Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines the savory taste of grilled chicken with the sweetness of teriyaki sauce and tropical fruits like pineapple. This vibrant recipe has its roots in Hawaiian cuisine, where fresh, flavorful ingredients are the stars of many dishes. The rich, umami-packed teriyaki sauce complements the juicy, tender chicken, while the pineapple adds a burst of sweetness that truly makes this dish stand out.
Whether you’re grilling for a summer barbecue or enjoying a weeknight dinner, Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is sure to impress. It’s easy to make and perfect for family meals or casual gatherings. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with different marinades, toppings, and side dishes.
Why this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is Special
This Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken stands out because of its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The teriyaki sauce gives it a rich, umami taste, while the pineapple adds a fresh, tropical sweetness. It’s a unique and delicious twist on traditional chicken dishes, ideal for a fun, flavorful meal.
What is Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken?
Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken glazed with a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce, often enhanced with tropical pineapple. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for a rich, umami flavor.
Pineapple adds a burst of sweetness, complementing the savory glaze. It can be grilled or used fresh for extra flavor and texture.
This versatile dish can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared and paired with rice, vegetables, or salad. Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious, crowd-pleasing option with layers of bold, sweet, and savory flavors.
Explore more about the nutritional benefits of teriyaki sauce and its impact on your diet.
Ingredients You Need for Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
To make Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of savory and sweet.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are commonly used for this dish. Chicken thighs are particularly great because they stay juicy and tender, but chicken breasts work well for those preferring leaner meat. You can also use bone-in pieces for a different texture and flavor.
- Teriyaki Sauce: You can either use store-bought teriyaki sauce or make your own at home. Homemade sauce typically includes soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sometimes a touch of honey or sesame oil. Store-bought versions are convenient, but homemade offers more control over flavor.
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is the best option for maximum flavor and sweetness. However, canned pineapple chunks or rings can also be used if fresh pineapple is unavailable. Make sure to drain the canned pineapple well before using to avoid excess moisture.
- Additional Seasonings and Garnishes: To elevate the dish, you can add garnishes like sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a hint of spice. These not only enhance the flavor but also add a nice visual touch.
Learn more about the health benefits of pineapple, one of the key ingredients in this dish, at Healthline.
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
For the best Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight, to allow the flavors to fully absorb. Using fresh pineapple adds a more vibrant sweetness compared to canned. Grilling the chicken enhances the smoky flavor and creates a delicious caramelized finish. If grilling isn’t an option, pan-searing works just as well. For an extra touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top before serving to add flavor and texture. Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it moist and tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
Making Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create a flavorful, tropical dish that will impress your family and friends.
1. Preparing the Marinade
In a bowl, combine the following ingredients for your marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)
Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar dissolves. This marinade will add a savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor to your chicken.
2. Marinating the Chicken
Place your chicken (breasts or thighs) in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
3. Cooking the Chicken (Grilling, Baking, or Pan-Searing)
You can cook the marinated chicken using one of three methods:
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Pan-searing: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Glazing with Teriyaki Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, brush it generously with extra teriyaki sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and create a glossy, flavorful glaze.
5. Adding Pineapple and Garnishing
While the chicken is still warm, add your pineapple. If using fresh pineapple, grill the slices for 1-2 minutes on each side to get grill marks and enhance the sweetness. Arrange the pineapple on top of the chicken. For extra flavor, garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a bit of spice.
Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
How to Serve Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it perfect for any occasion. Serve it over a bed of steamed white rice or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce. You can also serve it with brown rice for a healthier twist.
For a well-rounded meal, consider adding some steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. The lightness of the vegetables complements the rich flavors of the chicken. If you’re looking for something a little more tropical, a fresh fruit salad with mango, pineapple, and avocado is a refreshing choice.
This dish is ideal for family meals, weekend barbecues, or casual parties. Its sweet and savory flavors will be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re grilling in the summer or preparing it for a cozy dinner, Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is sure to satisfy.
Pair this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken with other healthy, flavorful options like a Chicken Caesar Wrap for a balanced and nutritious meal.
Variations on Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is a flexible dish that can be easily customized to suit different tastes. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Different Types of Chicken: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs are commonly used, you can experiment with bone-in chicken pieces like drumsticks or thighs for a richer, juicier texture. Bone-in pieces take longer to cook but offer a deeper flavor.
- Adding More Tropical Fruits: For an even more tropical twist, try adding fruits like mango or papaya alongside the pineapple. These fruits add a tangy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory teriyaki sauce. You can grill them alongside the chicken or toss them into a fresh salad as a side dish.
- Making the Dish Spicier: If you like a bit of heat, incorporate chili peppers or hot sauce into your marinade. Sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the glaze for a spicy kick. For an extra punch, drizzle a bit of sriracha or a spicy Hawaiian chili pepper sauce on top right before serving.
These variations allow you to tailor the dish to your preferences, making it even more fun and flavorful!
For another quick and savory option, check out our 5-Minute Beef with Garlic Sauce for a speedy meal that’s full of flavor.
FAQ
What’s the difference between Japanese teriyaki and Hawaiian teriyaki?
Japanese teriyaki sauce is traditionally made with soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes mirin or sake, creating a savory and slightly sweet glaze. It does not typically include fruits. In contrast, Hawaiian teriyaki incorporates pineapple, adding a tropical sweetness that gives the sauce a fruitier, more vibrant flavor. This makes Hawaiian teriyaki distinct, with a lighter, sweeter profile compared to the deeper umami of its Japanese counterpart.
What is the difference between teriyaki chicken and huli huli chicken?
While both dishes feature grilled chicken with a glaze, the key difference lies in the glaze. Teriyaki chicken is coated with a soy-based sauce, usually with sugar, garlic, and ginger. Huli huli chicken, a Hawaiian specialty, is typically glazed with a similar sweet-savory sauce but often includes a mix of pineapple and additional tropical flavors. Huli huli chicken is also traditionally cooked on a rotisserie, giving it a unique smoky flavor.
What are the ingredients in Ono Hawaiian teriyaki sauce?
Ono Hawaiian Teriyaki sauce typically contains a blend of soy sauce, sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, and vinegar. The pineapple juice adds a sweet, tangy element, while the soy sauce provides the savory base. Garlic and ginger contribute a rich, aromatic flavor, and vinegar balances the sweetness with a slight acidity, creating a well-rounded and flavorful sauce that is perfect for grilling or marinating meats.
What does Hawaiian teriyaki sauce taste like?
Hawaiian teriyaki sauce has a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and savory. The pineapple adds a tropical sweetness that balances well with the salty soy sauce, while the garlic and ginger lend depth and warmth. The sauce is rich and slightly tangy, creating a delicious glaze that enhances the flavor of grilled meats. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a hint of fruitiness that makes it so special.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that brings together the perfect blend of savory teriyaki sauce and tropical sweetness from pineapple. Whether you grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken, this dish is easy to prepare and ideal for any occasion, from family dinners to barbecues and parties. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a meal that’s both delicious and impressive. Feel free to experiment with different variations and make it your own—whether adding more fruits, spices, or seasonings. Give it a try and enjoy the taste of the islands!