Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is your ticket to easy, flavorful island-inspired dinners. This recipe combines tender chicken with a sweet-savory glaze that’s rich in pineapple and soy goodness. It’s perfect for busy nights or backyard gatherings. You’ll love how simple it is to create authentic Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken right at home!

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken with glossy teriyaki glaze and juicy texture, close-upSave
Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken glistening with rich teriyaki glaze
Table of Contents

What is Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken?

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that blends sweet, salty, and savory flavors in a way that instantly transports you to the islands. The balance of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and pineapple juice makes this chicken recipe unforgettable. On one visit to Oahu, I tasted teriyaki chicken at a beachside shack, and I knew I had to recreate that magic at home. That memory sparked this simple yet flavorful recipe I now make on repeat.

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

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Sweet, savory, and packed with tropical flavor, this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken recipe uses a simple marinade of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for juicy, tender chicken with a thick, glossy teriyaki glaze. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining pure island comfort in every bite!

Prep time
10 mins
Cook time
20 mins
Total time
30 mins
Yield
4 servings

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, grated

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon water

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1/2 cup canned pineapple chunks (optional)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice until sugar dissolves.

2. Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish; pour in half the marinade (reserve other half). Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.

3. Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Discard used marinade.

4. Grill or pan-sear chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and browned.

5. Meanwhile, pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan; bring to a simmer.

6. Mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add slurry to simmering marinade; cook, stirring, until thickened and glossy about 2 minutes.

7. Brush cooked chicken with thickened teriyaki sauce. Top with green onions and optional pineapple chunks.

8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For juicier results, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.

Let the chicken marinate longer for deeper flavor.

Serve with steamed rice, grilled veggies, or as sliders for a party.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; freeze sliced chicken for meal prep.

Always discard marinade that has touched raw chicken never reuse for basting unless boiled.

Nutrition

Calories
290
Fat
7g
Saturated fat
2g
Sugar
14g
Sodium
1420mg
Protein
34g
Carbohydrates
20g
Fiber
0g

Why You’ll Love It

You’ll love Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken because it’s easy to make and absolutely packed with flavor. The marinade works its magic in under an hour, but if you’re patient, letting it sit longer deepens the deliciousness. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a dish for entertaining, this recipe fits the bill. Pair it with my baked caprese chicken or even serve it alongside a refreshing fat-burning strawberry smoothie for a balanced meal that feels like a mini vacation.

How to Make Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. You’ll marinate boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger. After a quick cook on the grill or in a skillet, the chicken is brushed with a thickened teriyaki glaze that’s glossy and packed with island flavor.

This dish shines as both a weeknight staple and a showstopper at gatherings. What makes it especially great is its flexibility serve it with steamed rice, grilled veggies, or even inside tacos for a fun twist. You’ll notice how easily it pairs with vibrant sides like my broccoli cheddar muffins or a sweet treat like carrot cake zucchini muffins.

The key to this recipe’s success is the marinade. A simple combination of pantry staples, it infuses the chicken with layers of flavor. The reserved marinade, thickened into a luscious sauce, makes this dish stand out even more. It’s that irresistible glaze that has everyone asking for seconds. If you enjoy teriyaki flavors, you might also love trying my teriyaki pineapple chicken and rice stuffed peppers another fun way to enjoy these flavors!

Ingredients

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is all about balancing sweet and savory notes with simple ingredients. You probably have most of these on hand, and they come together to create that signature island-inspired flavor. The addition of pineapple juice gives it that special Hawaiian twist. Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This recipe works beautifully with chicken thighs too if you prefer something juicier.
  • 1 cup soy sauce: The salty, umami-rich base for the marinade.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness that caramelizes during cooking.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings bold, aromatic flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated: Gives the marinade its subtle warmth and depth.
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice: Essential for that Hawaiian-style sweetness and tang.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water: For thickening the sauce.
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions: A fresh, vibrant garnish.
  • 1/2 cup canned pineapple chunks (optional): Extra island vibe if you’re feeling festive.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken arranged in white bowls Save
All ingredients for Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken recipe

Pair these ingredients with sides like my no-bake morning power protein cookies for a complete meal that balances sweet and savory. And if you love chicken-based recipes, you might enjoy my hawaiian chicken recipe for another delicious twist on island flavors.

Each ingredient here plays its role in creating a balanced teriyaki chicken that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. With just these few components, you’ll have a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is simple and satisfying. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a beachside grill. Let’s walk through it so you can enjoy the sweet-savory magic in your own kitchen.

Thickened teriyaki sauce being brushed onto grilled Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Save
Pouring thick teriyaki sauce over grilled chicken

First, create your marinade. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, ensuring that every drop is packed with flavor. Pour half of this marinade into a zip-top bag or shallow dish and add the chicken. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it sit up to 4 hours really deepens the taste perfect for pairing with a side like my the fluffiest pancake recipe ever at brunch.

