This Hawaiian Chicken Recipe turns dinner into a tropical escape. Juicy grilled chicken, sweet pineapple, and a bold teriyaki glaze come together in a dish that’s easy to prep and packed with flavor. Whether for BBQs or meal prep, it’s a go-to crowd-pleaser.
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Table of Contents
What is Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is a tropical twist on classic grilled chicken, bringing sweet and savory notes together in one bold bite. It starts with juicy boneless chicken breasts soaked in a teriyaki marinade, then grilled to perfection and topped with caramelized pineapple rings. A buttery brown sugar glaze adds richness and ties it all together.
This dish captures the essence of island flavors using ingredients you probably have on hand: soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. These layers of sweet, salty, and smoky flavor make every bite a standout.
It’s not just about taste this recipe is built for real life. The chicken marinates overnight while you sleep, and the cooking takes under 30 minutes. Whether you’re grilling outside or using a grill pan indoors, the flavors stay big and vibrant.
For even more tropical vibes, it pairs beautifully with coconut rice or a dish like Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad. You’ll love how this Hawaiian Chicken brings sunshine to any weeknight table.
Why You’ll Love This
This Hawaiian Chicken recipe is one of those low-effort, high-reward meals that checks every box. It’s easy to prep, quick to cook, and delivers flavor that tastes like you worked way harder than you did. Juicy marinated chicken, grilled pineapple, and a buttery-sweet glaze it’s an instant win for both weeknights and backyard BBQs.
You’ll especially love how flexible it is. Marinate it overnight, then grill or bake when you’re ready. Feeding a crowd? Double the batch. Meal prepping? It reheats beautifully and makes a great salad or rice bowl topper. This is one of those feel-good meals that just works for real life.
The flavor hits all the right notes: sweet from pineapple and brown sugar, savory from soy and Worcestershire, and rich from melted butter. It’s a recipe that turns simple ingredients into something worth remembering.
Pair it with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for a surf-and-turf dinner, or go tropical with Cucumber and Pineapple Salad. Either way, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Quick Overview
This Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is simple from start to finish. You’ll marinate chicken breasts overnight in teriyaki sauce, grill them until juicy, and top each one with a golden pineapple ring brushed in butter. Finish it off with a sweet-savory glaze made from pantry staples. The result? A tropical dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes of cooking.
| Prep Time | Marinate | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mins | 8 hrs | 25 mins | ~8 hrs 30 mins |
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups teriyaki sauce (divided)
- 6 pineapple rings
- ½ cup butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup soy sauce
- ¾ cup unsweetened pineapple juice
- 6 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
SaveStep-by-Step
1. Marinate: Place chicken in a dish with 1½ cups teriyaki sauce. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
2. Grill Setup: Preheat your grill to high. Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
3. Grill Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade. Grill 8 minutes per side, brushing with remaining teriyaki during the last 5 minutes.
4. Add Pineapple: Place pineapple on each breast. Brush with melted butter. Grill 1–2 more minutes for caramelization.
5. Make Glaze: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and Worcestershire. Simmer until sugar dissolves.
6. Serve: Plate chicken topped with pineapple and drizzle with glaze.
For a next-level meal, try it alongside Honey Butter Chicken or Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs.
What to Serve Hawaiian Chicken With
Hawaiian Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of tropical and everyday sides. Its sweet-savory glaze and smoky char make it a natural match for bold, vibrant dishes. If you’re hosting, this recipe can anchor a full summer spread. If it’s just a weeknight dinner, simple sides bring it all together.
Try it with coconut rice the creaminess balances the punchy glaze perfectly. Grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or red onions add color and crunch. For a laid-back island combo, go for Hawaiian mac salad, which gives a cool, creamy contrast to the grilled chicken.
Got leftovers? Chop and serve them cold over greens with a sesame dressing, or stuff into a wrap for a tropical BBQ sandwich.
Hosting? Add Chipotle Honey Chicken as a second protein or start with Buffalo Chicken Dip to keep the theme bold and fun.
