How to Make Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

If you’re craving a delicious dish that brings the tropical flavors of the islands straight to your kitchen, look no further than Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken. This recipe combines juicy chicken with a perfectly balanced sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s quick to make and sure to impress. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic island flavors: The combination of soy sauce, pineapple, and brown sugar captures the true essence of Hawaiian teriyaki.
• Simple ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples come together for a flavorful meal without fuss.
• Juicy and tender chicken: Marinating the chicken ensures every bite is packed with moisture and taste.
• Perfectly versatile: Great for weeknights, meal prep, or even a festive dinner party.
• Quick cooking time: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a convenient choice for busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, contributing texture, tang, and that signature glaze that sticks to the chicken beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Chicken thighs: Preferred for their juiciness and tenderness, chicken thighs soak up the marinade more effectively.
• Soy sauce: The salty backbone of the teriyaki sauce, providing depth and umami richness.
• Pineapple juice: Adds a bright, natural sweetness and tenderizes the meat with its acidity.
• Brown sugar: Caramelizes during cooking, giving the glaze that irresistible sticky texture.
• Garlic cloves: Minced for an aromatic punch that elevates every bite.
• Ginger: Freshly grated to add warmth and a slight spicy zest to the sauce.
• Sesame oil: A few drops bring out a subtle nutty aroma that’s iconic in teriyaki dishes.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to perfection, creating that glossy finish.

Variations for Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to customize it to your taste or dietary requirements. It’s easy to switch up ingredients or tweak cooking methods to make the dish your own.

• Substitute protein: Use chicken breasts or even tofu for a leaner or vegetarian version that still soaks up the teriyaki magic.
• Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra crunch and color.
• Spicy kick: Incorporate a splash of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to add heat.
• Different sweeteners: Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness profile.
• Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-free.

How to Make Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk the ingredients gently until the sugar dissolves and the marinade is smooth and aromatic.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate, ideally up to 2 hours for more depth.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, saving the excess liquid. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook until golden brown and heated through, about 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness.

Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Glaze

While the chicken cooks, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Bring the marinade to a simmer and slowly whisk in the slurry. Cook until the sauce thickens into a shiny glaze.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Brush the thickened teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken, letting it caramelize slightly in the pan for a minute. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture, garnished to your liking.

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

• Use dark meat: Chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful than breasts in this recipe.
• Marinate longer: For the most tender chicken, marinate up to 4 hours or overnight if possible.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to ensure a nice sear and even cooking.
• Make extra sauce: The teriyaki glaze doubles as a fantastic dipping sauce or drizzle for rice.
• Rest before slicing: Allow your chicken to rest a few minutes post-cooking for juicy slices that hold their shape.

How to Serve Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Garnishes

Top your Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken with toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, or fresh chopped cilantro to add freshness and a pop of color that’s just as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or even a simple garlic fried rice. Add a side of grilled pineapple or a crisp cucumber salad for balance and a tropical touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken over a bed of sautéed vegetables or spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. For a fun presentation, assemble Hawaiian-style rice bowls with your favorite toppings like avocado, pickled ginger, and chopped nuts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps preserve the flavors while keeping the chicken juicy and ready for a quick meal.

Freezing

If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a drizzle of water or leftover sauce to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work but are leaner and can dry out faster, so marinate well and watch the cooking time closely.

Is pineapple juice necessary for the marinade?

Pineapple juice adds sweetness and natural tenderizing enzymes but can be substituted with orange juice or apple juice if needed.

How thick should the teriyaki glaze be?

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without running off too quickly, glossy, and sticky so it clings beautifully to the chicken.

Can I grill Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken?

Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the sweet teriyaki glaze perfectly.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade or glaze to dial up the heat according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken brings a burst of sunshine and flavor to your table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with variations, this recipe is destined to become a favorite in your home. So grab your ingredients and let the taste of the islands brighten up your next meal!

Related Posts

• Crispy Beer Battered Fish You Must Try
• Easy Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipes to Try
• How to Perfect Oven Roasted Brisket Every Time

Print