Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken: Easy & Delicious 30-Minute Meal

Name: Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 270 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds boneless (skinless chicken thighs); 1 ½ cups soy sauce; 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar; 1 ½ cups pineapple juice; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 8 cloves garlic (chopped); 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (minced); Green onions (finely chopped); 5 cups cooked white sticky rice

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Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is a family favorite, bringing the taste of the islands right to your dinner table. It’s a delightful blend of sweet teriyaki sauce with a tangy pineapple twist. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend get-together. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With tender chicken coated in a flavorful glaze, Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken offers a taste of paradise. This recipe offers a simplified approach, making it perfect even for busy weeknights. For a delicious twist on a classic, try our Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken recipe.

Why this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is special

This Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken recipe is unique because it uses fresh pineapple for a bright, authentic flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make! The marinade and sauce come together quickly, and the chicken cooks in a flash. You’ll have a delicious, flavorful meal ready in no time.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

This Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs stay nice and juicy when cooked in the teriyaki sauce. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer.
1 ½ cups soy sauce: This forms the base of the teriyaki marinade and sauce. For a lower-sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce.
1 ½ cups packed brown sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and a rich molasses flavor. You can substitute granulated sugar, but the flavor will be slightly different.
1 ½ cups pineapple juice: Fresh pineapple juice adds the best flavor, but you can use canned in a pinch. Make sure it’s 100% juice.
2 tablespoons sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
8 cloves garlic, chopped: Fresh garlic is best! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-minced garlic.
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced: Fresh ginger gives a warm, spicy kick. Ground ginger can be substituted, but use about half the amount.
Green onions, finely chopped: For garnish and added freshness. These are added at the very end for a pop of color and flavor.
5 cups cooked white sticky rice: This is the perfect side dish to soak up all that delicious teriyaki sauce.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is easier than you think. Looking for other ways to cook chicken? Check out this recipe for Chicken with Peppers and Onions.

Preparing the Chicken

First, if your chicken thighs are large, cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and absorb the marinade better. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick and ensures the chicken browns nicely.

Making the Marinade and Marinating the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Place the chicken pieces in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Making the Hawaiian Teriyaki Sauce

While the chicken marinates, prepare the teriyaki sauce. Pour the marinade from the chicken into a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. For more information on the health benefits of chicken breast, check out this article from Relish.

Cooking the Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

You can cook the chicken in several ways:

Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Pan-frying: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste with the teriyaki sauce halfway through cooking.

No matter which method you choose, baste the chicken with the teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor and a beautiful glaze. If you enjoy cooking with a crock-pot, you might also like these Angel Hair Crock-Pot Recipes.

Close-up of glistening Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken thighs with green onions. — These tender, flavorful chicken thighs are coated in a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce. Ready to serve!

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the best Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken:

Grilling Tips

For grilling, lightly oil your grill grates to prevent sticking. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning. Keep a close eye on the chicken while grilling, as it can cook quickly. For a smoky flavor, add a few chunks of pineapple or wood chips to the grill.

Pan-frying Tips

Don’t overcrowd the pan when pan-frying. Work in batches to ensure even cooking and browning. Use a good quality skillet that distributes heat evenly. A cast-iron skillet works great! If the sauce thickens too much while cooking, add a splash of water or pineapple juice to thin it out. Here’s another great chicken recipe: What is Chicken Teriyaki Made Of?

Baking Tips

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. For even cooking, flip the chicken halfway through the baking time. If you want a crispier skin (if using chicken with skin), broil the chicken for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn. You can also add some chopped bell peppers and onions to the baking sheet with the chicken for a complete one-pan meal. Learn more about the nutritional benefits of pineapples from Healthline.

Serving Suggestions and Sides

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

Classic Hawaiian Sides

Rice: Steamed white rice is a must-have with Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken. It soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly. Sticky rice, like mentioned in the ingredients, is traditional.
Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad adds a cool and refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
Grilled Pineapple: Grilled pineapple slices complement the teriyaki flavor beautifully. You can grill them alongside the chicken for added convenience.

Other Complementary Dishes

Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a healthy and colorful touch.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs well with the teriyaki glaze.
Asian Slaw: A crisp and tangy slaw with a sesame ginger dressing is a refreshing side. Want another easy side dish? Try our Sausage and Broccoli Stir Fry.
Stir-fried Noodles: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables make a heartier meal.

Baked Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken thighs in a dish, garnished with green onions. — Tender, flavorful Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken baked to perfection and garnished with fresh green onions. A simple and satisfying meal!

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken FAQ

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken:

Is Hawaiian Teriyaki the same as Japanese Teriyaki?

While both use a soy sauce-based glaze, Hawaiian Teriyaki often incorporates pineapple juice or chunks, giving it a distinctly tropical twist. Japanese Teriyaki focuses more on the savory and slightly sweet aspects of the sauce. For a deeper dive into the differences, check out our article comparing Japanese and Hawaiian Teriyaki.

What goes with Hawaiian teriyaki chicken?

Rice is a classic accompaniment, along with macaroni salad and grilled pineapple. Other great options include steamed or roasted vegetables, Asian slaw, or stir-fried noodles. A simple green salad also adds a fresh element.

What does Hawaiian teriyaki taste like?

Hawaiian Teriyaki has a sweet and savory flavor profile thanks to the combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice. The pineapple adds a tangy sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. The ginger and garlic provide a warm, subtle spice.

What is in Hawaiian chicken?

Hawaiian chicken dishes often feature ingredients like soy sauce, pineapple, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar. This recipe specifically uses chicken thighs, soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to create a flavorful marinade and glaze.

Sliced Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken served over rice and garnished with green onions. — Tender, juicy Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken served over fluffy white rice. A perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors!

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the islands. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Feel free to share your own variations and serving suggestions in the comments below. Enjoy!