Name: Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds chicken thighs, boneless, skinless; Green onions, finely chopped; 5 cups cooked white sticky rice; 1 ½ cups soy sauce; 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed; 1 ½ cups pineapple juice; 2 Tbsp sesame oil; 8 cloves garlic, chopped; 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 18 reviews

Let’s talk about Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken, one of those delightfully simple dishes that somehow manages to impress everyone at the table, every single time. With juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce bursting with pineapple and ginger, this recipe embodies everything I love about crave-worthy weeknight dinners and crowd-pleasing cookouts. Whether you’re new to Hawaiian classics or already a fan, you’ll want to bookmark this flavor-packed recipe that brings aloha to your table, no matter where you are!

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken recipe is just how few ingredients you need to create such vibrant flavor. Each one plays a specific role, from creating tenderness to layering sweet, salty, and umami notes that dance on your tastebuds. Let’s break down every component and why you shouldn’t skip a single one!

Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy, absorb the marinade beautifully, and grill up tender without drying out.
Green onions: These add a burst of fresh color and a gentle oniony brightness right at the end for balance.
Cooked white sticky rice: Serve your chicken on top for an authentic touch and the perfect bed to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Soy sauce: Forms the deeply savory backbone of the teriyaki marinade—regular or low sodium works fine.
Brown sugar: Melted into the sauce, it gives every bite a signature caramelized sweetness and a glossy finish.
Pineapple juice: This is the ingredient that makes Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken stand out, giving tang and a tropical flavor punch.
Sesame oil: Adds nutty complexity and that unmistakable teriyaki aroma.
Garlic: Freshly chopped cloves infuse the marinade with warmth and bite.
Fresh ginger: Don’t skip this! Ginger brings bright, zesty contrast to the sweetness of the marinade.

How to Make Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Tenderize the Chicken

Start by grabbing your trusty meat tenderizer and gently pounding each chicken thigh on both sides. This helps your Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken soak up more marinade, break down tough fibers, and cook evenly later. Whether you’re using a classic mallet or a modern tool, don’t rush this step—it really sets the stage for juicy, flavorful results.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together your soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, sesame oil, chopped garlic, and minced ginger. Stir until the sugar is totally dissolved. You’re looking for a gleaming liquid with little flecks of garlic and ginger—it’ll smell absolutely amazing by now! This is the signature base for your Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place your tenderized chicken thighs into a large gallon-sized Ziplock bag, making sure the pieces aren’t crammed in too tightly. Pour the marinade right over them, press out as much air as you can, then seal it tight. Toss the bag around a bit so the marinade coats every inch. Pop it in the fridge—it needs at least 4 hours, but overnight makes it even better.

Step 4: Simmer the Marinade

Once your chicken has marinated into perfection, remove the thighs and set them aside in a bowl. Pour the remaining marinade into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, creating a glossy, slightly thickened sauce that’s ready for brushing and drizzling. This quick simmer also ensures the sauce is food safe and ready for serving.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high (or slightly lower if your chicken is extra thick). Lay the chicken pieces on the grates and brush them with a little of that hot, bubbly marinade. Let them cook through to a juicy 165 degrees internal temperature, flipping as needed, and basting only with a clean brush. Your kitchen or backyard will smell irresistible while the chicken gets those golden grill marks!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Tuck the grilled chicken into a baking dish and pour over more of your hot teriyaki marinade. Scatter plenty of chopped green onions across the top for that signature finish. Bring it straight to the table and nestle servings onto sticky white rice—your Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken feast is ready to devour!

How to Serve Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Garnishes

A beauty of this dish is just how customizable the final presentation can be. Sprinkle finely chopped green onions over your Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken for a lovely pop of color and a fresh bite. For a special occasion, you could add a few toasted sesame seeds or even tiny pineapple tidbits for playful, tangy contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve your Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken over classic white sticky rice so it can soak up every drop of the thick, glossy sauce. On the side, try a bright cabbage slaw with a kiss of lime, or some lightly stir-fried veggies like snap peas and carrots for a refreshing crunch. Even simple roasted broccoli or pineapple fried rice will round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

You can pile Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken on a large platter sprinkled with herbs for an impressive family-style meal, or make rice bowls layered with chicken, sauce, and quick-pickled cucumbers. For a party, slice the chicken into strips and tuck inside Hawaiian sweet rolls for the ultimate sliders. Don’t be afraid to have fun and let those tropical flavors shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 4 days, and actually gets more flavorful as it sits—an easy win for the next day’s lunch or a quick dinner.

Freezing

This dish freezes like a dream! Store cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container along with a bit of extra teriyaki sauce to keep it moist. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm your Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, spooning over a little extra sauce or a splash of water to keep things juicy. If you’re reheating from frozen, let it thaw first for the best result, then heat until everything’s piping hot but not dried out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in this recipe, just keep an eye on grilling time as breast meat can dry out more quickly compared to thighs. Slice the breasts horizontally if they’re very thick, or pound them out evenly to ensure tender results.

Is there a substitute for pineapple juice?

If you’re out of pineapple juice, a good option is a mix of orange juice and a splash of lemon for tang. While it changes the tropical profile slightly, it’ll still give your Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken a delightful sweet and tart flavor.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can cook the marinated chicken in a hot skillet or broil it in the oven. Either way, make sure to brush with plenty of the reduced marinade for that sticky, delicious finish.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight (around 8 hours). If you’re in a time crunch, 4 hours will still infuse the chicken with lots of deliciousness. The longer soak is worth it if you want your Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken to really sing!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap in tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for the traditional soy sauce, and double-check your other ingredients. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t lose any of that amazing teriyaki flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an unfussy meal that dazzles (and something the whole family will seriously rave about), Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is truly the recipe to try next. With its sweet, tangy, and savory notes, this dish captures a bit of island sunshine in every bite. Gather your ingredients and give it a go—I promise you’ll be adding it to your regular favorites in no time!