Description

This Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is juicy, sweet, smoky, and unbelievably easy. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, then grilled until caramelized and golden. Perfect for summer cookouts, meal prep, or a laid-back luau-style dinner, this island-inspired chicken pairs beautifully with coconut rice, grilled pineapple, or macaroni salad.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

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

For the Homemade Teriyaki Marinade

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

Optional Add-Ins / Variations

Red pepper flakes or hot sauce (for heat)
Crushed pineapple (for a sweeter tropical twist)
Sesame seeds, for serving

Instructions

Make the Marinade: In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add garlic and ginger and simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.
Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour cooled teriyaki marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight gives deeper flavor).
Prep the Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates so the chicken doesn’t stick.
Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade (discard used marinade). Grill 5–7 minutes per side, or until nicely caramelized and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve with rice, grilled pineapple, or your favorite sides.

Oven Option: Bake marinated thighs at 400°F (205°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until cooked through.

Notes

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken at least 4 hours — overnight is even better.
Use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken at 165°F for juicy results.
Lightly oil grill grates to prevent sticking and burning.
Want it sweeter and more “Hawaiian”? Add a little crushed pineapple to the marinade.
This recipe is fantastic for meal prep — leftovers reheat well and stay tender.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner, Grilling, Chicken
Method: Marinated, Grilled
Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
Calories: 260
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken Thighs, Hawaiian Chicken Recipe, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, Luau Chicken, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Meal Prep Chicken