If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the irresistible flavors of the islands in your own kitchen, this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a perfectly balanced marinade made from sweet pineapple juice, savory soy sauce, and a touch of fresh ginger and garlic. The result is a dish bursting with vibrant tropical flavor, easy enough for any weeknight but special enough to impress friends or family anytime you want to bring a little aloha spirit to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in building that classic Hawaiian teriyaki flavor profile—simple, fresh, and packed with personality. From the salty soy sauce to the sweet burst of pineapple juice, each component enhances both taste and texture perfectly.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender under high heat.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: The salty, umami-rich backbone of the marinade that deepens the taste.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a lovely caramelized sweetness when grilled or pan-cooked.
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice: Brings bright tropical notes and natural tenderizing qualities.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Offers a subtle tang that balances sweetness and rounds out the marinade.
- 2 tbsp water: Helps to blend flavors and ensures the marinade isn’t too thick.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Provides sharp, aromatic heat that complements the sweet and savory elements.
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger: Brings warmth and a touch of zing to amplify the overall flavor.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional): Used to thicken the leftover marinade into a glaze or sauce.
- 1 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry): Mixed with cornstarch to prevent lumping when thickening the sauce.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Perfect garnishes that add color, crunch, and a hint of freshness.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Start by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, water, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a medium bowl. This delicious blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors creates the magic of a true Hawaiian-style marinade. Place your chicken thighs into a large resealable bag or a container, pour the marinade over them, and seal tightly. Let those flavors soak in by refrigerating for at least 2 hours, but for the fullest flavor, overnight is best. This step is so important because the longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the island-inspired taste.
Step 2: Grill or Cook the Chicken
Once marinated, preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting excess drip away, and place it on the hot surface. Cook each side for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches that perfect caramelized finish and is cooked through. You’ll love the enticing aroma wafting through the air as the marinade sugars char ever so slightly, locking in that juicy tenderness.
Step 3: Optional Sauce Preparation
While the chicken is cooking, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to ensure it’s safe to eat. If you want a thicker sauce to drizzle over your chicken, dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 1 tablespoon water and whisk it into your simmering sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until luscious and glossy. This sauce is such a wonderful way to dial up the flavor even more!
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches really make this dish pop. A sprinkle of sliced green onions provides a fresh, mild bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweet glaze. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and visual appeal that make the dish feel restaurant-worthy even at home.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines alongside classic Hawaiian and island-inspired sides. Steamed white rice is a must-have to soak up that fantastic sauce. Macaroni salad brings a creamy, cool contrast, and throwing some grilled pineapple on the side complements the chicken with extra juicy sweetness. All together, they create a perfectly balanced plate full of flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe over a bed of coconut rice or alongside fresh mango salsa for a burst of tropical freshness. You can also slice the chicken thinly and use it as a protein-packed filling in lettuce wraps or bao buns to impress guests with a playful but delicious presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy that island flavor even midweek without the fuss.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead for busy days, freeze cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It stays great for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For the best texture and flavor, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or reserved sauce to keep the chicken moist. Avoid the microwave if you can, but if pressed for time, cover the chicken to trap steam and heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful, chicken breasts can be used. Just be sure to adjust cooking time, as breasts cook a bit faster and can dry out if overcooked.
Is pineapple juice necessary for this recipe?
The pineapple juice is key for that authentic Hawaiian sweetness and also acts as a tenderizer, making the chicken incredibly supple. If you don’t have fresh pineapple juice, canned is fine, but avoid any sweetened or flavored varieties.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for 2 hours is the minimum, but leaving it overnight in the refrigerator will infuse the chicken with deeper flavors. Just be mindful not to exceed 24 hours, or the texture may become too soft due to the acidity.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep this dish gluten-free without sacrificing any of its amazing flavor.
What sides pair well with Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe?
Classic sides include steamed white rice, macaroni salad, and grilled pineapple, but you could also try coconut rice, sautéed greens, or a fresh tropical fruit salad to round out your meal.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorite ways to bring bright, comforting island vibes to any meal. It’s so approachable yet packed with layers of flavor that everyone will love. Give it a try for your next barbecue or cozy dinner and watch how easily it becomes a household favorite that brightens even the simplest nights.
Print
Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and garlic, then grilled or pan-cooked to caramelized perfection. The optional thickened sauce adds an extra burst of sweet and savory goodness, making it an ideal main course for an island-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
Optional Sauce Thickener
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
Garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, water, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully infuse.
- Preheat Grill or Skillet: When ready to cook, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat to ensure a good sear and caramelization on the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill or cook the chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nicely caramelized exterior.
- Make the Optional Sauce: While the chicken cooks, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to cook off raw flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): For a thicker sauce, mix together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to form a slurry. Whisk this into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Plate the cooked chicken hot, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve alongside steamed rice or your favorite sides.
Notes
- Delicious served with steamed rice, macaroni salad, or grilled pineapple for a true Hawaiian experience.
- Chicken thighs remain juicy and tender, but you can substitute boneless chicken breasts if preferred—just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor significantly but 2 hours minimum also works well.
- The optional sauce thickening step adds a lovely glaze but can be skipped if you prefer a lighter drizzle.
