Juicy Island-Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe: BBQ Paradise

Summers sizzle with vibrant flavors that transport you straight to tropical paradise, and this Hawaiian grilled teriyaki chicken recipe captures island-inspired magic.

Tender chicken marinates in a tangy teriyaki sauce, promising an explosion of sweet and savory notes.

Each bite tells a story of culinary adventure, blending traditional techniques with bold ingredients.

The marinade infuses deep, rich flavors that dance on your palate with every mouthful.

Charred edges and juicy interior create a perfect balance of texture and taste.

Grilling transforms simple chicken into an extraordinary meal that connects you with pacific island cuisine.

Get ready to experience a delicious journey that will become your new favorite summer dish.

Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Ingredient Lineup

• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and salty foundation for the marinade, choose low-sodium for better control of saltiness.
• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelization and sweet balance, use dark brown sugar for richer flavor complexity.
• Pineapple Juice: Provides tropical brightness and helps tenderize chicken, select fresh or 100% pure juice.
• Rice Vinegar: Offers tangy brightness and helps balance flavors, look for clear and mild varieties.
• Sesame Oil: Delivers nutty undertone and authentic Asian essence, choose toasted version for deeper aroma.
• Garlic: Introduces robust savory notes, use fresh minced for most vibrant flavor profile.
• Ginger: Adds zesty warmth and aids in meat tenderization, select fresh root for maximum punch.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic complexity, freshly ground offers best taste.

• Chicken: Select boneless skinless thighs for juiciest results, choose organic or free-range for best texture.

• Sesame Seeds: Creates crunchy texture and nutty accent, toast lightly before sprinkling for enhanced flavor.
• Green Onions: Introduces fresh herbal brightness, slice thinly for delicate presentation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 4

Grill Tools For Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Perfection

• Grill: Essential for achieving those perfect char marks and smoky flavor.
• Tongs: Crucial for safely flipping and handling chicken on hot grates.
• Shallow dish or resealable bag: Needed for marinating chicken.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Small saucepan: Used for simmering marinade into glaze.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
• Cutting board: For preparing garnishes like green onions.
• Brush: Helpful for glazing chicken with reduced marinade.

How To Prepare Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken With Ease

• Create Flavor Explosion

Whip up a tangy marinade by blending soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, crushed garlic, grated ginger, and a dash of black pepper until sugar melts completely.

• Bath the Chicken

Submerge chicken pieces in the vibrant marinade, making sure every bit gets coated. Seal in a ziplock bag and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.

• Fire Up the Grill

Heat the grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature around 375-400F. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking and ensure smooth cooking.

• Grill to Perfection

Transfer marinated chicken onto the hot grill. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensuring the internal temperature hits 165F.

• Glaze and Garnish

Optional: Transform leftover marinade into a glossy glaze by boiling and simmering for 5-7 minutes. Plate the grilled chicken, drizzle with glaze, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh green onions.

Sauce Tips And Tweaks For Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

• Grill Master Magic: Pat the chicken dry before grilling to achieve those beautiful, crispy charred edges that make teriyaki chicken irresistible.
• No-Fail Marinating Hack: Always marinate in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth and let the flavors deeply penetrate the chicken.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make this recipe completely gluten-free without losing that savory umami flavor.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia for a lower-carb version that still delivers incredible taste.
• Tropical Protein Swap: Experiment with different proteins like salmon, tofu, or pork using the same marinade for a delightful twist on the classic Hawaiian-style recipe.

Plating Suggestions For Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

• Tropical Beach Picnic Platter: Spread the grilled chicken on a large wooden board with fresh pineapple rings, coconut rice, and colorful tropical fruits like mango and papaya for a vibrant island-inspired meal.
• Hawaiian Luau Feast: Serve the teriyaki chicken alongside traditional sides like macaroni salad, grilled vegetables, and steamed white rice for an authentic Hawaiian dining experience.
• Quick Wrap Adventure: Slice the grilled chicken and wrap it in soft tortillas with a fresh pineapple salsa, crisp lettuce, and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce for a quick and delicious lunch option.
• Salad Bowl Delight: Chop the grilled chicken and toss over a bed of mixed greens, add mandarin orange segments, toasted macadamia nuts, and a light sesame dressing for a refreshing and nutritious meal.

Best Ways To Refrigerate Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Refrigerator Readiness: Store marinated chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days before grilling. Keep raw chicken sealed at the bottom of the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Wrap uncooked marinated chicken tightly in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling for best texture and flavor preservation.
• Leftover Magic: Cooked chicken stays fresh in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in microwave or skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Perfect for quick salads, sandwiches, or rice bowl transformations.
• Smart Meal Prep Trick: Double the recipe and cook extra chicken. Slice and portion for quick weekday lunches or dinner shortcuts. Cold grilled teriyaki chicken works wonderfully in wraps, pasta salads, or atop mixed greens with Asian-inspired dressing.

Succulent Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Hawaiian grilled teriyaki chicken brings tropical flavors to your plate. Marinated in sweet and savory sauce, this dish delivers authentic island-inspired taste that beckons you to savor each delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless)
• ½ cup (120 ml) soy sauce (low-sodium)
• ⅓ cup (67 g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) pineapple juice
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh ginger (grated)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 green onions (sliced)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cracked black pepper until sugar dissolves completely, creating a harmonious flavor blend.
2. Marinating Chicken: Submerge chicken in marinade within a non-reactive container, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours, allowing ingredients to infuse deeply into the meat’s fibers.
3. Grill Preparation: Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat (375-400F). Meticulously clean and oil grates to prevent adherence and promote beautiful caramelization.
4. Grilling Process: Extract chicken from marinade, letting excess drip away. Arrange pieces on hot grates with uniform spacing, cooking 6-7 minutes per side to develop robust grill marks and achieve perfect golden-brown exterior.
5. Doneness Verification: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165F. Simultaneously, transform remaining marinade into a luxurious glaze by simmering 5-7 minutes until syrupy consistency develops.
6. Serving Presentation: Transfer grilled chicken to serving platter, generously brush with reduced marinade. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and delicate green onion slivers, creating a visually stunning and flavor-packed Hawaiian-inspired dish.

Notes

• Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak for at least 2 hours, but avoid marinating longer than 8 hours to prevent meat from becoming too salty or tough.
• Grill Precision: Maintain consistent medium-high heat and clean grates to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful caramelization without burning.
• Temperature Control: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
• Flavor Boost: Transform leftover marinade into a quick sauce by simmering, adding depth and extra Hawaiian-inspired taste to the grilled chicken.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg