Name: Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup soy sauce; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup pineapple juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; 2 green onions, chopped

Sink your teeth into the juicy, sweet, and savory flavors of Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken. This tropical twist on a classic dish brings together the smoky char of grilled chicken and the caramelized, sticky goodness of a teriyaki glaze that’s infused with a hint of pineapple. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or craving island flavors in the middle of winter, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

The chicken is marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice, then grilled to perfection and finished with a glossy glaze. Served hot and garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, it’s the kind of crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a mini vacation on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet, with a beautiful char that adds just the right depth of flavor. It’s incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time, thanks to a marinade that does all the heavy lifting.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken works great over rice, in wraps, or even sliced cold over salads. It’s gluten-free adaptable and budget-friendly, making it a repeat-worthy dish in any home cook’s rotation.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring out the best in this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken, a few key tools make all the difference:

Mixing Bowls: For whisking together the marinade and letting the chicken absorb all the sweet and savory notes.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: Essential for trimming the chicken and slicing scallions and garnishes.
Grill or Grill Pan: This dish shines with a slight char; a grill or stovetop grill pan will deliver those signature grill marks and smoky undertones.
Tongs: For flipping the chicken easily and evenly without piercing it and losing those precious juices.
Basting Brush (Optional): To brush extra glaze on the chicken as it grills, enhancing the flavor and visual appeal.

Prep ahead, fire up your grill or stovetop, and you’re ready to enjoy tropical magic in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients for the Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – Preferred for their tenderness and ability to stay juicy when grilled.
Soy Sauce – Adds a deep umami base to the marinade.
Brown Sugar – Balances the saltiness with a sweet, molasses-rich depth.
Pineapple Juice – Brings natural sweetness and tropical acidity that tenderizes the chicken.
Fresh Garlic – Provides a sharp, aromatic backbone.
Fresh Ginger – Adds warmth and a slight kick to the marinade.
Sesame Oil – Enhances the glaze with nutty richness.
Cornstarch & Water – To thicken the teriyaki glaze.
Green Onions – For garnish and a fresh, peppery bite.
Sesame Seeds – Add texture and a toasty finish.

How To Make the Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Whisk the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over and let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Make the Glaze

Pour the used marinade into a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce. Cook until it thickens into a sticky glaze.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side or until cooked through and nicely charred. Brush with glaze during the last few minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over steamed rice or inside a wrap.

How to Serve and Store Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is best served hot off the grill with a generous spoonful of sticky glaze. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or grilled pineapple slices for a complete island-style meal.

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, and brush with extra glaze to refresh the flavor. It also freezes beautifully—store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 1 hour, but overnight will give the best flavor infusion.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs stay juicier. If using breasts, slice them thinner to reduce cooking time.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be! Just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I cook this in a skillet instead of grilling?

Absolutely. A cast iron skillet or grill pan works great on the stovetop.

Can I make it spicier?

Yes! Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade.

Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce instead?

You can, but homemade delivers fresher, bolder flavor with fewer preservatives.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll want to check out these delicious options:

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a quick, gooey, flavor-packed lunch.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce for cozy comfort.
Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza when you crave a Mediterranean twist.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for a sweet and spicy weeknight delight.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe if you’re in the mood for creamy heat.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime: Kitchen By Kate Pinterest

Let me know how yours turned out in the comments! Did you char it on the grill or go skillet-style? Add some chili for a kick? I love seeing your kitchen takes and answering your cooking questions. Let’s make mealtime more flavorful together!