Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Juicy Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken marinated in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, then grilled until caramelized.

Hawaiian-teriyaki-chicken.

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Discover the ultimate recipe for Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken. Perfectly grilled Teriyaki Chicken and infused with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, this dish brings the taste of the islands to your backyard. Try our Grilled Teriyaki Chicken for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that everyone will love!

Hawaiian-teriyaki-chicken.

This is a great chicken recipe when I’m already firing up the grill and want something with plenty of flavor. Chicken thighs stay juicy over the heat, and the sweet teriyaki marinade caramelizes beautifully as they cook.

Grilled-Teriyaki-Chicken-with-sauce-brushed-on

What I Love Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken


  • Great for grilling: Chicken thighs stay juicy and develop delicious caramelized edges.
  • Homemade marinade: The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce is made with simple ingredients.
  • Easy to prep ahead: Marinate the chicken earlier in the day and grill when you’re ready.
  • Family-friendly: The sweet teriyaki flavor isn’t overly spicy.
  • Simple dinner: Add rice and a vegetable or salad and dinner is done.
hawaiian-teriyaki-chicken-ingredients.

About the Ingredients ⭐

  1. Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicy and tender on the grill and soak up the teriyaki marinade well. Soy Sauce: Creates the salty, savory base of the homemade teriyaki marinade.
  2. Pineapple Juice or Water: Pineapple juice adds a subtle tropical sweetness that works especially well with the Hawaiian flavors. Water can be used instead.
  3. Honey: Adds sweetness and helps the chicken develop a caramelized finish on the grill.
  4. Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper sweetness and balances the salty soy sauce.
  5. Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds plenty of savory flavor to the marinade.
  6. Ginger: Ginger paste or fresh ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with teriyaki.
  7. Sesame Oil: A small amount adds a rich, nutty flavor.
  8. Black Pepper: Adds just a touch of seasoning and balances the sweetness.
  9. Optional Garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions add a simple finishing touch.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below

Hawaiian-Chicken-on-grill

How to Make Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger paste, sesame oil, and black pepper until fully combined.
  2. Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all the pieces are evenly coated. Refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, spray the grill grates with grill-safe non-stick cooking spray.
  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. 
  6. Grill the chicken thighs for about 5-6 minutes preside, or until fully cooked through.
  7. Baste the chicken with the marinade as it cooks.
  8. The chicken will be done when an internal temperature of 165℉ is reached.
  9. Allow the grilled teriyaki chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes after cooking.
  10. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onion and serve with rice if desired. Enjoy!

Tips I Found Helpful 💙

  • Marinate for at least 1 hour: This gives the chicken time to absorb the sweet and savory teriyaki flavors.
  • Use pineapple juice: I prefer pineapple juice instead of water for a little extra sweetness and Hawaiian flavor. 🍍
  • Preheat the grill: A hot grill helps give the chicken those caramelized edges without overcooking the inside.
  • Watch the sugary marinade: Honey and brown sugar can burn quickly, so keep an eye on the chicken as it grills.
  • Check the temperature: Chicken thighs are safely cooked when the thickest part reaches 165°F.
teriyaki-Chicken-thigh-on-a-plate

FAQs

Store leftover grilled teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work, but they can dry out faster than thighs. Grill until the thickest part reaches 165°F.

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. You can also prepare it ahead and refrigerate it in the marinade for several hours.

Yes. Mix the marinade and add the chicken ahead of time, then keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.

Yes. Let the cooked chicken cool completely, then freeze it in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Grilling Recipes I Love 🔥

Grilled-Teriyaki-Chicken-thighs
Yield: 6

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Hawaiian-teriyaki-chicken.
5.0 Stars (1 Review)

Juicy Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken marinated in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, then grilled until caramelized.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste Or Fresh Ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional garnish, toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions

Instructions

    Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

    1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger paste, sesame oil, and black pepper until fully combined.
    2. Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
    3. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all the pieces are evenly coated. Refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
    4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, spray the grill grates with grill-safe non-stick cooking spray.
    5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. 
    6. Grill the chicken thighs for about 5-6 minutes preside, or until fully cooked through.
    7. Baste the chicken with the marinade as it cooks.
    8. The chicken will be done when an internal temperature of 165℉ is reached.
    9. Allow the grilled teriyaki chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes after cooking.
    10. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onion and serve with rice if desired. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Use pineapple juice instead of water for extra tropical flavor. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour and watch it closely on the grill because the honey and brown sugar can caramelize quickly.

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    6

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 241Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 1327mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 29g

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