Description
Take your taste buds on a tropical getaway with this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken — a quick dinner idea bursting with island flavor. Juicy chicken thighs soak up a homemade pineapple-soy marinade before being grilled or seared to golden caramelized perfection. This easy dinner recipe brings smoky sweetness to the table, making it perfect for weeknight meals, summer BBQs, or healthy lunch prep. It’s one of those dinner ideas that feels indulgent yet is simple to make, even on busy nights. Great for family meals, gatherings, or when you’re craving something sweet-savory with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons water
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or avocado)
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Grilled pineapple rings (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until combined. Reserve 1/4 cup for glaze.
2. Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or dish. Pour in the marinade and coat well. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Pour reserved 1/4 cup marinade into a saucepan. Bring to simmer and stir in cornstarch mixed with water. Simmer until thickened. Set aside.
4. Heat grill or skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Brush glaze over cooked chicken. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice or grilled pineapple.
Notes
Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
Reserve and thicken extra marinade separately to use as glaze—never reuse raw marinade without cooking.
If grilling outdoors, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking and get better grill marks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled or Skillet
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg