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Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal featuring tender chicken glazed with a perfectly balanced blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. This recipe delivers a tropical island vibe with sweet, savory, and tangy notes, ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Teriyaki Sauce

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Thickener

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons cold water

Garnishes (Optional)

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the boneless chicken thighs or breasts, then pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a nice browning. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave whole if you prefer a slice-at-the-table style.
  2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar until well combined.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes per side depending on thickness.
  4. Simmer in Sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the skillet and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the chicken perfectly.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken for a fresh, nutty finish before serving.

Notes

  • Let chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
  • Use freshly grated ginger for the best flavor.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to get a good sear without steaming.
  • Taste the sauce before simmering and adjust sweetness with extra brown sugar or pineapple juice as preferred.
  • Using a nonstick skillet can help prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: teriyaki chicken, Hawaiian chicken, quick dinner, pineapple chicken, weeknight meal, gluten free teriyaki