Whether you’re meal prepping or planning a festive dinner, the sides you choose can turn this Hawaiian Chicken into a complete tropical feast.
Top Tips for Perfecting Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Get the most out of your Hawaiian Chicken by following a few key tips. These simple tweaks ensure juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and maximum flavor in every bite.
Marinate overnight. Don’t rush this step. A long soak in teriyaki sauce helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with rich umami depth.
Use fresh pineapple rings if possible. Fresh pineapple caramelizes better and brings a brighter, fruitier finish than canned.
Grill with indirect heat if your chicken is thick. This helps the inside cook through without burning the outside.
Glaze at the end. Brushing on teriyaki sauce too early causes it to burn due to the sugar. Wait until the last 5 minutes.
Let it rest. Rest grilled chicken for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked in.
Cooking indoors? A grill pan works great too just crank up the heat and get those char marks.
For added flavor, pair this with Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole or serve with a side like Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Hawaiian Chicken stores and reheats like a dream, making it ideal for leftovers and meal prep. Here’s how to keep it juicy and flavorful even days later.
In the Fridge: Store grilled chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the glaze in a separate container to prevent the chicken from getting soggy.
In the Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (with or without glaze) in single portions using parchment between pieces. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To Reheat: Use a skillet with a splash of water or extra glaze to warm it up gently. Or microwave in short bursts, covering with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in.
Pro Freezer Hack: Freeze raw chicken already marinating in teriyaki sauce. Then defrost and grill instant meal prep win.
Repurpose leftovers in salads, bowls, or wraps for easy lunches. The sweet-savory flavor even shines cold.
Serve it up with something fun like Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs or keep it fresh with Cucumber and Pineapple Salad.
FAQs
What are the 4 ingredients in Hawaiian chicken breast crockpot?
What flavour is Hawaiian chicken?
What goes well with Hawaiian chicken?
What’s in Hawaiian marinade?
What is the best way to keep chicken juicy?
If you're looking for a simple but flavor-packed meal, this Hawaiian Chicken Recipe brings sunshine to your plate. Juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and that buttery brown sugar glaze come together in a way that’s both easy and unforgettable. Whether you're firing up the grill for a weekend BBQ or meal prepping for the week ahead, this is your go-to tropical dinner.
Love bold flavor combos? Don’t miss my Chipotle Honey Chicken it’s a smoky-sweet dream that pairs beautifully with this Hawaiian classic.
Stay in the loop with more simple, feel-good recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest. I share everything from weeknight wins to cozy comfort meals that actually fit your life.
Now fire up that grill Hawaiian Chicken is calling.
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Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Print recipeSaveThis Hawaiian Chicken Recipe brings bold, tropical flavor to your table with juicy grilled chicken marinated in teriyaki and topped with caramelized pineapple. A buttery brown sugar glaze ties it all together for a weeknight or BBQ-ready meal.
- Prep time
- 5 minutes
- Cook time
- 25 minutes
- Total time
- 8 hours 30 minutes
- Yield
- 6 servings
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups teriyaki sauce (divided)
6 pineapple rings
½ cup melted butter
¾ cup packed brown sugar
¾ cup soy sauce
¾ cup unsweetened pineapple juice
6 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Place chicken in a dish with 1½ cups teriyaki sauce. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat grill to high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard the used marinade.
- Grill chicken 8 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
- Brush remaining ½ cup teriyaki sauce on chicken during last 5 minutes of grilling.
- Top each piece with a pineapple ring and brush with melted butter. Grill 1–2 more minutes.
- In a saucepan, mix brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until sugar dissolves.
- Serve chicken topped with pineapple and drizzle glaze over or serve on the side.
Notes
Marinating overnight enhances the teriyaki flavor.
Use fresh pineapple for better caramelization.
Leftovers work great in wraps, bowls, or salads.
Nutrition
- Calories
- 548
- Fat
- 18g
- Saturated fat
- 11g
- Sugar
- 56g
- Sodium
- 5831mg
- Protein
- 33g
- Carbohydrates
- 63g
- Fiber
- 1g
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