Sizzling Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe for Summer Fun

Let me share a mouthwatering teriyaki chicken recipe that captures Hawaii’s vibrant culinary spirit.

Juicy chicken marinates in a sweet and tangy sauce bursting with authentic flavors.

Backyard barbecues and summer gatherings come alive with this simple yet impressive dish.

Pacific island cooking inspires every delicious bite of this classic favorite.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to create a meal that transports you to tropical shores.

Marinating techniques unlock deep, complex tastes that make this recipe truly special.

Dive into a culinary adventure that brings the warmth of Hawaiian cuisine directly to your plate.

Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken That Feels Like Vacation

• Quick and Delicious Dinner Solution
• This Hawaiian teriyaki chicken recipe transforms complex flavors into an effortless meal that takes minimal preparation time while delivering maximum taste excitement.
• Flexible recipe allows easy adjustments for different preferences, accommodating spice levels, marinading times, and garnish choices without compromising the core Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile.
• Perfect summer recipe that turns ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish, impressing family and friends with minimal culinary expertise required while delivering authentic Hawaiian-inspired taste experience.
• Protein-packed chicken combined with fresh ingredients provides a nutritious meal option that feels indulgent yet supports balanced eating goals with lean protein and vibrant seasonings.

Ingredients for Authentic Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs marinade beautifully, boneless and skinless preferred for even cooking.

• Soy Sauce, Pineapple Juice: Classic Hawaiian flavor combination with rich umami and sweet tropical notes.
• Brown Sugar: Provides caramelization and deep sweetness to balance salty elements.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds bright acidity to balance the marinade.

• Garlic, Ginger: Fresh ingredients that create authentic Asian-inspired flavor profile, finely minced or grated for best results.

• Sesame Oil: Rich nutty essence that deepens overall flavor complexity.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and warmth to the marinade.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Fresh toppings that provide visual appeal and light crunch.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for preventing chicken from sticking to grill grates, neutral flavor preferred.

How to Grill Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Just Right

Step 1: Whip Up Delicious Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Pineapple juice
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Cracked black pepper

Whisk everything together until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a vibrant and flavorful liquid.

Step 2: Coat Chicken in Flavor Bath

Transfer chicken pieces into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow container. Pour the entire marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly covered. Seal tightly and place in the refrigerator. Let the chicken soak up the tropical flavors for minimum 2 hours, though overnight marinating will create maximum taste excitement.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your outdoor grill to medium-high temperature around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly brush the grates with cooking oil to prevent chicken from sticking and create beautiful grill marks.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Place chicken on hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side. Chicken is ready when internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and exterior shows gorgeous caramelized edges.

Step 5: Transform Marinade into Glaze

Optional but recommended: Pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Serve with Tropical Flair

Arrange grilled chicken on a beautiful serving platter. Drizzle with reduced marinade if desired. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Tips for Juicy and Charred Teriyaki Chicken Flavor

• Boost Marinade Flavor: Let chicken marinate overnight to allow deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination: Always discard raw chicken marinade and use a fresh batch for basting to avoid bacterial risks.
• Grill Temperature Control: Use medium-high heat to achieve perfect grill marks and prevent burning while ensuring chicken cooks evenly.
• Meat Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F internally for safe consumption and optimal juiciness.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free version or use coconut aminos for soy-free alternative.

Best Ways to Store Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Leftovers

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap grilled chicken pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken remains fresh for 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• For quick reheating, place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle a few drops of water to keep meat moist. Heat in 30-second intervals, rotating midway to ensure even warming.

Sides That Make Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Complete

• Create a fresh pineapple and mango salsa with diced fruits, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice to complement the teriyaki chicken's sweet and savory profile.
• Prepare fluffy coconut rice cooked with coconut milk, which will absorb the teriyaki marinade and provide a creamy, tropical side dish that matches the Hawaiian-inspired flavors.
• Select a cold, light beer like a Hawaiian Longboard Lager or a citrusy white wine such as Riesling to cut through the chicken's richness and enhance the meal's tropical essence.
• Mix a non-alcoholic passion fruit and sparkling water drink garnished with a pineapple wedge, offering a bright, tangy complement that echoes the teriyaki's sweet undertones.

Tropical Twists on Classic Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven-Baked Hawaiian Teriyaki: Replace grilling with oven baking at 400F, placing chicken on a lined baking sheet and cooking for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Low-Sodium Soy Alternative: Swap regular soy sauce with coconut aminos for a sodium-reduced version while maintaining similar umami flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing moisture out before marinating and grilling to achieve similar caramelized texture and Hawaiian-inspired taste.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken FAQs

• What makes the marinade special in this Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipe?

The marinade combines soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, creating a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that tenderize the chicken and infuse it with authentic Hawaiian-style taste.

• How long should I marinate the chicken for the best results?

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight marination is recommended to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with pork or even firm tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through and reaches the proper internal temperature.

• Is it safe to use the marinade as a glaze after it has been in contact with raw chicken?

To make it safe, boil the marinade in a saucepan for 5-7 minutes until it thickens. This kills any harmful bacteria and transforms it into a delicious glaze for your grilled chicken.

Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Hawaiian grilled teriyaki chicken delivers tropical paradise on a plate, blending sweet and savory flavors. Juicy marinated chicken promises a quick escape to island bliss with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 green onions (sliced)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant teriyaki marinade by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cracked black pepper until sugar completely dissolves.
2. Transfer chicken into a non-reactive container or sealed plastic bag, thoroughly coating each piece with the prepared marinade. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
3. Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature around 375-400F. Clean and lightly oil grates to prevent chicken from sticking during cooking.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Position chicken pieces on preheated grill grates, maintaining consistent spacing between each piece.
5. Cook chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, rotating once to achieve beautiful crosshatch grill marks. Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165F using a meat thermometer.
6. Optional: Transform remaining marinade into a glossy reduction by simmering in a small saucepan for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy.
7. Plate grilled chicken attractively, optionally brushing with reduced marinade for extra flavor intensity. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions as a fresh, aromatic garnish.

Notes

• Transform marinade by boiling it completely to kill any bacteria from raw chicken, creating a safe and flavorful glaze.
• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, maintaining the same delicious teriyaki flavor profile.
• Tenderize chicken before marinating by gently pounding it to an even thickness, ensuring uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken, and always wash hands thoroughly during preparation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg