How to Make Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken Fast

If you are craving a delicious, savory, and slightly sweet meal that can come together in no time, this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken recipe is your new best friend. Perfect for busy weeknights and flavor-packed enough to impress any guest, this dish combines tender chicken glazed with a rich, sticky teriyaki sauce infused with tropical island vibes. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken that will fill your home with irresistible aromas and satisfy your hunger fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy preparation: The entire dish comes together quickly, ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing on flavor.
• Simple ingredients: Using common pantry staples and fresh ingredients, this recipe keeps shopping easy and stress-free.
• Bold, balanced flavors: Sweet, savory, and a hint of tangy pineapple create that classic Hawaiian teriyaki taste you’ll crave again and again.
• Versatile meal: Perfect on its own, over rice, or alongside veggies, making it great for various meal options.
• Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is simple because it relies on a handful of essential ingredients, each adding its own unique flavor and texture. From tender chicken thighs to that luscious homemade teriyaki glaze, everything works harmoniously in each bite.

• Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, skin-on thighs stay tender and absorb the sauce beautifully.
• Soy sauce: The salty base of the teriyaki sauce, adding depth to each mouthful.
• Pineapple juice: Adds natural sweetness and tropical brightness that sets this apart.
• Brown sugar: Provides caramelization and balances the savory notes perfectly.
• Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that bring warmth and a slight zing to the sauce.
• Rice vinegar: Adds just the right touch of acidity to lift the flavors.
• Sesame oil: Brings a subtle nutty fragrance that’s signature to many Asian-inspired dishes.
• Cornstarch slurry: Helps thicken the sauce into a glossy, clinging glaze.
• Green onions: For garnish, adding crunch and brightness to the finished dish.

Variations for Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is wonderfully adaptable. Whether you’re looking to change up the protein, adjust for dietary preferences, or add a new flavor twist, these variations make customizing a breeze.

• Switch the protein: Use chicken breast for a leaner option or even salmon for a seafood twist.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and double the sauce for extra flavor.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for heat without losing the classic taste.
• Smoky flavor: Toss in a little smoked paprika or use grilled chicken for added depth.
• Pineapple chunks: Stir in fresh or canned pineapple pieces during cooking for extra juiciness and sweetness.

How to Make Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the marinade and sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This will become your marinade as well as the sauce glaze later on.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour half of the teriyaki mixture over them. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb those tropical, savory flavors.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade and sear skin-side down first until golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until cooked through, around 5 more minutes.

Step 4: Reduce the sauce

While the chicken cooks, pour the remaining teriyaki sauce into a small saucepan. Mix a cornstarch slurry with water, then add to the sauce and bring it to a simmer until thick and glossy.

Step 5: Glaze the chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat, pour the thickened sauce over the pieces, and spoon it repeatedly to coat them in that sticky, flavorful glaze. Let the sauce cling for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top and serve immediately over steamed rice or your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

• Use chicken thighs for juiciness: Thigh meat holds up better to quick cooking and stays moist.
• Don’t skip marinating: Even a short soak makes a big difference in flavor penetration.
• Control the heat: Cooking on medium-high helps develop a caramelized crust without burning the sauce.
• Thicken sauce properly: A cornstarch slurry added slowly prevents lumps and creates that perfect glossy finish.
• Fresh aromatics boost taste: Always use fresh garlic and ginger for the brightest flavors.

How to Serve Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Garnishes

Lightly toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions add both crunch and a burst of freshness atop the chicken. A wedge of lime on the side brightens every bite with a hint of citrus.

Side Dishes

Serve this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken alongside fluffy white jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the luscious sauce. Steamed broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or grilled pineapple slices complement the tropical theme beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken over a bed of coconut rice or with a fresh Asian slaw for contrast in texture and taste. For a casual meal, pile the chicken on buttery Hawaiian rolls as sliders with a drizzle of extra sauce. The possibilities are endless and fun to explore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, preserving its flavor and juiciness for quick reheating.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Store portions in freezer-safe containers or zip bags with sauce. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to warm through without drying out the chicken. Add a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to keep it moist and glossy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used for a leaner option, but it cooks faster and may be less juicy, so be careful not to overcook.

Is fresh pineapple necessary for the recipe?

Fresh pineapple adds brightness and natural sweetness, but canned pineapple juice works great for the sauce too, making the recipe even easier.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week, saving time when you’re ready to cook.

How spicy is Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken?

The traditional recipe is mild, focusing on sweet and savory flavors, but you can easily add chili flakes for extra heat.

What can I serve with this dish for a complete meal?

Pair the chicken with fluffy rice, mixed vegetables, or a crisp salad to create a balanced and satisfying Hawaiian-inspired dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a quick, flavorful, and comforting dinner, give this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken a try. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on taste and brings a taste of the islands right to your plate. Once you make it, it will become a fast favorite for weeknights and special occasions alike.

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