Tropical Paradise: Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Weeknight dinners just got a tropical upgrade with this mouthwatering Hawaiian grilled teriyaki chicken that brings island flavors right to your plate.

Succulent chicken marinates in a bold, sweet-savory sauce that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy and rich notes that dance across your palate.

The marinade blends soy sauce, pineapple juice, and aromatic spices into a culinary symphony.

Tender chicken pieces caramelize beautifully on the grill, creating a golden exterior with juicy, flavorful meat inside.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dish with steamed rice and grilled pineapple for a complete meal that transports you to a beachside paradise.

Prepare to embark on a delicious culinary journey that will become an instant family favorite.

Grilling Tools For Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

• Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect charred flavor and grill marks on the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: Needed to whisk together the marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish: Perfect for marinating the chicken and ensuring even coating.
• Small saucepan: Used to simmer and reduce the marinade into a delicious glaze.
• Whisk: Great for blending marinade ingredients until sugar dissolves completely.
• Tongs: Helps safely flip and move chicken on the grill without piercing the meat.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken has reached safe internal temperature of 165F.
• Basting brush: Useful for brushing reduced marinade over grilled chicken.

How To Make Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Juicy

• Flavor Infusion

Create a mouthwatering marinade blending sweet and tangy ingredients. Combine zesty seasonings in a mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated. The magic happens when tropical flavors mingle.

• Chicken Preparation

Let the chicken soak up all the delicious goodness. Cover completely with the marinade and allow it to rest in the refrigerator. This waiting period lets the flavors deeply penetrate the meat, transforming ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

• Grill Mastery

Fire up the grill to a medium-high temperature. Clean grates ensure perfect sear marks and prevent sticking. The heat will caramelize the marinade, creating a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.

• Cooking Performance

Place marinated chicken on the hot grill. Watch as it transforms with beautiful char lines and a glossy finish. Cook until the meat is perfectly done, with juices running clear and an internal temperature indicating safe consumption.

• Finishing Touch

Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle with any remaining reduced marinade for an extra flavor punch. Sprinkle with fresh green onions and a hint of sesame seeds to add visual appeal and crunch.

Flavor Boosters For Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

• Grill Master's Secret Weapon: Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tender, juicy results.
• Flavor Boosting Hack: Reserve a portion of marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a safe, delicious glaze that intensifies the Hawaiian-inspired taste profile.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace brown sugar with monk sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly version that maintains the recipe's signature sweet-savory balance.
• Oven Alternative Method: When grilling isn't possible, bake chicken at 400F for 25-30 minutes, brushing with marinade every 10 minutes to ensure moisture and caramelization.
• Protein Swap Possibilities: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, salmon, or pork tenderloin to create exciting variations while keeping the authentic teriyaki marinade base.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 348 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything You Need For Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

• Soy Sauce: Delivers deep umami flavor and helps tenderize the meat with its savory saltiness.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the saltiness and creates a caramelized glaze that adds rich sweetness.
• Pineapple Juice: Provides tropical tang and natural meat tenderizing enzymes for juicy chicken.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds bright acidity to cut through the richness and balance the marinade.

• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty depth and authentic Asian-inspired essence to the dish.
• Garlic: Offers robust, pungent flavor that complements the sweet and savory profile.
• Ginger: Brings zesty, warming undertones and helps neutralize potential gamey chicken notes.
• Black Pepper: Contributes subtle heat and rounds out the marinade's complex flavor.

• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted crunch and provide subtle nutty background.
• Green Onions: Add fresh, mild onion brightness and visual appeal to the final presentation.

Serving Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Recipe On The Plate

• Tropical Beach Party Platter: Create a vibrant island-style spread by surrounding the grilled teriyaki chicken with colorful tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and fresh pineapple rings. Scatter some toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch and Hawaiian flair.
• Luau-Style Rice Bowl: Layer fluffy white rice or coconut rice in a bowl, top with sliced grilled chicken, and drizzle the reduced teriyaki glaze. Sprinkle with chopped macadamia nuts and cilantro for a delightful texture and fresh flavor explosion.
• Sunset Salad Companion: Toss a light mixed green salad with sliced cucumber, red bell peppers, and a quick sesame-ginger vinaigrette. Arrange the grilled chicken on top and garnish with crispy wonton strips for a refreshing and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine.
• Pineapple Sandwich Surprise: Transform the grilled chicken into a killer sandwich by using Hawaiian sweet rolls, adding a slice of grilled pineapple, and spreading a thin layer of the reduced teriyaki glaze for an extra punch of tropical goodness.

Storage Guide For Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Leftovers

• Marinate Magic: Maximize flavor by letting chicken soak in marinade overnight in the refrigerator, which helps tenderize and infuse deep Hawaiian-inspired tastes.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover grilled chicken in airtight containers for up to 4 days, ensuring optimal freshness and quick meal prep for future lunches or dinners.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of pineapple juice or teriyaki sauce to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze marinated or cooked chicken in sealed freezer bags for up to 3 months, creating convenient make-ahead meal solutions that save time and reduce food waste.

Sizzling Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent Hawaiian grilled teriyaki chicken blends sweet and savory island flavors with tender marinated meat. Grilled to perfection, this dish offers a delightful culinary journey you will crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless)
• ⅓ cup (66 g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) pineapple juice
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp (15 g) fresh ginger (grated)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp (15 g) sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 green onions (sliced)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cracked black pepper into a harmonious liquid, ensuring complete sugar dissolution.
2. Marinating Process: Immerse chicken pieces in the prepared marinade, guaranteeing comprehensive coverage. Refrigerate for 2 hours, allowing flavor infusion and tenderization.
3. Grill Preparation: Preheat outdoor grill to 375-400F, meticulously oiling grates to prevent adhesion and facilitate smooth cooking.
4. Grilling Technique: Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drain. Position pieces on hot grill, cooking 6-7 minutes per side until achieving 165F internal temperature and developing a rich caramelized exterior.
5. Sauce Reduction: Transfer remaining marinade to a saucepan, bringing to a vigorous boil. Reduce heat, simmering 5-7 minutes until the sauce transforms into a glossy, concentrated glaze.
6. Serving Presentation: Arrange grilled chicken on a platter, optionally brushing with reduced marinade. Embellish with toasted sesame seeds and delicately sliced green onions for a professional, appetizing finish.

Notes

• Marinate Masterfully: Allow chicken to soak in marinade for at least 2 hours, but avoid exceeding 8 hours to prevent the meat from becoming too salty or tough.
• Grill with Precision: Maintain consistent medium-high heat and watch for flare-ups, rotating chicken to achieve even caramelization without burning.
• Safety First: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F internally, ensuring safe consumption while preserving juicy texture.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: Can successfully prepare this recipe using indoor grill pan, oven broiler, or stovetop if outdoor grill isn’t available, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 348
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 724 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 106 mg