Sink your teeth into the juicy, flavorful goodness of Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken! This beloved island dish marries tender chicken thighs with a sweet-savory glaze, making every bite absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re craving the nostalgic flavor of a Hawaiian plate lunch or trying to bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner table, this recipe couldn’t be easier or more rewarding. It’s the meal I turn to when I want to serve up something special and deeply comforting—one that always gets rave reviews!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s so much magic in the simplicity of these ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from building delicious umami depth to giving that signature glossy finish. Let’s see how they come together to create unforgettable Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken!
- Chicken thighs: Dark meat stays juicy and succulent on the grill, perfect for soaking up the flavors.
- Soy sauce: The salty backbone that brings everything together and gives this chicken its signature savoriness.
- Water: Helps mellow the marinade, ensuring the sauce isn’t too salty and keeps the chicken tender.
- Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and that irresistible sweetness found in all authentic Hawaiian teriyaki.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses every bite with bold, aromatic flavor.
- Fresh ginger: Bright and slightly spicy, it gives the dish its signature zing and depth.
- Cornstarch (optional): For those who love a thick, clinging glaze, cornstarch turns the sauce silky and spoonable.
- Water (if using cornstarch): To activate the cornstarch and ensure a lump-free sauce.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds: The perfect garnish for color, crunch, and a final pop of fresh flavor.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade
Start by grabbing a big mixing bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Make sure the sugar dissolves completely; this will help everything blend together and coat the chicken beautifully. This simple marinade is the heart of Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken, delivering that classic balance of sweet and savory.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your boneless, skinless chicken thighs right into the bowl with the marinade, turning them a few times so they’re all evenly coated. Cover and let them soak up all the flavor for at least an hour—overnight if you can. The longer they marinate, the more decadent and delicious your final dish will be.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Once your chicken is marinated and you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Shake off any excess marinade and lay the chicken down, letting it sizzle for about 5–7 minutes on each side. You want each piece cooked through, beautifully charred, and irresistibly juicy. Don’t rush this part—the smoky grill marks are one of the best parts of Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken!
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a full boil. This step is essential for food safety and also makes a heavenly sauce. For a thicker glaze, whisk together cornstarch and water, then stir it in, simmering until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened. The aroma will fill your kitchen with pure island vibes!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Brush the hot, grilled chicken with your thickened teriyaki sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, then get ready to enjoy! Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is best served hot off the grill, with plenty of sauce for drizzling.
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! A shower of sliced green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds elevate both the flavor and look of your Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken. You can also add a few pineapple wedges for an extra burst of sweetness and a festive flair.
Side Dishes
Classic Hawaiian plate lunches always come with fluffy steamed rice—perfect for soaking up that teriyaki sauce. Try pairing with creamy macaroni salad, crisp pickled veggies, or even grilled corn for a true taste of the islands. Mix and match to build your dream plate!
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate! Tuck slices of chicken into a toasted bun for a teriyaki chicken sandwich, or wrap everything up in lettuce cups for a fresh, light take. For parties, slice the chicken and skewer with pineapple for easy-to-eat appetizers that disappear fast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken stores beautifully. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Store any extra sauce separately to keep the texture just right when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to extend the island flavor, pop cooled chicken thighs into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll keep well for up to two months. For best results, freeze in single layers and squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. For a quick lunch, microwave sliced chicken until steaming hot. If you have leftover sauce, add a splash or two to keep everything nice and moist!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are traditional for their tenderness and flavor, boneless chicken breasts work well too. Just make sure to pound them to an even thickness so they cook quickly and stay juicy, and keep an eye on the grill so they don’t dry out.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
A minimum of one hour gives great flavor, but if you have the time, marinating overnight packs the most punch. The longer marination allows the flavors to fully infuse the chicken, making each bite even more mouthwatering.
Can I cook Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken without a grill?
Definitely! If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet on your stovetop. You can also bake the marinated chicken on a wire rack in a 400°F oven until cooked through; just broil for a couple of minutes at the end to get those lovely charred edges.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as written uses regular soy sauce, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Always check the rest of your ingredients just to be safe.
Can I make extra sauce for serving?
Yes, and you might want to! Simply boil the reserved marinade to ensure it’s safe, then thicken to your liking. If you love having extra, double the marinade recipe, reserve half before adding the chicken, and simmer that separately to use as a sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a taste adventure that’s as easy as it is delicious, Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is the way to go. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s loaded with island flavor, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or backyard get-togethers. Fire up your grill, gather your favorite sides, and enjoy a homemade escape to Hawaii!
