There’s something about the luscious balance of sweet and savory flavors that makes Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Delight genuinely unforgettable. Picture juicy, caramelized chicken cloaked in a tropical teriyaki glaze, hinting at pineapple and ginger in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a vacation on your dinner plate and has a way of bringing people together around the table. Whether you’re planning a simple weeknight meal or hosting backyard friends, this recipe checks all the boxes: easy, vibrant, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Delight comes from a few humble yet essential ingredients, each lending its own special twist to the final dish. These staples create layers of irresistible flavor, vibrant color, and perfect texture—so gather them up, and see how they work their magic together!
- Chicken thighs or breasts (1 1/2 pounds): Opt for thighs for extra juiciness, or breasts for a leaner bite—either will soak up all that flavorful marinade.
- Soy sauce (1/2 cup): The savory backbone of the marinade; swap in tamari for an easy gluten-free option.
- Pineapple juice (1/4 cup): This brings a bright, natural sweetness and subtle fruitiness that makes the teriyaki sauce truly sing.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Deepens the sweetness and helps the chicken caramelize to golden perfection.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds a glossy finish and an extra smooth layer of sweetness in the sauce.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses the marinade with a punchy aroma and savory depth.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Delivers a gentle heat and unmistakable zing that brightens the glaze.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Just a splash for tangy balance and to cut the sweetness.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the glaze for that irresistible sticky coating.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a nutty aroma—try just a drizzle for a flavor boost.
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, for garnish): A final sprinkle for crunch and classic teriyaki style.
- Green onions (2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish): Bright, fresh color and a mild oniony snap finish the dish beautifully.
- Cooked white rice or pineapple rice: This fluffy base soaks up every drop of delicious sauce and rounds out the meal.
How to Make Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Delight
Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade
This first step is where all that irresistible flavor begins. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar—if you’re using sesame oil, whisk it in here too. Stir until everything is beautifully blended. You’ll instantly notice the tropical aroma promise a knockout dinner.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken (thighs or breasts) in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over, ensuring every piece gets coated. Seal or cover tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—if you can wait, let it sit longer (up to 8 hours) for even more incredible flavor. The longer the chicken soaks, the deeper the island-inspired taste.
Step 3: Sear or Grill to Perfection
When you’re ready to cook, preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off (reserve the remaining marinade). Arrange the chicken in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan—and cook each side for 5 to 7 minutes, until the surface is nicely caramelized and the inside is fully cooked through. The transformation from pale to golden and sticky is truly mouthwatering!
Step 4: Create the Glaze
While the chicken cooks, take the reserved marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil (to ensure food safety), then lower the heat. Add the cornstarch slurry and whisk constantly for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. The result is a luscious, pourable sauce that will make your Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Delight irresistible.
Step 5: Glaze, Garnish, and Serve
Once the chicken is ready, generously brush it with the thickened teriyaki glaze. Finish with a flourish of sesame seeds and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice (or pineapple rice if you’re feeling extra festive) and prepare for a chorus of “yum” at your table!
How to Serve Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Delight
Garnishes
The right garnishes take your Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Delight over the top. A shower of toasted sesame seeds brings just the right amount of crunch, while fresh green onions add a pop of color and a zesty lift. If you’re entertaining or feeling fancy, try a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or thinly sliced red chilies for extra flair.
Side Dishes
There’s no wrong way to serve this dish, but rice is the classic sidekick. Fluffy white rice or pineapple-studded rice soaks up the teriyaki sauce like a charm. For a true Hawaiian plate lunch experience, pair your chicken with creamy macaroni salad or throw some grilled pineapple rings on the side—the juicy, caramelized fruit is a tropical dream!
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or potluck, slice the glazed chicken and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving. Or transform your dinner into an island bowl—layer rice, chicken, steamed broccoli, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds in big bowls. For an outdoor feast, try skewering marinated chicken chunks and grilling kabob-style—kids and adults alike will be delighted by this playful twist on Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Delight keep beautifully. Store any extra chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to truly look forward to!
Freezing
If you want to stash some for another day, freeze the cooked (and cooled) chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. For best results, store the glaze separately and add it after reheating—but honestly, it’s delicious either way. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave until hot and steaming. Add a splash of water or extra pineapple juice if the sauce has thickened up—you’ll bring that silky glaze right back to life. Serve over fresh rice for a meal that tastes just as fabulous the second time!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both work wonderfully in Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Delight. Thighs stay extra juicy, while breasts offer a lighter option. Just be sure not to overcook breasts—they’re done when no longer pink and the juices run clear.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply switch the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Delight a fantastic option for all eaters.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Definitely. Baking is a great hands-off method—arrange marinated chicken in a baking dish, then roast at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through. Brush on that gorgeous glaze at the end for all the same delicious flavor.
What kind of rice is best to serve with this dish?
Classic steamed white rice is always a hit, but pineapple rice takes things up a notch for a true island vibe. You can even try jasmine or brown rice for a slightly different texture—each soaks up that teriyaki goodness beautifully!
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You’ll want to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors really infuse. If you have time, letting it sit for several hours (or even overnight) makes the Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Delight extra tender and flavor-packed.
Final Thoughts
Ready to bring a taste of the islands straight to your kitchen? Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Delight is a joyful, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll return to again and again. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight and festive enough for any celebration—so gather your loved ones and enjoy every succulent, sunshine-filled bite!
Print
Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop or Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Delight, a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for a Hawaiian-themed dinner night. Tender chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, and aromatic spices, then grilled to perfection and glazed with a sticky teriyaki sauce.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
Garnish and Serving:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Cooked white rice or pineapple rice, for serving
Instructions
- Marinating the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Marinate chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Cooking the Chicken: Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked. Simmer remaining marinade with cornstarch slurry to make a glaze.
- Finishing Touches: Brush cooked chicken with glaze, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice.
Notes
- Enhance with grilled pineapple or macaroni salad.
- Bake chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes as an alternative cooking method.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken portion with glaze
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
