 Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is a sweet, savory, and juicy dish inspired by island-style cooking. It combines tender chicken with a rich teriyaki glaze made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and pineapple juice. The result is a glossy, flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with rice and tropical sides. This recipe is easy enough for weeknight dinners but tastes like something from a restaurant.
📝 Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking)
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra glaze)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional for balance)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Optional Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Pineapple slices
👩🍳 Full Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken dry using paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. This helps build flavor and improves browning during cooking.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the teriyaki sauce
In the same pan, add soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly reduced.
Step 4: Thicken the sauce
Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Combine and cook
Return the chicken to the pan and coat it fully in the sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Serve
Slice the chicken and drizzle extra sauce over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and pineapple slices for a tropical finish.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Fried rice with vegetables
- Grilled pineapple and salad
- Noodles or stir-fried vegetables
💡 Tips for Best Flavor
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts
- Fresh pineapple juice gives the best tropical taste
- Don’t skip reducing the sauce—it builds depth and glaze
- Marinate chicken for 30 minutes for extra flavor (optional)
⏱️ Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
This Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is sweet, sticky, and full of island flavor—perfect for a comforting meal that feels both simple and special. 🍍🍗