macaroni salad. If you have some sauce left, spoon a little on top. Enjoy every bite!

Notes

Please don’t skip the marinating time; it makes the chicken tender and flavorful. Marinate overnight for the best results.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 370

Mo’ Bettahs teriyaki chicken is flavorful, simple to prepare, and perfect for grilling. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can enjoy a dish that tastes like the one from Makai.