Tropical Paradise Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Let’s talk about a mouthwatering Hawaiian grilled teriyaki chicken that will transport you straight to tropical paradise.

This zesty dish bursts with incredible flavors from a perfect marinade.

Sweet and tangy notes dance across each tender piece of meat.

Sizzling chicken fresh off the grill, glazed with a rich teriyaki sauce that caramelizes beautifully.

Pineapple chunks add a bright, juicy element that complements the savory protein.

Each bite promises a delicious escape from ordinary weeknight meals.

You’ll want to fire up the grill and experience this island-inspired culinary adventure right now.

Tips To Make Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Juicy

• Marinate Smartly: Let chicken soak in the marinade overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tenderness.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination: Never reuse raw chicken marinade without boiling it first to kill harmful bacteria.
• Grill with Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Simmer the marinade into a rich glaze to intensify the teriyaki taste and add a glossy finish.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version or use coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.

How To Store Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe The Right Way

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooled grilled chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat Safely: Warm refrigerated chicken in the microwave using 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Revive Moisture: Sprinkle a few drops of water or chicken broth over the chicken before reheating to prevent drying out and maintain its juicy texture.

What To Eat With Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Complement the Hawaiian teriyaki chicken with a fresh mango salsa or pineapple salad to enhance the tropical flavors and add a bright, zesty kick.
• Coconut Rice Partner: Serve alongside creamy coconut rice to balance the savory teriyaki marinade and create a smooth, rich accompaniment that echoes the Hawaiian-inspired theme.
• Crisp Island Beverage: Pair with a cold, light beer like a Hawaiian-style lager or a citrusy white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the chicken's rich marinade and refresh the palate.
• Vibrant Veggie Side: Add grilled zucchini or asparagus with a light sesame dressing to provide a green, nutritious contrast to the sweet and tangy chicken.

Flavor Ideas For Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

• Coconut Fusion Chicken: Blend shredded coconut into the marinade and coat chicken with toasted coconut flakes after grilling for a tropical texture and enhanced nutty flavor.
• Pineapple Salsa Topped Chicken: Top grilled chicken with fresh pineapple salsa featuring diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño for a zesty, vibrant finish.
• Spicy Island Kick: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the marinade for a bold, fiery version that brings extra heat to the traditional Hawaiian teriyaki profile.
• Mango Glaze Option: Replace pineapple juice with fresh mango puree in the marinade and create a complementary mango reduction sauce for drizzling over the finished chicken.

FAQs For Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

• Why should I marinate the chicken for so long?

Marinating helps the chicken absorb those amazing Hawaiian teriyaki flavors deeply. The longer it sits, the more tender and delicious the meat becomes, letting the soy sauce, pineapple juice, and spices penetrate every bite.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of other cuts?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly and stay juicy. Breasts tend to dry out faster, so watch your grilling time carefully.

• Is there a way to tell if my chicken is fully cooked without cutting it?

Use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 165F. This guarantees your chicken is safe to eat without slicing into it and losing those precious juices. The thermometer is your best cooking friend for perfectly grilled chicken.

• What if I don't have a grill?

No worries! You can make this recipe in a grill pan on the stovetop or even in the oven. Just ensure you get those nice caramelized edges and cook the chicken to the right temperature. Each method will give slightly different results but still be super tasty.

Why Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Tastes Like A Tropical Escape

• Infuse Tropical Flavor: Dive into a burst of Hawaiian-inspired taste with the perfect blend of sweet pineapple juice and savory soy sauce, creating a mouthwatering marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
• Simplify Grilling Magic: Master the art of easy grilling with a foolproof method that guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time, requiring minimal cooking skills and delivering maximum flavor impact.
• Prep-Ahead Convenience: Enjoy a stress-free cooking experience by marinating the chicken overnight, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat and making dinnertime a breeze for busy families or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Impress guests with a restaurant-quality dish that appeals to both kids and adults, works perfectly for backyard barbecues, summer parties, or a quick weeknight dinner that breaks the monotony of everyday meals.

Everything You’ll Need For Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

• Soy Sauce: Provides salty base flavor, low-sodium options work well.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization, dark or light varieties acceptable.
• Pineapple Juice: Brings tropical tang and helps tenderize meat.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds subtle acidity and brightness to the marinade.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes nutty, rich flavor, use toasted version for deeper taste.

• Garlic: Offers robust, aromatic base note, fresh cloves preferred.
• Ginger: Provides warm, spicy undertone, fresh root recommended.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth, freshly ground preferred.

• Chicken, Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Chicken serves as main protein, sesame seeds add crunch and visual appeal, green onions provide fresh, sharp flavor and color contrast.

Steps To Grill Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Craft Flavorful Teriyaki Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Pineapple juice
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated fresh ginger
• Cracked black pepper

Whisk vigorously until sugar completely dissolves, creating a vibrant marinade.

Step 2: Infuse Chicken with Tropical Flavors

Transfer chicken pieces into a sealed container or heavy-duty ziplock bag. Pour the prepared teriyaki mixture over the meat, ensuring every inch gets coated. Seal and refrigerate, allowing flavors to dance and meld for 2-4 hours.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Prepare outdoor grill by heating to medium-high temperature. Lightly brush grates with cooking oil to prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks.

Step 4: Sear Chicken to Perfection

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip away. Place chicken on hot grill, cooking each side for 6-7 minutes. Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Transform Marinade into Glaze

Pour reserved marinade into small saucepan. Bring to rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer until sauce thickens and develops rich, glossy appearance.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Thinly sliced green onions

Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hawaiian grilled teriyaki chicken merges tropical flavors with classic Asian-inspired marinades, creating a mouthwatering dish that sings with sweet and savory notes. Juicy chicken pieces glazed in tangy teriyaki sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Marinade/Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• ⅓ cup (66 grams) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) fresh ginger (grated)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 green onions (sliced)

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant teriyaki marinade by blending soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cracked black pepper until the sugar completely dissolves into a smooth liquid.
2. Transfer the chicken pieces into a secure marinating container, thoroughly coating each piece with the prepared marinade. Seal and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
3. Heat the outdoor grill to a medium-high temperature, approximately 375-400F. Carefully oil the grill grates to prevent potential sticking and ensure easy chicken removal.
4. Extract the chicken from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip away. Position the chicken pieces on the preheated grill, cooking approximately 6-7 minutes per side until the meat reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F and develops a beautiful caramelized exterior.
5. For an enhanced flavor profile, transfer the remaining marinade to a small saucepan. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops a glossy consistency.
6. Plate the grilled chicken attractively, optionally brushing with the reduced marinade for extra depth of flavor. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Boost Marinade Flavor by gently pounding chicken breasts before marinating to help them absorb more delicious teriyaki seasoning.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination by using separate marinades for basting and serving, ensuring one batch never touches raw chicken.
• Create Gluten-Free Version by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which maintain the rich umami taste without wheat.
• Maximize Tenderness through careful monitoring of grilling time, removing chicken immediately when it reaches 165F to avoid drying out the meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg