Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that brings a tropical twist to your dinner table. This recipe features juicy chicken marinated in a flavorful teriyaki sauce with hints of pineapple, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Grilled or pan-seared to perfection, the chicken is coated with a sticky, caramelized glaze that’s both irresistible and mouthwatering. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal, a barbecue, or meal prep, this tropical-inspired dish is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the marinade:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)

• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (fresh or from canned pineapple)

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For cooking:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

• 2-3 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

• Pineapple slices (optional, for grilling or serving with chicken)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar (or honey), rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined.

2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

3. Cook the chicken:

   • Grilling method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard any leftover marinade). Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

   • Pan-searing method: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.

4. Caramelize the glaze: While cooking the chicken, you can brush additional marinade onto the chicken for extra flavor. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

5. Serve: Serve the Hawaiian-style teriyaki chicken with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and pineapple slices if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)

• Cooking time: 12-15 minutes (depending on the method)

• Total time: 40-45 minutes (including marinating)

Variations

• Pineapple Glaze: For an extra burst of tropical flavor, add some chopped pineapple to the marinade or cook pineapple slices on the grill alongside the chicken, brushing them with a little marinade for a caramelized glaze.

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade if you prefer a spicy kick to the dish.

• Grilled Vegetables: Serve the chicken with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for a balanced meal.

• Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze leftover chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave until warmed through. For the best results, reheat in a covered skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time; bone-in chicken will take a little longer to cook. Grill or cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free by using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Just make sure to check the labels of other ingredients like rice vinegar to ensure they are gluten-free.

3. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will allow the flavors to develop more deeply. However, marinating for at least 30 minutes will still give you great flavor.

4. Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts or thighs?

Yes, chicken tenders are a great option if you want a quicker cooking time. Just adjust the grilling or cooking time as needed.

5. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken when you’re ready to serve it.

6. Can I use a store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought teriyaki sauce, but homemade teriyaki sauce is quick, easy, and has a more fresh flavor. You can also control the ingredients to make it lower in sugar.

7. What side dishes go well with Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken?

This chicken pairs well with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh side salad with a tangy dressing. You can also serve it with grilled pineapple for an extra tropical touch.

8. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like it spicy, add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.

9. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop if I don’t have a grill?

Yes, you can easily cook the chicken on the stovetop in a skillet. Simply heat oil in the pan and cook the chicken as directed, adjusting the time for the thickness of the chicken.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, with a tropical flair that transports you to an island paradise with every bite. This recipe is simple to prepare, and with the marinated chicken and caramelized glaze, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any dinner or barbecue. Whether you’re serving it to friends or enjoying a weeknight meal, this teriyaki chicken will become a go-to favorite for its delicious flavor and versatility.

---

Print