There’s something magical about the sizzling aroma of grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. It takes me right back to a summer trip I made to Oahu, where I first tasted this Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken at a roadside stand. The grill marks were caramelized perfection, the marinade bursting with island flavors pineapple, soy, ginger, and garlic. Inspired by that unforgettable bite, I brought this recipe home and made it part of our summer BBQ tradition.
Today, I’m sharing this family-favorite version with you easy to make, delightfully tangy, and perfect for bringing a little aloha to your table.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Optional: Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinade Time: 2–8 hours
- Grill Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings
Serves 4–6 people
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir until sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
Step 3: Grill It Up!
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade (discard used marinade). Grill chicken thighs for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice, grilled pineapple, or a tropical slaw for the full Hawaiian experience!
What to Serve with Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
- Coconut rice or jasmine rice
- Grilled pineapple spears
- Mango salsa
- Hawaiian macaroni salad
- Mai Tai or Pineapple Mojito for the grown-ups!
💡 Tips & Variations
- Prefer a thicker sauce? Simmer leftover marinade (boil first) and reduce to a glaze.
- Add red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or tofu for a lighter version.
Share Your Dish!
Tried this Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipe? Share your creation on social media and tag us! We’d love to see your tropical take.