Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Introduction to the Recipe

If you’ve ever visited Hawaii, you’ve probably experienced the irresistible aroma of Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken sizzling on an open grill. This dish is a staple at backyard gatherings, beachside picnics, and local food trucks. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, all wrapped around juicy, tender chicken thighs. The marinade—made from soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and fresh ginger—is simple but incredibly flavorful, giving the chicken its iconic glaze and unmistakable island flair.

What sets Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken apart from other teriyaki recipes is its emphasis on bold sweetness balanced with savory depth. The Hawaiian version leans heavier on sugar, giving the sauce a rich caramelization when grilled. Combined with the umami of soy sauce, the freshness of garlic, and the warm spice of ginger, the result is a marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into an irresistible main dish.

If you want to learn more about teriyaki’s origins, you might enjoy reading this brief history of teriyaki sauce. And for those curious about authentic Hawaiian flavors, check out this guide to Hawaiian cuisine for more insight into the island’s culinary traditions.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a summer barbecue, or a Hawaiian-themed party, Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. The marinade can be made in minutes, and the chicken soaks up the flavors while you relax. Grill it for a smoky, charred finish, or pan-sear it for a quick weeknight meal. Either way, you’ll be serving up the taste of Hawaii in your own kitchen.

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Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

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Advanced Techniques

1. Maximizing Flavor with Overnight Marination

While 4 hours will give you great flavor, letting the chicken marinate overnight allows the soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger to deeply penetrate the meat. This longer marination creates a richer taste and ensures every bite is infused with flavor. Keep the chicken covered in the fridge and stir occasionally to ensure even coating.

2. Achieving Authentic Char Marks

Part of the appeal of Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is its slightly charred exterior. To get those authentic grill marks, make sure your grill grates are clean and preheated. Pat the chicken dry before placing it on the grill to avoid steaming, and resist moving it too soon—let it sear in place for at least 3 minutes per side before flipping.

3. Balancing Sweetness and Saltiness

Hawaiian teriyaki is sweeter than traditional versions. If you prefer a slightly less sweet profile, reduce sugar by ¼ cup and replace with honey for a milder sweetness. This also adds a subtle floral note to the dish.

4. Enhancing Aroma with Toasted Sesame Oil

For an extra layer of flavor, stir in 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil into the marinade just before grilling. This gives the dish a nutty aroma that complements the sweetness of the glaze.

5. Using Chicken Skin for Added Crispness

Although this recipe uses skinless thighs, you can opt to keep the skin on for crispiness. The fat from the skin renders beautifully on the grill, creating a flavorful crust that pairs perfectly with the sweet-savory glaze.

See more advanced recipes at cookingwhite.com

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Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

1. Refrigerating Leftovers

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent drying out.

2. Freezing for Long-Term Storage

Freeze fully cooked chicken by wrapping in foil and placing in freezer-safe bags. Keeps up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

3. Storing Uncooked Marinated Chicken

You can marinate chicken and freeze it raw in its marinade. This method allows you to defrost and cook later while retaining full flavor.

4. Refreshing Leftover Chicken

To revive slightly dry chicken, drizzle with a little teriyaki sauce or broth before reheating. This restores moisture and shine.

5. Safe Marinade Reuse

If you want to use leftover marinade as a sauce, always bring it to a full boil for at least 3 minutes to kill any bacteria from raw chicken contact.

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Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Low-Sodium Version

Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added sugar by ¼ cup. This keeps flavor intact while lowering salt and sugar content.

2. Gluten-Free Adaptation

Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Both provide rich umami flavor without gluten.

3. Paleo-Friendly Version

Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos, use coconut sugar instead of white sugar, and avoid refined ingredients.

4. Low-Sugar Option

Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol for a similar sweetness without the calories.

5. Vegan Alternative

Use the same marinade with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms instead of chicken for a plant-based twist.

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FAQs About the Recipe

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs remain juicier. If using breasts, reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.

2. Can I bake instead of grill?

Absolutely—bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, then broil for a minute to caramelize the glaze.

3. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer leftover marinade with 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed in water until it thickens into a glaze.

4. Can I add pineapple juice to the marinade?

Yes! Replacing half the water with pineapple juice adds tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken.

5. Is this dish spicy?

No—Hawaiian teriyaki is naturally sweet. Add red pepper flakes if you want a mild heat.

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Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect dish to bring a taste of the islands into your home. With its sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavor, it’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive summer cookout. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the depth of flavor makes it an easy go-to recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

1. Perfect for Grilling Season

Ideal for backyard barbecues and beach picnics.

2. Meal Prep Friendly

Marinates well ahead of time for busy schedules.

3. Kid-Approved

Sweet and mild enough for even the pickiest eaters.

4. Flexible Cooking Methods

Grill, pan-sear, or bake—it’s delicious either way.

5. Authentic Island Flavor

A true Hawaiian classic you can make in your own kitchen.