Easy Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Recipe You’ll Love Tonight

Weeknight dinners call for a burst of tropical flavors with this incredible Hawaiian teriyaki chicken recipe that promises to transport you straight to the islands.

Tangy, sweet, and packed with mouthwatering goodness, this dish blends classic teriyaki with a Hawaiian twist.

Fresh pineapple chunks add a bright, juicy element that perfectly complements the savory chicken.

Each bite brings a delightful balance of caramelized edges and succulent meat.

The marinade infuses deep, rich flavors that make every mouthful unforgettable.

Simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily make at home.

Let’s unlock the secret to a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• What makes Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken different from regular chicken recipes?

The combination of pineapple juice and traditional teriyaki ingredients creates a uniquely sweet and tangy flavor that reflects Hawaiian culinary traditions, giving the dish a tropical twist.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

While chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor, you can substitute chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out more quickly than thighs.

• Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for a long time?

Marinating for at least 4 hours is ideal, but overnight marination will develop deeper, more complex flavors. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.

What Sets Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Apart from the Rest

• Dive into a recipe that transforms ordinary chicken into a taste explosion with minimal prep work, letting you create restaurant-quality meals without complicated techniques.
• Perfect for backyard barbecues and summer gatherings, this dish allows home cooks to wow guests with professional-looking char marks and deep, rich teriyaki flavors that scream culinary expertise.
• Adaptable to multiple cooking methods like grilling, oven-roasting, or even pan-searing, this Hawaiian teriyaki chicken works wonderfully for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and family meals that everyone will love.
• Utilize simple, accessible ingredients that won't break the bank while delivering an impressive meal that tastes like it came straight from a high-end Hawaiian restaurant.

Ingredients for Perfect Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: A juicy and flavorful cut that absorbs marinades beautifully and provides rich, tender meat for the Hawaiian teriyaki dish.

• Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Pineapple Juice: A classic combination that creates a sweet, tangy, and umami-rich base for the teriyaki sauce.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and traditional Asian flavor to the marinade.

• Marinade Reduction Sauce: The reserved marinade that transforms into a glossy, food-safe sauce to baste and coat the grilled chicken.

Cooking Tools for Teriyaki Chicken Perfection

• Large Bowl or Ziploc Bag: Perfect for marinating chicken, giving it space to soak up those delicious flavors.
• Medium Bowl: Essential for mixing the teriyaki marinade, combining all those tasty ingredients smoothly.
• Saucepan: Needed to simmer and reduce the marinade into a safe, thick sauce.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Key for achieving those beautiful char marks and perfect chicken texture.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken reaches safe 165F internal temperature.
• Basting Brush: Great for spreading marinade while grilling, adding extra flavor and shine.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping chicken safely and smoothly on the grill.
• Cutting Board: Useful for any final preparation or serving chicken.

How to Prepare Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Select High-Quality Chicken

Choose bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure perfect searing and marinade absorption.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Pineapple juice
• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger

Whisk everything together until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a smooth and aromatic marinade.

Step 3: Infuse Chicken with Marinade

Transfer chicken into a large resealable plastic bag or glass container.

Pour the entire marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated.

Seal and refrigerate for 4-8 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 4: Prepare Reduction Sauce

Remove chicken from marinade and strain the liquid into a saucepan.

Simmer the marinade over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, reducing it until slightly thickened and safe for basting.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Preheat grill to medium-high heat around 400-450°F.

Place chicken skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes.

Flip and continue grilling, basting with reduction sauce every few minutes.

Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.

Drizzle with remaining sauce and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Serve immediately with steamed rice or grilled pineapple.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken

• Let chicken soak overnight for deeper, more intense flavor that'll make taste buds dance with Hawaiian happiness.
• Always use separate utensils and plates for raw chicken to keep your cooking space safe and bacteria-free.
• Boil the marinade completely before using as a basting or serving sauce to eliminate any potential harmful bacteria from raw chicken.
• Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization without burning the sugary teriyaki glaze, creating a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.
• No grill? No problem! Bake in the oven at 400°F or use a stovetop grill pan for equally delicious results with those signature char marks.

Fun Ways to Change Up Teriyaki Chicken

• Low-Sodium Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce salt content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken: Swap traditional soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce alternative, ensuring safe consumption for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Hawaiian Teriyaki Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using identical marinade and grilling techniques for plant-based protein lovers.
• Oven-Baked Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken: For those without grill access, bake marinated chicken at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, brushing with sauce periodically to achieve similar caramelized exterior.

Serving Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken with Flair

• Tropical Pineapple Paradise: Serve the teriyaki chicken over a bed of fluffy coconut rice, garnished with fresh pineapple chunks and green onion slices for a burst of Hawaiian-inspired flavor.
• Backyard BBQ Feast: Pair the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn on the cob, creating a complete summer meal that showcases the teriyaki's smoky-sweet profile.
• Luau-Style Plate: Create a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch by adding macaroni salad and steamed white rice alongside the chicken, bringing authentic island vibes to your dining experience.
• Salad Sensation: Slice the grilled chicken and toss it over a crisp mixed green salad with mandarin oranges, toasted macadamia nuts, and a light sesame dressing for a lighter meal option.

Storing Teriyaki Chicken for Later Meals

• Store leftover Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains sealed and protected from air exposure.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through.

Perfect Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Hawaiian teriyaki chicken blends sweet and tangy flavors from Pacific Island cuisine. Juicy marinated meat grills to caramelized perfection, offering you a delicious taste of tropical culinary tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (24 ounces) boneless and skinless chicken thighs

Liquid and Seasoning Base:

• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup packed brown sugar

Aromatics:

• 4 cloves chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

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Instructions

1. Unwrap chicken thighs and place them in a large container or sealed plastic bag, preparing for a flavor-packed marination journey.
2. Craft the teriyaki marinade by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar completely dissolves into a glossy liquid.
3. Generously coat the chicken with the marinade, ensuring every piece is thoroughly covered. Seal the container and refrigerate for 4-8 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
4. Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature. Meanwhile, transfer the reserved marinade to a saucepan.
5. Simmer the marinade over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, reducing it to a thickened sauce and eliminating any potential bacterial risks. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
6. Preheat grill to 400°F, creating distinct medium-high heat zones. Arrange chicken thighs on the grates, allowing each side 6-7 minutes of cooking time.
7. Brush chicken with reduced teriyaki sauce during grilling, creating caramelized edges and enhancing overall flavor profile. Rotate pieces to ensure even charring.
8. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute juices.
9. Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter, drizzle with remaining hot teriyaki sauce, and garnish with optional green onions or sesame seeds for added visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich teriyaki flavor profile.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake without compromising the recipe’s delicious taste.
• Consider pounding chicken thighs to uniform thickness for even cooking and preventing dry edges.
• Prevent cross-contamination by using separate marinades for raw and cooked chicken, ensuring food safety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 348
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg