Sizzling Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe for Island Flavor

Cooking this amazing hawaiian style teriyaki chicken brings tropical vibes straight to your dinner table.

Sweet and savory flavors dance across perfectly grilled protein.

Juicy chicken pieces absorb rich marinade ingredients that promise incredible taste.

Marinating creates magical depth beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Hawaii’s culinary influence shines through each tender bite.

Pineapple and soy sauce combine for an unexpected yet delicious combination.

Gather your ingredients and start an epic flavor adventure that will make everyone at the table cheer.

Why Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Bursts with Flavor

• Combines sweet pineapple juice, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger to create a bold, authentic Hawaiian-inspired taste that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dish.
• Requires simple pantry staples and just one bowl for mixing marinade, reducing cleanup and making this recipe incredibly accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Easily adaptable for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this chicken works wonderfully with rice, salads, or as a protein in tacos, ensuring multiple meal possibilities from one recipe.

What You Need for Teriyaki Chicken Hawaiian Style

• Soy Sauce: Provides salty and umami foundation for the Hawaiian teriyaki flavor.
• Pineapple Juice: Adds tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Creates deep caramel-like sweetness and helps with sauce caramelization.
• Honey: Enhances sweetness and contributes to glossy sauce texture.
• Mirin: Traditional Japanese rice wine that adds subtle sweetness and depth.

• Garlic: Brings sharp, pungent flavor to the marinade.
• Ginger: Adds warm, spicy undertone with bright, fresh notes.

• Sesame Oil: Offers nutty, rich flavor characteristic of Asian cuisine.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and subtle spiciness.

Directions for Making Sweet and Savory Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Mix Magical Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Pineapple juice
• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Mirin
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk all ingredients until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a glossy, aromatic marinade that promises incredible flavor.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure perfect marinade absorption. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.

Step 3: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Pour most of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is generously coated. Set aside a quarter cup of marinade for later basting.

Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Let the chicken soak up the tropical flavors for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill chicken, turning occasionally and basting with reserved marinade.

Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is beautifully caramelized with gorgeous grill marks.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is incredibly tender.

Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve with steamed rice and grilled pineapple for the ultimate Hawaiian experience.

Handy Tips for Juicy, Glazed Chicken

• Marinate Strategically: Let chicken soak in the teriyaki mixture for at least 2-4 hours or overnight to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Grill with Precision: Brush reserved marinade onto chicken during grilling to create a glossy, caramelized exterior without burning.
• Pineapple Power: Use fresh pineapple juice for a brighter, more vibrant taste compared to canned alternatives.
• Low-Sodium Option: Swap regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content without compromising the rich teriyaki flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

How to Save and Reheat Teriyaki Chicken Later

• Store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
• Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain juiciness.
• Heat chicken in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and preserve texture.
• Drizzle reserved marinade over reheated chicken to refresh flavor and add moisture before serving.

Pairing Ideas for Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

• Blend fresh pineapple, orange juice, and a splash of rum for a vibrant drink that echoes the teriyaki chicken's Hawaiian roots and complements its sweet-savory profile.
• Cook jasmine rice with coconut milk and a pinch of salt, creating a creamy side that balances the chicken's rich teriyaki glaze and adds a subtle tropical touch.
• Chop grilled pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño, drizzling with lime juice to create a fresh, zesty accompaniment that brightens the dish's deep flavors.
• Select a chilled, light white wine with citrus notes that cuts through the teriyaki's sweetness and refreshes the palate between bites.

Ways to Spice Up Teriyaki Chicken Hawaiian Style

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe celiac-friendly and reduce gluten content.
• Low-Sodium Variation: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and cut back on added salt to create a heart-healthy version of the teriyaki chicken.
• Vegan Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating plant-based protein in the same teriyaki sauce for a meat-free alternative.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for those who enjoy a bold, fiery flavor profile in their Hawaiian-style dish.

FAQs about This Teriyaki Chicken

• What is mirin and can I substitute it?

Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine used in cooking. You can substitute with rice vinegar mixed with a little sugar or dry sherry if you can’t find mirin in stores.

• Is it better to marinate the chicken overnight or just for a few hours?

Marinating for at least 2-4 hours gives the best flavor, but overnight marination allows deeper penetration of the teriyaki sauce into the chicken, making it more flavorful and tender.

• Can I make this recipe with different types of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or chicken breasts. Bone-in chicken pieces work particularly well for this Hawaiian-style teriyaki recipe as they retain more moisture and flavor during grilling.

• Do I need a grill to make this recipe?

No, you can also cook this chicken in an oven, on a grill pan, or even in a skillet. Each method will provide slightly different but delicious results, with grilling giving the most authentic charred flavor.

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tantalizing Hawaiian-style teriyaki chicken brings island flavors straight to your dinner table with its perfect blend of sweet and savory. Succulent grilled chicken glazed in rich teriyaki sauce promises a delicious culinary journey you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup soy sauce (Aloha Shoyu for authentic flavor)
• ½ cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons mirin (or rice vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)

Garnish and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, mirin, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cracked black pepper in a mixing vessel.
2. Separate a portion of the liquid mixture, setting aside 1/4 cup for periodic basting during cooking.
3. Immerse chicken pieces completely in the remaining marinade, ensuring each surface is thoroughly coated.
4. Cover the marinating container and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
5. Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking, permitting it to reach ambient temperature for more even heat distribution.
6. Preheat grill or heavy skillet to medium-high temperature, creating ideal conditions for caramelization.
7. Arrange marinated chicken on cooking surface, allowing each side to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior.
8. Periodically brush reserved marinade onto chicken during cooking, creating layers of glossy, sweet-savory glazing.
9. Continue grilling or pan-searing until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring complete cooking without drying.
10. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking, allowing juices to redistribute and maintain optimal tenderness.
11. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for additional texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake and create a healthier version of this classic dish.
• Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight to ensure maximum flavor penetration and tender meat.
• Experiment with grilling, baking, or pan-searing methods depending on your kitchen setup and preference.
• For a gluten-free alternative, replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the authentic Hawaiian teriyaki taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 120mg