Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

This Hawaiian-style teriyaki chicken is one of my favorite crowd-pleasing dishes that I love making for both casual dinners and special gatherings. The magic happens when juicy chicken thighs soak up a sweet-savory marinade of soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger. I grill the chicken until it develops a beautiful caramelized glaze, usually about 6-8 minutes per side, making sure it reaches 165°F inside. I like serving it over fluffy jasmine rice with grilled vegetables, and my family always insists on extra teriyaki sauce for drizzling. There’s so much more to discover about making this island-inspired favorite perfectly.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Everyone will fall in love with this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken recipe’s perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Let me share why this grilled teriyaki chicken will become your new favorite:

• The marinade’s blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates mouthwatering depth.
• Juicy chicken thighs soak up every drop of flavor.
• Easy grilling creates a caramelized glaze that’s irresistible.
• Versatile enough for casual dinners or impressive gatherings.

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Recipe by Norma EctorCourse: DinnerCuisine: Hawaiian, American

Servings

4-6

servings

Prep time

40

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken combines sweet and savory flavors in a classic island-inspired dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup pineapple juice

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• Green onions for garnish

Directions

• Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
• Marinate chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes.
• Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
• Grill chicken 6-8 minutes per side.
• Baste with remaining marinade while cooking.
• Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken for basting.
• Pat chicken dry before grilling for better caramelization.
• Use a meat thermometer to ascertain proper doneness.

Equipment

Preparing delicious teriyaki chicken starts with having the right equipment on hand.

I’ll help you set up the perfect cooking matrix with these essential tools:

1. A gas grill or cast iron grill pan for that authentic smoky flavor
2. A digital meat thermometer to guarantee food safety at 165°F
3. Sturdy tongs for easy flipping without piercing
4. Mixing bowls and ziplock bags for marinating your chicken to perfection

What to Serve With This Recipe

I’m excited to share my favorite ways to serve this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken, starting with the classic pairing of steamed jasmine rice topped with grilled vegetables.

You can’t go wrong with traditional sides like Hawaiian mac salad or a quick pineapple salsa, which perfectly complement the chicken’s sweet and savory profile.

For a complete meal that’ll transport you to the islands, I recommend drizzling extra teriyaki sauce over your rice and adding colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli on the side.

Traditional Side Dish Pairings

Three classic side dishes can transform your teriyaki chicken into a complete Hawaiian-style feast.

I love pairing this sweet and savory dish with calrose rice, which soaks up all that delicious teriyaki sauce perfectly.

Add my favorite Hawaiian mac salad for creamy comfort, and either grilled vegetables or steamed snow peas for a fresh crunch.

For an authentic touch, I’ll sometimes include Spam Musubi too!

Quick Vegetable Options

Within minutes of serving your teriyaki chicken, you can whip up several fresh vegetable sides that perfectly complement the dish.

I love how steamed vegetables like broccoli add vibrant color, while grilled zucchini soaks up that homemade teriyaki sauce beautifully.

For something light, I’ll toss together a quick cucumber salad or sauté some bok choy with fresh ginger – they’re all simple to make!

Rice and Noodle Choices

Choosing the perfect base for Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken can make all the difference in your meal.

I love serving it over fragrant jasmine rice, but if you’re craving extra nutrition, brown rice adds a delicious nutty flavor.

For something different, I’ll use stir-fried noodles or steamed rice noodles to soak up that flavorful teriyaki sauce.

Don’t forget to sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Hawaiian Chicken Sauce Made Of?

I’ve found that 80% of Hawaiian chicken sauce starts with soy sauce and brown sugar, then gets its grilled flavor from pineapple juice, ginger, and garlic. I’ll often add sesame oil for extra depth.

Is Hawaiian the Same as Teriyaki?

I’ll tell you: Hawaiian and teriyaki aren’t identical. While both share similar grilling techniques, Hawaiian cuisine adds tropical twists like pineapple juice to traditional Japanese teriyaki, creating distinct flavor profiles and sauces that reflect regional variations.

Is Huli Huli the Same as Teriyaki?

I’ll tell you that Huli Huli and teriyaki chicken aren’t the same – while they share grilling techniques, Huli Huli’s unique Hawaiian cuisine has distinct flavor profiles and marinade differences, featuring a sweeter, fruitier taste than traditional teriyaki.

How to Make Kahiki Sweet Teriyaki Chicken?

I’ll show you how to make amazing Kahiki chicken! First, I marinate chicken thighs in soy-ginger-garlic mix, then grill them to perfection. I love serving it over rice with grilled veggies for maximum flavor.