Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

There’s something truly irresistible about the sizzling sound of chicken hitting a hot grill, especially when it's marinated in a sticky-sweet teriyaki sauce that caramelizes to perfection. Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken brings a bold, island-inspired flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum reward.

this Recipe

I first fell in love with this dish after a family trip to Oahu, where we stumbled upon a roadside food truck serving smoky teriyaki chicken over rice and mac salad. It was simple, soulful, and unforgettable. Since then, I’ve recreated this recipe countless times, and it’s now a regular in our summer grilling rotation.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just want to add a tropical twist to your weekly meal plan, this recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and satisfying. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Get ready to bring a taste of the islands to your own kitchen. This Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser with lots of perks for the home cook.

First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. The marinade comes together in minutes using pantry staples, and the chicken does most of the work while it soaks up all that flavor.

It’s also budget-friendly. Chicken thighs are affordable and full of flavor, and the rest of the ingredients—like soy sauce, garlic, and sugar—are likely already in your kitchen.

Another reason to love it? It’s perfect for meal prep. Grill up a batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week long in rice bowls, salads, or wraps.

And finally, this dish is family-approved. Even picky eaters can’t resist the sweet and savory glaze that coats every bite of juicy chicken.

Whether served with a scoop of rice, a side of macaroni salad, or tucked into a Hawaiian roll, this chicken is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple but powerful ingredients. Each one contributes to that classic Hawaiian teriyaki flavor—deeply savory, slightly sweet, and irresistibly tangy.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the protein of choice here. They stay juicy on the grill and soak up the marinade beautifully. While you can use chicken breasts, they tend to dry out more easily and don’t provide the same rich flavor.

Soy sauce is the foundation of the marinade. It delivers that essential umami punch. I recommend using regular soy sauce rather than low-sodium for the most authentic taste, but feel free to adjust based on your dietary needs.

Brown sugar is what gives Hawaiian teriyaki its signature sweetness and helps create that glossy, caramelized exterior when grilled. You can also use a mix of honey and sugar for a slightly deeper flavor profile.

Fresh garlic and ginger add aromatic depth and a bit of zing to balance the sweetness. Don’t skip these—they elevate the marinade and make it feel fresh and homemade.

Pineapple juice is optional but highly recommended. It enhances the tropical flavor and tenderizes the meat slightly. Look for 100% pineapple juice, not a sugary blend.

No fancy equipment is needed—just a bowl, a resealable bag or dish for marinating, and either a grill or grill pan. If you have a charcoal grill, even better: the smoky flavor takes this dish over the top.

How To Make This Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Creating this flavor-packed chicken is a breeze. With a little planning ahead for marinating, the rest of the process comes together quickly.

Start by mixing up your marinade. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and pineapple juice (if using). Whisk until the sugar dissolves and everything is well blended.

Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight for maximum flavor.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and place it directly on the hot grill.

Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature hits 165°F, and the juices run clear. Don’t rush—let it get that gorgeous caramelized exterior.

While the chicken rests, you can reduce the leftover marinade in a saucepan (bring it to a boil first to kill any bacteria) until it thickens slightly. Drizzle it over the cooked chicken for an extra burst of flavor.

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30 minutes of active time, plus marinating. Expect your kitchen—or backyard—to smell amazing while it cooks!

Storage Options

Leftovers of this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken store wonderfully, making it a great choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor deepens as it sits, making it even more delicious on day two.

To freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

When reheating, use a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist, or reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

For a spicier version, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade. The heat balances beautifully with the sweet glaze.

Prefer a lower-sugar option? Cut the brown sugar in half and rely more on the natural sweetness of the pineapple juice. The result is still flavorful but with less sweetness.

You can swap out the chicken thighs for tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian take. Just be sure to marinate them well and grill carefully to avoid sticking.

Want to make it in the oven instead? Bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to get that caramelized finish.

Finally, consider using the same marinade for shrimp, pork chops, or even beef—it works across the board and delivers major tropical vibes.

There you have it—an island-inspired recipe that’s as easy to love as it is to make. Whether you're reliving a Hawaiian vacation or just craving something sweet and savory, this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken will bring a little aloha to your plate. 🌺

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