Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

If you’re chasing the ultimate taste of island comfort, let me introduce you to a true classic: Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken. This delicious, juicy grilled chicken is marinated in a deeply savory-sweet sauce infused with garlic and ginger, then fire-kissed until caramelized and perfectly charred. Every bite delivers a hit of nostalgia for sunny backyard BBQs and laid-back Hawaiian plate lunches. It’s a breeze to make and even easier to fall in love with, whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or craving a weeknight treat.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is how approachable the ingredient list is—just a few pantry staples come together to create that unmistakable salty-sweet glaze. Each one plays a unique part, transforming simple chicken into a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that bursts with flavor.

• Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs offer juiciness and rich flavor, but feel free to try with bone-in, skin-on for an even more authentic twist.
• Soy sauce: The backbone of savory flavor, making the marinade deeply umami and irresistibly fragrant.
• Water: Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and ensures the chicken stays moist as it marinates.
• Brown sugar: Adds the essential sweetness, caramelizes beautifully on the grill, and helps create those signature sticky bits.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce a punch of savory depth with every bite.
• Fresh ginger: The ingredient that brightens everything—grated ginger brings warmth and a delicate zing to the marinade.
• Cornstarch: This is your secret to a glossy, thick teriyaki sauce that clings to the chicken just right.
• Water (for slurry): Whisked with cornstarch, it ensures your sauce thickens smoothly without clumping.
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle them on for a touch of crunch and a pop of color—they make your Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken look and taste extra special.

How to Make Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade

Start by combining the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a medium bowl. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a marinade that practically sings with sweet and savory notes. This magic potion is what gives Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken its unmistakable flavor!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Next, place your chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece gets coated. Seal or cover, then let the chicken chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better. This little bit of patience rewards you with impossibly juicy, flavor-packed bites every single time.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and be sure to set the marinade aside—you’ll turn it into a luscious sauce. Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side. You want those gorgeous grill marks and a bit of caramelization, which means flip just once for maximum “wow” factor. Check for doneness—a thermometer should read 165°F when inserted into the thickest part.

Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil (important for safety), then reduce to a gentle simmer. Stir together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then whisk it into the bubbling sauce. In just a couple minutes, the sauce will thicken into a beautiful, glossy glaze, perfect for drizzling.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice or leave your chicken thighs whole and arrange them on a platter. Drizzle generously with the homemade teriyaki sauce and, if you like, shower with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is irresistible served straight off the grill, piping hot and fragrant!

How to Serve Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Garnishes

Give your Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken a final flourish with a scattering of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Their crunch and color add extra excitement to every bite, making your dish as pretty as it is delicious!

Side Dishes

For the full island experience, serve your chicken with fluffy steamed white rice and a scoop of creamy macaroni salad. These traditional accompaniments balance the sweet-savory flavors and make your table feel just like a Hawaiian lunch spot.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful! Try laying the chicken over a bed of grilled pineapple rings or pack slices into a soft sandwich bun with shredded lettuce for a tropical teriyaki sandwich. However you plate it, Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is always the star.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken has cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The chicken actually tastes even better after resting as the flavors continue to meld!

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, simply freeze the cooled chicken (with or without sauce) in a freezer-safe bag or container. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 months, making this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken a fantastic make-ahead meal.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then gently warm the chicken and sauce in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much—it’ll return to its silky, appetizing sheen in no time.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work in this recipe, just be sure not to overcook them since they can dry out faster. Thighs remain juicier, but both cuts soak up all that gorgeous Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken flavor.

Is it necessary to marinate overnight?

While the chicken gets more flavorful with time, even just 4 hours in the marinade yields a tasty result. Overnight marination lets the sauce really seep into the chicken, making every bite even richer in that signature sweet-savory blend.

Can I cook this in the oven if I don’t have a grill?

Yes! You can broil the chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet or use a stovetop grill pan if grilling outdoors isn’t possible. Either way, you’ll get that caramelized, sticky exterior that makes Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken so appealing.

Is the sauce safe to eat after marinating raw chicken?

Great question! To ensure it’s food-safe, always bring the reserved marinade to a full boil before thickening it into a sauce. This kills any potential bacteria, allowing you to drizzle it over the chicken with confidence.

What else can I serve with Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken?

Besides rice and macaroni salad, you can add steamed or stir-fried vegetables, a tangy cucumber salad, or even grilled corn on the cob to your plate for extra island flair.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on making perfect Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken, I hope you’ll grab those simple ingredients and give it a try. Your kitchen will smell incredible, your taste buds will be thrilled, and your friends and family will be begging for seconds of this sweet, smoky, and utterly satisfying dish!

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