Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken (Authentic Hawaiian Recipe)

 

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is a popular island dish known for its sweet and savory flavor. It is commonly served as part of a Hawaiian plate lunch alongside steamed white rice and macaroni salad. This recipe uses a simple homemade teriyaki sauce that deeply marinates the chicken, giving it a rich and authentic taste.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless preferred)
• Oil for grilling or cooking

Hawaiian Teriyaki Sauce

• 1 cup soy sauce (shoyu if available)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a saucepan or mixing bowl, combine:

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Water
• Garlic
• Ginger

Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.

2. Marinate the Chicken

• Place the chicken in a large bowl or container.
• Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.

3. Cook the Chicken

Grilling Method (Traditional Hawaiian Style)

• Preheat grill to medium heat.
• Remove chicken from marinade.
• Grill for 5–7 minutes per side until caramelized and fully cooked.

Pan-Frying Method

• Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through.

Oven Method

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake chicken for 25–30 minutes.

Thickening the Sauce (Optional)

• Pour the remaining marinade into a saucepan.
• Bring to a full boil (important for safety).
• Mix cornstarch with water and add to the sauce.
• Simmer until thick and glossy.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the chicken and drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce. Serve with:

• Steamed white rice
• Hawaiian macaroni salad
• Grilled pineapple (optional)

Tips for Best Results

• Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.
• Hawaiian-style teriyaki is sweet and savory, not spicy.
• The flavor improves even more the next day.