By Bring Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup soy sauce
1 cup pineapple juice (or add pineapple chunks with juice)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
5 cloves garlic, mashed
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
PREPARATION STEPS
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the pineapple juice and soy sauce. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
Add the minced ginger and mashed garlic, then add the chicken thighs.
Soak the chicken in the marinade for at least 24 hours. For best results, marinate up to 3 days. If in a hurry, you can boil the chicken in the sauce immediately.
Grill Method:
Grill the marinated chicken over high heat until cooked through.
Place the grilled chicken in a pot on the grill. Add a little fresh teriyaki sauce to the pot to steam the chicken, making it tender and juicy.
Stir Fry Method:
Cut the marinated chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In a large wok or skillet, heat a little sesame oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and sauté until white on the outside. Pour in the sauce and simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
Stove Top Method:
Keep the chicken thighs whole.
In a large skillet, sear each chicken thigh on both sides until golden brown.
Add the sauce and simmer until the sauce has reduced and the chicken is cooked through (similar to Shoyu Chicken).
Crock Pot / Instant Pot Method:
These methods may dilute the sauce, so simmer the sauce separately on the stove until it thickens (about 20-30 minutes).
Cook the chicken in the slow cooker or pressure cooker until done. You can serve the chicken whole or shredded.
Baked Method:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour 1-2 cups of the homemade teriyaki sauce over the top.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, basting with sauce halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
