Name: Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken: AMAZING Glazed Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup soy sauce; 1 cup water; 1 cup sugar; 5 cloves garlic, mashed; 1 inch ginger root, thinly sliced

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Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken has a way of transporting me straight to the islands with its irresistible sweet and savory glaze. I remember the first time I tried an authentic Hawaiian teriyaki chicken recipe at a luau years ago; the chicken was so tender and caramelized, it was pure magic. Now, making this Hawaiian teriyaki chicken recipe at home has become a cherished ritual. The aroma of ginger and garlic simmering in the sweet glaze fills my kitchen, promising a weeknight dinner that’s both incredibly easy and deeply satisfying. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

This recipe is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners. Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

Incredibly Flavorful: The sweet, savory, and ginger-infused glaze is simply addictive.
Quick & Easy: It’s an easy Hawaiian teriyaki chicken that comes together in under an hour.
Restaurant Quality: Achieve that perfect caramelized finish you’d expect from your favorite Hawaiian restaurant.
Versatile: This easy Hawaiian teriyaki chicken works wonderfully in bowls, stir-fries, or served with rice.
Simple Marinade: The homemade marinade is straightforward, using pantry staples.
Tender Chicken: Using thighs ensures the chicken stays moist and tender, never dry.
A Family Favorite: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will adore.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to making my favorite Hawaiian teriyaki chicken recipe. The magic of this Hawaiian chicken teriyaki marinade lies in its balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic elements that transform humble chicken thighs into something spectacular. Making this at home means you have complete control over the quality and flavor!

3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs – the best cut for staying juicy and tender
1 cup soy sauce – the savory base of our glaze
1 cup water – to help balance the saltiness and sweetness
1 cup sugar – for that signature caramelized sweetness
5 cloves garlic, mashed – releases its pungent flavor into the marinade
1 inch ginger root, thinly sliced – adds a warm, spicy kick that’s quintessential to authentic Hawaiian teriyaki chicken

How to Make Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Let’s get this delicious Hawaiian teriyaki chicken into your kitchen! Making this authentic Hawaiian teriyaki chicken at home is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. The smell alone as it cooks is intoxicating!

Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, let’s get our marinade ready.
Step 2: Grab a large bowl and combine 1 cup soy sauce, 1 cup water, and 1 cup sugar. Stir it all together until the sugar completely dissolves. This forms the base of our amazing glaze.
Step 3: Now, add the 5 cloves garlic, mashed, and the 1 inch ginger root, thinly sliced to the soy sauce mixture. Give it a good stir to meld those aromatic flavors, creating the perfect Hawaiian chicken teriyaki marinade.
Step 4: Place your 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is fully submerged so it can soak up all that deliciousness. For the best flavor infusion, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or even up to 4 hours if you have the time.
Step 5: About 15 minutes before you’re ready to cook, take the chicken out of the refrigerator. This helps it cook more evenly.
Step 6: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot to get a good sear on the chicken.
Step 7: Carefully transfer the chicken thighs to the hot skillet, leaving the marinade behind in the bowl for now.
Step 8: Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and for the chicken to be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 9: While the chicken is searing, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan.
Step 10: Bring the reserved marinade to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce thickens and gets that lovely glossy sheen.
Step 11: Now, return the beautifully seared chicken back into the skillet with the thickened sauce.
Step 12: Gently toss the chicken thighs to coat them completely in the glossy, sweet Hawaiian teriyaki chicken glaze.
Step 13: Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the chicken to really soak up that incredible flavor.
Step 14: Transfer the finished Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken to a serving plate and spoon any extra sauce over the top for that extra touch of deliciousness.
Step 15: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and moist.

Pro Tips for the Best Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Want to elevate your Hawaiian teriyaki chicken recipe from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make a huge difference. These simple tips will ensure your homemade Hawaiian teriyaki chicken is perfectly caramelized and incredibly flavorful every single time.

Always pat your chicken thighs completely dry before marinating. This helps achieve a better sear and that coveted caramelized crust.
Don’t rush the sauce simmering. Letting the reserved marinade thicken properly is key to that glossy, rich Hawaiian teriyaki chicken glaze.
For an even more authentic flavor, consider adding a splash of mirin to your marinade; it adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding the chicken to get that beautiful browning.

What’s the secret to perfect Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken?

The secret to truly perfect Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken lies in the balance of the glaze and achieving that beautiful caramelization. My favorite trick for the best Hawaiian teriyaki chicken is to let the chicken thighs sear undisturbed for a few minutes per side before flipping, allowing a rich crust to form.

Can I make Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. If you’ve already cooked the chicken and sauce, you can store the finished dish in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes for fantastic leftovers!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken?

A common mistake is overcrowding the pan, which steams the chicken instead of searing it. Always cook in batches if necessary. Another pitfall is not letting the sauce thicken fully; a thin sauce won’t coat the chicken properly. Lastly, avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry.

Best Ways to Serve Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

This versatile Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is fantastic served in so many ways! My go-to is creating a vibrant Hawaiian teriyaki chicken bowl. Simply place a generous portion of the glazed chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice, add some crisp, steamed broccoli or bok choy, and maybe some shredded carrots or pickled ginger for extra zing. It’s a complete and satisfying meal!

Another favorite is serving it alongside classic Hawaiian luau sides like creamy macaroni salad and a fresh, pineapple-based coleslaw. The sweet and savory chicken complements these flavors perfectly. For a quicker option, you can chop the cooked chicken and toss it into a stir-fry with your favorite vegetables and noodles, making it a wonderful chicken teriyaki Hawaiian style dish that’s ready in minutes.

Nutrition Facts for Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

When enjoying this delicious Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken, it’s helpful to know what you’re fueling your body with. This recipe is designed to be a satisfying and flavorful dinner option. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, based on the ingredients and preparation methods outlined in this Hawaiian teriyaki chicken recipe:

Calories: 400
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 900mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

One of the best things about this homemade Hawaiian teriyaki chicken is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool completely on a plate or cutting board. This is crucial to prevent condensation in your storage containers. Then, transfer the chicken and any extra sauce into airtight containers.

You can store your delicious Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave for a quick meal, stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

What makes this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken authentic?

What makes this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken authentic is the balance of sweet and savory flavors, achieved through the simple yet effective combination of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger in the marinade and glaze. It captures the essence of island cooking.

How can I make Hawaiian teriyaki chicken spicier?

To add a kick to your Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken, you can incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinade or glaze. Sriracha or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can also be added to the sauce as it simmers for a customizable heat level.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Hawaiian teriyaki chicken recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but be mindful of the cooking time. Chicken breast tends to dry out more quickly than thighs. Cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.

What are some good side dishes for Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken?

This Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers, a fresh side salad, or even grilled pineapple. A classic Hawaiian mac salad is also a fantastic accompaniment!

Variations of Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered this classic Hawaiian teriyaki chicken recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many fun ways to switch up this dish. For a taste of the tropics, try making a pineapple teriyaki chicken Hawaiian style by adding about half a cup of pineapple juice to the marinade and a bit of diced pineapple to the sauce as it thickens. It adds a lovely fruity sweetness!

If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can easily adapt this to be a Hawaiian grilled teriyaki chicken. Marinate the chicken as usual, then grill it over medium heat until cooked through, basting with the glaze during the last few minutes of cooking. For a vegetarian twist, try using firm tofu or large chunks of cauliflower, marinating and then baking or pan-frying them just like the chicken!