Next, heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Discard this used marinade to keep things safe and clean. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked with nice browning. This is a great opportunity to prep a fresh side, like my baked caprese chicken if you're feeding a crowd.

Finally, take the reserved marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and add your cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and turns glossy. Brush this rich glaze over the cooked chicken, sprinkle with green onions, and add pineapple chunks if you’d like that extra island touch.

What to Serve Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken With

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken shines whether you serve it as a simple family meal or at a festive gathering. For a true island experience, plate the chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice let that sweet and savory sauce soak into every grain. Top with extra green onions and pineapple chunks for a burst of freshness.

For a lighter twist, serve the chicken alongside grilled veggies or a vibrant salad. It pairs beautifully with my fat-burning strawberry smoothie for a refreshing, nutritious contrast. If you’re planning a brunch or potluck, slice the chicken and set it out with toothpicks for easy, crowd-pleasing bites.

Plated Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken with green onions and pineapple Save
Sliced Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken served with extra glaze

This recipe is also a great candidate for meal prepping. Slice any leftovers and layer them into bento boxes with rice, steamed broccoli, and a side of my broccoli cheddar muffins. You can even tuck the chicken into soft rolls for teriyaki chicken sliders just the thing for casual lunches or game-day snacks.

For dessert, balance the sweet-savory main dish with a treat like my carrot cake zucchini muffins or a slice of the fluffiest pancake recipe ever. However you choose to serve it, this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken makes every meal feel like a little celebration.

Top Tips for Perfecting Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

To make your Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken even better, start by marinating the chicken as long as possible up to four hours brings maximum flavor. Don’t skip thickening the reserved marinade; this step gives you that luscious, sticky teriyaki glaze you crave from your favorite takeout spots. Grilling adds a subtle smokiness, but a stovetop skillet works perfectly, too.

If you want to get ahead, you can prep the marinade in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. This makes weeknight dinners even faster. Always use a fresh portion of marinade for glazing to keep your meal safe and delicious. And for that extra island touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top or add a few pineapple chunks just before serving.

Leftovers? No problem! Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or a covered skillet to keep it juicy. This chicken also freezes well simply slice, freeze in portions, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a great protein boost for salads, wraps, or even a quick lunch alongside my no-bake morning power protein cookies.

Looking for more tropical dinner ideas? Check out my hawaiian chicken recipe for another island-inspired favorite. With these pro tips, you’ll have delicious, perfectly cooked teriyaki chicken any time the craving hits.

FAQs

Storing and Reheating Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to prevent the chicken from becoming too salty overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the glaze glossy. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts until heated through. For meal prep, cook a double batch and portion it with steamed rice and vegetables for easy lunches all week.

Freezing Tips

This chicken freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The pineapple teriyaki sauce holds up beautifully after freezing, making this an excellent make-ahead meal option for busy weeks.

What does Hawaiian teriyaki taste like?

Hawaiian teriyaki offers a perfectly balanced blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. The soy sauce and brown sugar create a rich umami base, while the pineapple juice adds tropical sweetness and a subtle tang. The ginger and garlic round it all out, resulting in a sauce that’s layered, vibrant, and absolutely irresistible just what you want in Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken.

Does teriyaki chicken have protein?

Yes, teriyaki chicken is a great source of protein. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are naturally high in lean protein, which makes this dish both filling and satisfying. Each serving of Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken provides a wholesome protein boost, especially when paired with other nutritious sides like my broccoli cheddar muffins or no-bake morning power protein cookies.

How to know if teriyaki chicken is cooked?

To make sure your teriyaki chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of each piece reaches 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the chicken will be firm to the touch and easy to slice. The exterior will also have a delicious caramelized glaze from the sauce. If you’re looking for more chicken tips, you’ll find them in my baked caprese chicken post.

How does teriyaki chicken taste?

Teriyaki chicken, especially Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken, is savory, sweet, and slightly tangy. The flavor is rich from the soy sauce and brown sugar, with hints of garlic, ginger, and pineapple that make each bite juicy and mouthwatering. It’s the perfect combination for anyone who loves bold, island-inspired flavors.

What is the best way to keep chicken juicy?

Do not overcook it. Chicken breasts reach peak juiciness at 165 degrees Fahrenheit internal temperature. Using thighs instead of breasts adds natural fat that keeps the meat moist even if slightly overcooked. Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking also locks in juices that would otherwise run out when cut immediately.

To wrap up, Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is the recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s packed with sweet and savory flavors, quick to prepare, and easily pairs with your favorite sides whether you love fresh salads, hearty muffins, or even a creative breakfast like the fluffiest pancake recipe ever. The island-inspired marinade and thick, glossy glaze make every bite memorable.

This dish perfectly fits my Pinch Of Taste philosophy: great meals don’t have to be complicated. With a handful of everyday ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll enjoy an incredible dinner that feels like a getaway. So gather your ingredients, fire up your grill or skillet, and bring a taste of Hawaii to your kitchen tonight.

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