Irresistible Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken : Easy Luau Favorite Recipe

If you’ve been dreaming of a dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken recipe is your answer. Juicy, grilled chicken thighs are marinated in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce that’s sweet, savory, and bursting with island flavor. Whether you’re throwing a backyard luau or simply want to bring some tropical vibes to your dinner table, this recipe is a true winner.

It’s perfect for meal prep, grilling season, or feeding a hungry family. And if you love the ease of bold, flavor-packed meals, this dish will pair beautifully with many other popular recipes on our blog like Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese or Cottage Cheese Flatbread.

Keep reading to find out why this is one of the most popular Hawaiian chicken recipes, how to make it flawlessly, and how to serve it with flair.

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What Is Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken?

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken combines traditional Japanese flavors with the sweet and tropical flair of Hawaiian cuisine. The signature marinade—featuring soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger—caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating mouthwatering layers of flavor. It’s similar in spirit to popular teriyaki recipes, but what sets this apart is the sweetness and smokiness, often complemented by pineapple or tropical sides.

It’s no surprise that this dish is a staple at potlucks and luaus in Hawaii. Plus, it makes a great complement to other global recipes like Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken, Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir Fry, or Vegetarian Pasta Primavera.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

You’ll love that this recipe keeps things simple but delivers major flavor. Here are the exact ingredients you’ll need.

For the Chicken:

• 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 3.5–4 pounds)

For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

This sauce is also a great base if you want to try it on other proteins. Try it over shrimp or beef, or even use it for a vegetarian option like tofu. Want more homemade sauces? Check out our Sweet Chili Sauce for another great addition to your Asian-inspired meals.

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How to Make Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken at Home

The beauty of this chicken teriyaki recipe lies in its ease. Here’s how to make it in just a few straightforward steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade
In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Add garlic and ginger, then simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the cooled marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is best.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the liquid). Grill for 5–7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The sugars in the marinade will create a gorgeous charred glaze.

Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions if desired.

Pair this chicken with Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon for a nutrient-rich side, or Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs for a cozy comfort food combo.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Making this Hawaiian favorite at home doesn’t require fancy tools. Here’s all you need:

• Medium saucepan
• Large bowl or zip-top bag
• Grill or grill pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Meat thermometer
• Knife and cutting board

If you love breakfast-for-dinner or grill-style breakfasts, you might also enjoy our Mini Pancake Cereal as a creative twist.

Serving Suggestions for Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

This chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Consider these options:

• Over jasmine or coconut rice
• With grilled pineapple slices
• Alongside Grandma’s Macaroni Salad
• In lettuce wraps or Hawaiian rolls
• On a skewer with vegetables

It also works perfectly for meal prep. Pair it with roasted veggies like in our Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Zucchini for a balanced lunchbox meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you. This chicken reheats beautifully.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly or use freezer bags. Store for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave or warm in the oven at 325°F. Add a bit of water to keep it moist.

You can even dice leftover chicken and toss it into our Loaded Breakfast Hash or a veggie stir fry for an easy second-day dish.

Recipe Variations and Easy Substitutions

This Hawaiian teriyaki chicken is adaptable in many ways:

• Use Chicken Breasts: Great if you prefer leaner cuts.
• Try Baking Instead: Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Tropical Twist: Add crushed pineapple to the marinade.
• Vegetarian Version: Use portobello mushrooms or tofu.

Feeling festive? This dish would make a fabulous addition to a themed party with recipes like Snake Charmers Pretzels or Halloween Brownie for dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Avoid these missteps to make sure your chicken turns out perfect every time:

• Rushing the Marinade: Less than 4 hours means less flavor.
• Skipping the Oil on Grill: Prevent sticking with light oiling.
• Overcooking: Use a thermometer to avoid dry chicken.
• Not Letting Chicken Rest: Resting preserves juiciness.

Want more tips on making perfect grilled meals? Try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for more inspiration.

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Tips

A well-made homemade teriyaki sauce is the heart of this recipe. Here’s how to perfect it:

• Use fresh garlic and ginger for bold, bright flavor.
• Simmer just long enough for the sugars to thicken.
• Want it thicker? Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water).
• Always cool before using as a marinade.

This sauce can also be drizzled over Cucumber Shrimp Salad for an Asian-fusion twist.

Make It a Meal: Food Pairings for Hawaiian Dishes

Here are some delicious additions to turn your grilled teriyaki chicken into a full island-inspired meal:

• Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin
• Pumpkin Twists for a fun bread side
• Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken for a surf-and-turf idea
• Crockpot Fajitas to add a spicy touch
• Sourdough Discard Tortillas if you want to wrap the chicken

Presentation Tips for Luau-Style Teriyaki Chicken

Presentation makes all the difference, especially if you’re hosting. Here are some ideas:

• Serve on banana leaves or bamboo plates
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions
• Add fresh pineapple or grilled mango on the side
• Use colorful napkins or tropical-themed trays
• Pair with drinks like Lavender Lemonade

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FAQs About Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, but homemade tastes fresher and is easy to make.

Can I bake instead of grill?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes or until internal temp hits 165°F.

What sides go best with it?
Macaroni salad, grilled pineapple, jasmine rice, or Cucumber Dill Salad.

Can I use frozen chicken?
Thaw completely before marinating to ensure the flavor penetrates.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all, but you can add heat if you want.

Final Thoughts: Your Go-To Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, delicious way to bring island flavor into your home, this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is a must-try. It’s sweet, smoky, savory, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or preparing dinner for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Don’t forget to explore other island-friendly recipes like Pumpkin Chicken Chili or tropical desserts such as Strawberry Cloud Cake.

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