There’s just something magical about a platter of Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken: juicy, smoky pieces of chicken glazed in a sweet-and-savory sauce that absolutely drips with tropical flavor. This beloved dish is a backyard barbecue favorite in Hawaii, but it’s just as effortless to make at home. With a handful of everyday pantry ingredients and a little patience for marinating, you’ll have tender, deeply flavored chicken that embodies the warmth and cheer of an island gathering. If you’re searching for a meal that’s sure to make any dinner feel like a celebration, look no further than this unforgettable Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient isn’t just for show; it brings its own flair—whether it’s depth, sweetness, a little zing, or sheer juiciness. Here’s what you’ll need and why every item counts:
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are perfect for soaking up marinade and staying juicy on the grill.
- Soy Sauce: The salty, umami backbone of teriyaki, lending robustness and color to the dish.
- Water: Helps balance out the saltiness, so the chicken isn’t overwhelmed and the flavors mingle just right.
- Sugar: Adds the essential sweetness that caramelizes gorgeously over high heat for those signature grill marks.
- Garlic: Mashed cloves infuse every bite with aromatic punch—you’ll taste it in every mouthful.
- Ginger Root: Sliced fresh ginger brings a warm, subtle heat and classic island zing that sets this teriyaki apart.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Mix the Marinade
Start by reaching for a large mixing bowl. Pour in the soy sauce and water, stirring them together. Next, add the sugar and stir until it dissolves completely—it’s worth taking a minute to make sure it’s silky smooth, since this creates the base for the glossy caramelization later on. Drop in the mashed garlic and sliced ginger, giving everything a good mix to marry those aromatic flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Submerge your chicken thighs in the bowl of marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it. You’ll get out what you put in: a quick 1-2 hour dunk is enough for tasty chicken, but if you can spare the time, marinate it overnight or up to three days for maximum Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken magic. The longer it sits, the deeper the flavors soak in.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, dripping off the excess. Lay the thighs over the hottest part of the grill. Let each side char and sizzle, turning occasionally until cooked through—about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The sugars will caramelize, creating those signature glossy grill marks and a smoky aroma you won’t want to miss.
Step 4: Steam with the Sauce
Add another boost of flavor by transferring the grilled chicken to a pot or large heatproof bowl. Pour over the remaining unused marinade, then briefly steam or cover and let it sit over low heat just until the chicken is warmed through and every piece glistens with sauce. This step bathes your Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken in an extra layer of sticky, savory goodness.
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken
Garnishes
To really make the chicken pop, try a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds or fresh chopped green onions. These add a burst of color and crunch on top of the sticky, caramelized chicken. For a true island vibe, you can also add a few wedges of grilled pineapple or a handful of cilantro.
Side Dishes
No plate of Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is complete without a hearty scoop of fluffy steamed rice to soak up that delicious sauce. Macaroni salad is a classic local pairing, creamy and cool alongside smoky chicken. You could also serve some grilled vegetables, a simple slaw, or even sweet rolls if you want to lean into the comfort food side of things.
Creative Ways to Present
While a platter of sliced chicken looks inviting, you can get playful: try skewering bite-sized pieces for easy, party-friendly kabobs! Or, arrange the chicken atop a bed of greens for a deconstructed Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken salad. Leftovers? Dice them up for a teriyaki-stuffed sandwich or wrap—eat with your hands and make it a picnic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cool them completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld overnight, and you may even find the chicken tastes richer the next day. It’ll keep happily for 3-4 days, ready for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is freezer-friendly! Place cooled chicken in freezer bags or containers, along with a bit of sauce to keep things moist. Squeeze out excess air and freeze for up to three months. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator—no loss of flavor at all.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently over medium-low heat in a covered skillet with a splash of water or reserved marinade to keep the chicken juicy. The microwave works in a pinch, just use a lower power and check often to keep the chicken tender. Always reheat until piping hot throughout for food safety.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs offer maximum juiciness, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be sure not to overcook them on the grill—breasts have less fat, so marinating and quick cooking are even more important for moisture.
Is the marinade reusable for serving?
If you want extra sauce for drizzling, reserve a portion of the marinade before adding raw chicken. Otherwise, only use leftover marinade for steaming if it’s brought to a full boil to ensure it’s safe to eat.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Swap out regular soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. Check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free and you’ve got a safe, flavorful dish ready for everyone to enjoy.
Can I cook this indoors without a grill?
No grill? No problem! Simply sear the marinated chicken thighs in a hot skillet or under a broiler. You’ll still get those caramelized edges and plenty of flavor, even without the smoky outdoor char.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
While an overnight soak makes the most flavorful Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken, even an hour or two in the marinade will give you tasty results. If you’re pressed for time, you can cook the chicken right in the marinade for a quick version with loads of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Bringing Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken to your table means sharing a little taste of aloha with everyone you love. With its irresistible blend of sweetness, savoriness, and just the right hint of char, this is one recipe that’ll have friends and family asking for seconds—and for your secret! Don’t wait for a luau; give this a try and let each bite whisk you away to the islands.
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