Are you ready to bring a taste of the islands to your family dinner table? If you crave juicy, flavorful chicken drenched in a sweet and savory glaze, Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken could become your new favorite go-to meal. Imagine perfectly cooked chicken with a sticky, tangy, tropical sauce—simple to make, but packed with unforgettable flavors. Growing up, family gatherings always meant a delicious spread, but nothing disappeared faster than Grandma’s sticky teriyaki chicken. Did you know that teriyaki-style cooking isn’t originally Hawaiian, but islanders gave it a unique twist by adding pineapple juice? This delightful mash-up has since become a beloved classic. In no time, you’ll have a meal that’s just as perfect for weeknights as it is for a backyard barbecue. If you loved my Honey Garlic Chicken, you’ll adore this Hawaiian classic! Let’s fire up the grill and make dinner special tonight.
What is Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken?
Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken—what’s in a name, anyway? Is it from Hawaii? Is it teriyaki? Is it chicken? Yes to all those things! This catchy name hints at sunny island flavors wrapped up in a crowd-pleasing, juicy chicken dish. They say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but I think this tangy, pineapple-spiked marinade would win anyone over! The dish gets its name thanks to its marriage of classic Japanese teriyaki sauce and tropical Hawaiian flair, like pineapple juice and bright green onions. Hungry yet? Don’t just wonder what all the fuss is about—grab an apron and try this recipe for yourself!
Why You’ll Love This
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken. First, the main highlight: perfectly tender chicken that soaks up a gorgeous sweet-and-savory marinade, resulting in every bite bursting with flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a tropical twist you’ll crave again and again. Second, making it at home means big savings—no need for takeout or pricier restaurant meals when you can whip this up in your own kitchen for a fraction of the cost. Finally, those flavorful toppings—chopped green onions and optional pineapple chunks—add freshness and a juicy pop that makes this recipe unforgettable. If you’re a fan of my Sheet Pan Teriyaki Salmon, you’ll want to add this chicken to your weeknight rotation, too. Ready to savor something delicious? Give this recipe a try!
How to Make
Quick Overview
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, thanks to its easy steps and incredible flavor. You’ll only need a handful of ingredients, a simple marinade, and one skillet or grill to pull it all together—no complicated equipment required. The marinade creates super juicy chicken, and the quick homemade teriyaki sauce coats every piece in a glossy finish. From start to finish, you can have this dinner on the table in about 35 minutes, making it a perfect solution for families who want max flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup canned pineapple chunks (optional)
Step-by-Step
- Begin by preparing your marinade. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined.
- Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the rest for later. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra flavor).
- After marinating, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off.
- Grill or pan-sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely browned. Discard the used marinade.
- Meanwhile, take the reserved marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and glossy—about 2 minutes.
- Once the chicken is done, generously brush it with the thickened teriyaki sauce. Top with chopped green onions and, if you like, a scatter of pineapple chunks for an extra island vibe.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
What to Serve With
Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken pairs beautifully with many sides. Steamed jasmine or brown rice soaks up the extra sauce and provides a comforting base. For something more festive, try coconut rice or a colorful pineapple fried rice. Lighten up your plate with a crunchy green salad drizzled with sesame dressing, or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. If you’re hosting a barbecue, set out some Hawaiian sweet rolls or classic macaroni salad for a true island-inspired feast. For drinks, fresh iced tea or a cool pineapple mocktail would complete the meal perfectly.
Top Tips for Perfecting Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes: The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor. Overnight is best for ultimate tenderness.
- Swap in chicken thighs: Prefer dark meat? Boneless, skinless thighs are extra juicy and work just as well as breasts.
- Watch your grill or pan: Sugar in the marinade can burn quickly. Cook over medium-high heat and keep a close eye to avoid charring.
- Customize the sweetness: If you like less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar; if you love extra tang, add a splash more pineapple juice or a squeeze of lime.
- Thicken the sauce gradually: Pour in the cornstarch slurry slowly as the sauce simmers; you can always add more if needed.
- Avoid cross-contamination: Never reuse marinade that’s had raw chicken in it—always set some aside for saucing before adding the chicken.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing this chicken is straightforward, making it ideal for meal prep. Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken slices and any sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice to keep it moist. You can also microwave on medium, covered, until just warmed through. To freeze, slice the cooked chicken, portion into freezer-safe bags with some sauce, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat for a fast, delicious meal.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are often even juicier and soak up the marinade beautifully. Adjust cooking time as needed since they are usually thinner.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and even cook it ahead, then reheat and sauce before serving. Great for meal prep.
Is it okay to bake instead of grill or pan-sear?
Definitely. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, brushing with sauce halfway through for maximum flavor and glossy finish.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking! It’s a great way to add color and nutrition.
How spicy is Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken?
This dish is naturally mild. If you like heat, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to your sauce.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect recipe to bring both flavor and fun to your dinner table. With its simple preparation, budget-friendly ingredients, and irresistible sweet-savory taste, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe offers the ultimate combination of convenience and deliciousness—plus, it’s customizable to fit your taste buds. Try it tonight and let the tropical flavors transport you to paradise from the comfort of your kitchen. If you enjoyed this, make sure to check out some of my other island-inspired recipes for even more mealtime magic!