Tropical Island Dream: Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Sizzling aromas of sweet and savory teriyaki chicken waft through kitchens, instantly transporting you to the vibrant Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken recipe landscapes.

The islands’ culinary magic combines tender chicken with a perfectly balanced glaze that dances between tangy and rich.

Marinated in a classic blend of soy sauce, ginger, and pineapple juice, this dish promises an explosion of Pacific flavor.

Each bite tells a story of tropical breezes and sun-soaked beaches.

The recipe captures the essence of Hawaiian comfort food with its simple yet powerful ingredients.

Tender chicken pieces caramelized to golden perfection will make your taste buds sing with delight.

Get ready to bring a slice of Hawaiian paradise right to your dinner table.

Directions for This Island-Inspired Chicken

• Flavor Infusion

Craft a zesty marinade by blending aromatic soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, punchy garlic, zingy ginger, and tropical pineapple juice in a bowl.

• Marinating Magic

Submerge chicken in the liquid goodness, allowing flavors to dance and penetrate for at least half an hour or overnight for maximum taste explosion.

• Heat and Sizzle

Fire up a grill or skillet to medium heat, creating the perfect stage for transforming your marinated chicken into a golden-brown masterpiece.

• Sauce Transformation

While chicken cooks, pour reserved marinade into a pan and thicken with a cornstarch mixture, creating a luscious, glossy teriyaki sauce.

• Tropical Presentation

Plate your perfectly grilled chicken, drizzle with the rich teriyaki sauce, and crown with fresh green onion sprinkles and juicy pineapple chunks for a Hawaiian-inspired feast.

Sweet, Savory, and Smoky Tips for Flavor

• Extend the chicken's flavor absorption by using a resealable plastic bag, which ensures even coating and easier cleanup.
• Create crosshatch grill marks by rotating the chicken 45 degrees halfway through cooking each side for restaurant-quality presentation.
• If time is tight, store-bought teriyaki sauce works as a quick substitute, but homemade always tastes more authentic and fresher.
• Replace chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat, or experiment with tofu for a vegetarian version that still captures the Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile.
• Double the marinade recipe and freeze portions with raw chicken for convenient future meals that can be quickly thawed and grilled.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken

• Plate with Tropical Sides: Serve the teriyaki chicken over fluffy coconut rice, adding fresh mango salsa for a burst of island-inspired flavors.
• Create Colorful Presentation: Arrange chicken on a large platter with grilled pineapple rings, sprinkle chopped macadamia nuts, and scatter fresh cilantro for a vibrant, appetizing look.
• Pack as Delicious Lunch: Slice chicken, pack in a bento box with steamed edamame, quick-pickled cucumber, and extra teriyaki sauce for a satisfying meal on-the-go.
• Host Hawaiian-Themed Dinner: Pair with tropical coleslaw, roasted sweet potatoes, and refreshing mai tai cocktails to transport your guests to a Hawaiian luau experience.

Saving Extra Teriyaki Chicken for Meals Ahead

• Refrigerate Strategically: Store marinated chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 days before cooking, keeping flavors sealed and fresh.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers for convenient meal prep, lasting up to 3 months with optimal taste and texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm leftover chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of extra teriyaki sauce to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Smart Portioning: Split chicken into individual servings before refrigerating, making quick weeknight dinners easier and reducing food waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

• Soy Sauce: Delivers deep umami and saltiness, choose low-sodium for healthier option.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness and helps create glossy sauce, select dark brown for richer flavor.
• Garlic: Provides robust depth, use fresh cloves for most intense taste.
• Ginger: Brings zesty warmth and complexity, select firm, smooth root without blemishes.
• Pineapple Juice: Offers tropical sweetness and helps tenderize meat, use fresh or 100% pure juice.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base, select organic or free-range for best quality and flavor.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates silky smooth sauce texture, use cold water for smooth mixing.

• Green Onions: Adds fresh, crisp bite and visual appeal, choose bright green stalks.
• Pineapple Chunks: Provides sweet tropical accent, select ripe but firm fruit.

Tools to Grill or Pan-Fry Teriyaki Chicken

• Mixing Bowl: Large container for combining marinade ingredients and preparing chicken.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurately measuring soy sauce, brown sugar, and other liquids.
• Grill or Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken to golden brown perfection.
• Saucepan: Used to reduce marinade and create a thick, glossy teriyaki sauce.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling chicken during grilling.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping green onions and optional pineapple garnish.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing marinade and blending cornstarch mixture smoothly.

Authentic Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savor Hawaiian-style teriyaki chicken with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Marinated tender chicken grills to caramelized perfection, bringing island-inspired zest you’ll crave on your dinner plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) soy sauce
• ½ cup (100 g/3.5 oz) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) pineapple juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water
• ½ cup (60 g/2 oz) chopped green onions
• ½ cup (80 g/2.8 oz) canned pineapple chunks (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Blend soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice in a ceramic bowl, crafting an aromatic and dynamic flavor base.
2. Chicken Preparation: Immerse chicken breasts completely in the marinade, coating thoroughly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to overnight, allowing flavor infusion.
3. Grill Preparation: Preheat grill pan or outdoor grill to 375°F (190°C), lightly oil surface to prevent adhesion. Remove chicken from marinade, draining excess liquid and reserving for sauce.
4. Cooking Process: Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, achieving golden-brown exterior while ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
5. Sauce Development: Transfer reserved marinade to saucepan. Create cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Pour slurry into marinade, stirring continuously and simmering until sauce thickens.
6. Plating and Garnish: Arrange grilled chicken on serving plate, generously drizzle with teriyaki sauce. Embellish with delicate green onion slices and fresh pineapple chunks, presenting an authentic Hawaiian culinary experience.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Let chicken soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize meat.
• Temperature Matters: Maintain grill at medium-high heat (375°F/190°C) for perfect caramelization without burning chicken’s exterior.
• Food Safety Check: Always verify chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to eliminate harmful bacteria and ensure safe consumption.
• Sauce Thickening Technique: Create cornstarch slurry separately before adding to marinade, preventing lumps and achieving smooth, glossy teriyaki sauce consistency.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg