Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

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Transport your taste buds to the islands with this sweet, savory, and slightly smoky Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken. It’s the kind of dish that makes a regular weeknight dinner feel like a backyard luau. Juicy chicken thighs soak up a rich homemade teriyaki marinade, grill up beautifully, and deliver big on tropical flavor.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding a crowd at your next barbecue, this recipe is always a hit. Serve it with rice, grilled pineapple, or a crisp Asian slaw and you’ve got an easy yet crowd-pleasing plate that everyone will love.

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What Kind of Teriyaki Sauce Should I Use?

Homemade teriyaki sauce is the secret to making this dish extra special. A balanced mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice creates that iconic sweet-and-salty glaze. Store-bought works in a pinch, but making your own lets you control the flavors and avoid preservatives.

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Ingredients for the Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening, optional)
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

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How To Make the Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Reserve 1/4 cup of this mixture to use later as a glaze.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour in the marinade, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.

Step 3: Grill or Sear the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high or heat a grill pan over the stove. Remove chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and caramelized on the outside.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and stir in the cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker glaze. Cook until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Brush the cooked chicken with the glaze. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

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Serving and Storing Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over white or coconut rice, wrap it in lettuce cups, or slice it for sandwiches or salads. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs tend to stay juicier. If you prefer breasts, pound them to even thickness and avoid overcooking.

Is the marinade safe to use as a sauce?

Only if you boil it first or reserve some separately before adding the raw chicken.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least one hour, but overnight gives the richest flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra glaze to keep the chicken moist.

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Want More Chicken Ideas with a Flavor Twist?

If you’re loving this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken, check out these other bold and flavorful dishes:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a comforting dinner with a rich sauce.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta if you want indulgence in a bowl.
• Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken for sweet and smoky vibes.
• Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken when you want a hands-off dinner.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for all-in-one comfort food.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime.

Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you! Did you grill or bake it? Serve it with rice or go low-carb with lettuce wraps? I’d love to hear your twists and tips.

Tag me when you share it—better yet, find daily recipe inspiration on my Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

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