Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
If you’re ready to bring a taste of the islands right to your dinner table, Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is about to become your new go-to. This beloved classic features succulent chicken thighs swimming in a sweet-salty marinade that’s brightened up by pineapple juice and kissed with a bit of garlic and ginger. Whether you’re new to “plate lunch” culture or a seasoned home cook, you’ll love how easy it is to get those crave-worthy tropical flavors on your own grill (or stovetop) in almost no time at all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken lies in its simplicity! Each ingredient has a purpose: some build the signature sweet-salty flavor, others tenderize the chicken, and a few create that inviting, glossy finish everyone craves.
- Chicken Thighs (2 pounds, boneless, skinless): Juicy and full of flavor, chicken thighs give you tender results that pair perfectly with the marinade.
- Soy Sauce (1 cup): The backbone of the marinade, adding deep, savory richness.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken for beautiful grill marks.
- Pineapple Juice (1/2 cup): A splash of tropical tartness, and it also helps tenderize the meat for extra succulence.
- Mirin or Rice Vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds a gentle tang and lightly balances the bold flavors.
- Minced Garlic (2 teaspoons): Infuses a subtle warmth and complexity that layers beautifully with the soy and sweet notes.
- Fresh Ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Lends a spicy, aromatic kick and a real depth that sets this dish apart.
- Green Onions, sliced (2): Peppery, fresh, and essential for that bright finishing flourish.
- Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): For a nutty crunch and a sprinkle of visual flair on top.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, mirin or rice vinegar, garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture smells irresistible. This step is where all those signature island flavors begin to mingle.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the luscious marinade over top, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and stash it in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is best for super flavorful results). The chicken will soak up every bit of tropical goodness during this time.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Fire up your grill or heat a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. While you’re waiting, remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade—it’s done its job!
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Lay the marinated chicken thighs on the hot grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side. You want those gorgeous caramelized grill marks and juicy, cooked-through chicken. Don’t rush this part—the slight char you get makes all the difference in both flavor and appearance.
Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Garnish
Take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps all those tasty juices settle in. Once rested, slice the chicken and pile it onto your plate. Top it with sliced green onions and a scatter of sesame seeds for a punch of color and crunch—you’re just about ready to feast!
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken
Garnishes
Finishing touches matter! Sprinkle your Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken with freshly sliced green onions for a hit of zing and color. Toasted sesame seeds are optional but highly encouraged—they add a delicious nuttiness that complements the caramelized glaze of the chicken. If you have them on hand, thinly sliced red pepper or a wedge of lime can also dress it up beautifully.
Side Dishes
No Hawaiian meal feels complete without a scoop of sticky steamed rice and a fluffy macaroni salad. The rice soaks up the extra teriyaki sauce, while the creamy, cool macaroni salad balances out the sweet-salty chicken. Classic coleslaw, grilled pineapple, or even a crisp green salad also fit right in if you’re in the mood to branch out.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your plate lunch into a party by serving Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken slider-style in sweet Hawaiian rolls or tossed on top of a bed of mixed greens for a hearty, protein-packed salad. For a fun twist, skewer the marinated chicken pieces and grill as kebabs—perfect for backyard gatherings and potlucks alike!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken stores beautifully. Just let the chicken cool, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s just as satisfying the next day, making it perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save extras for a future craving, you can freeze the cooked chicken! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a zip-top freezer bag. Frozen Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheating is easy—just warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or pineapple juice to keep it moist. If you’re in a hurry, microwave gently until heated through. Either way, those signature flavors stay bold and bright!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs are more traditional and stay extra juicy, chicken breasts will also work. Just watch the grill time so they don’t dry out—breasts usually cook a bit faster than thighs.
Do I have to use a grill for Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the chicken in a hot skillet or bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes. Both methods deliver delicious results with a slightly different texture but the same awesome flavor.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk up the marinade a day or two in advance and keep it in the fridge. This is a great way to prep for a busy day and makes it a breeze to pull the chicken together when you’re ready.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Swap in gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a totally gluten-free version. Always double-check any condiments or additions if you need to avoid gluten strictly.
Can I cook Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken in the oven?
Certainly. Lay the marinated chicken thighs on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll get juicy, caramelized chicken without needing to fire up the grill.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s equal parts comforting, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with island flavor, give Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken a try. It’s uncomplicated, unforgettable, and brings a bit of tropical sunshine to any meal. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Enjoy your own island feast!
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Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken recipe that features succulent grilled chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory pineapple-infused sauce. Perfect for a tropical-inspired meal that’s bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup mirin or rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Additional:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Mix Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, mirin, garlic, and ginger until sugar dissolves.
- Marinate Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or dish, pour marinade over, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Grill Chicken: Preheat grill, cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through and charred.
- Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, slice, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, serve with rice or salad.
Notes
- You can also cook the chicken in a skillet or bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes if preferred.
- Add water or pineapple juice to thin the marinade if too strong.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
