Quick & Juicy Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Teriyaki chicken brings a burst of Pacific Island flavors to your dinner table with its irresistible sweet and savory profile.

Bold marinades redefine ordinary poultry into a culinary masterpiece that dances between tangy and rich.

Authentic Hawaiian recipes blend cultural influences from Japanese and local traditions, creating something truly special.

Marinading meat allows deep flavor penetration while ensuring tender, succulent results every single time.

Professional chefs understand the delicate balance of ingredients that make this dish sing with complexity.

Home cooks can easily replicate restaurant-quality meals using simple techniques and carefully selected seasonings.

Sauces play a critical role in elevating this classic comfort food from mundane to magnificent.

What Makes Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken So Delicious

• Burst with Tropical Flavors: Dive into a mouthwatering blend of sweet pineapple, zesty ginger, and savory soy sauce that transports your taste buds straight to Hawaii's sunny shores.
• Effortless Gourmet Magic: Transform simple chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal prep time and maximum flavor impact, perfect for home cooks seeking impressive results.
• Quick and Versatile Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious meal in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a delectable dinner that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.

Smart Tips for Juicy Teriyaki Chicken

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak in the marinade overnight to infuse deep, rich flavors that penetrate every bite.
• Perfect Grilling Technique: Pat chicken dry before grilling to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy teriyaki sauce.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F for safe, juicy results every time.
• Pineapple Power Boost: Grill pineapple chunks alongside chicken for an extra caramelized, tropical flavor complement.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Teriyaki Chicken

• Refrigeration: Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Reheating: Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce. Cover the pan to help retain moisture and prevent drying out. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the chicken's tender texture and rich teriyaki flavor.

Favorite Sides with Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

• Tropical Cocktail Companion: Pair this Hawaiian teriyaki chicken with a classic Mai Tai cocktail, blending rum, orange curaçao, and fresh lime juice to complement the sweet and tangy flavors.
• Refreshing Tropical Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp pineapple-coconut water mocktail that echoes the dish's Hawaiian inspiration and provides a light, refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken.
• Complementary Grain Choice: Opt for coconut rice or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce, adding a subtle sweetness that enhances the marinade's complex flavor profile.
• Fresh Veggie Balancer: Include a bright, crunchy Asian-inspired slaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light rice vinegar dressing to cut through the chicken's richness and add textural contrast.

Flavor Variations of Teriyaki Chicken

• Slow Cooker Hawaiian Comfort: Transform the recipe by placing marinated chicken in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. Shred chicken and serve over rice with extra sauce.
• Tropical Baked Version: Transfer marinated chicken to a baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, brushing with additional marinade every 10 minutes. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.
• Spicy Island Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the marinade for a zesty heat. Grill as original recipe, ensuring chicken maintains its juicy texture while introducing a spicy undertone that complements the sweet pineapple notes.
• Quick Skillet Meal: Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces before marinating. Quickly sauté in a hot skillet for 5-6 minutes, creating caramelized edges. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal preparation time.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

• Soy Sauce: Classic umami-rich sauce that adds depth and saltiness to the marinade.
• Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a caramelized glaze for the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Ginger: Brings a warm, spicy note and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Pineapple Juice: Adds tropical sweetness and helps to tenderize the meat.
• Cornstarch: Thickening agent that creates a glossy, smooth sauce.
• Water: Used to mix with cornstarch for creating a smooth sauce consistency.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs the teriyaki marinade beautifully.

• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds a bright finishing touch.
• Pineapple Chunks: Sweet, tropical garnish that complements the Hawaiian-style dish.

Cooking Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken at Home

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic
• Grated fresh ginger
• Pineapple juice

Blend ingredients until sugar dissolves completely.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Place chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring full coverage.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat grill or skillet to medium heat.

Lightly oil cooking surface to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.

Reserve marinade liquid for sauce.

Grill chicken 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Create Teriyaki Sauce

Pour reserved marinade into saucepan.

• Cornstarch
• Water

Add cornstarch mixture to marinade.

Bring to boil, stirring constantly until sauce thickens.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Place grilled chicken on serving plate.

Drizzle thickened teriyaki sauce over chicken.

• Chopped green onions
• Fresh pineapple chunks

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hawaiian teriyaki chicken brings island flavors to your dinner table with sweet and tangy goodness. Marinated chicken grilled to perfection promises a delicious journey through Pacific culinary traditions you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) soy sauce
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) pineapple juice

Aromatics and Thickeners:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Garnish:

• ½ cup (60 grams) chopped green onions
• ½ cup (80 grams) canned pineapple chunks (optional)

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Instructions

1. Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and pineapple juice in a ceramic mixing bowl to create a vibrant, sweet-savory marinade.
2. Submerge boneless, skinless chicken breasts completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or ideally overnight to allow deeper flavor penetration.
3. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high temperature (around 375°F/190°C), lightly oiling the cooking surface to prevent sticking.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, carefully draining excess liquid and reserving the marinade for sauce preparation.
5. Place marinated chicken on the heated grill, cooking each side for 6-7 minutes. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, with a golden-brown exterior and juicy interior.
6. While chicken cooks, transfer reserved marinade to a medium saucepan. In a separate small bowl, thoroughly mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry.
7. Pour cornstarch mixture into the marinade, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, allowing sauce to thicken for approximately 3-4 minutes.
8. Plate grilled chicken and generously drizzle with thickened teriyaki sauce. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and fresh pineapple chunks for authentic Hawaiian presentation.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight to infuse deep, sweet-tangy Hawaiian flavors into the meat.
• Reserve marinade for creating a rich, glossy teriyaki sauce that perfectly complements the grilled chicken.
• Mix cornstarch with water to create a thickening agent that transforms the liquid marinade into a luscious, clingy sauce.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure safe and juicy meat without overcooking.
• Enhance presentation by garnishing with fresh green onions and sweet pineapple chunks for a tropical touch.
• Grill or skillet method works equally well, allowing flexible cooking options based on kitchen equipment available.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg