Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

This Hawaiian teriyaki chicken is sweet, savory, and packed with bold flavors! Made with a rich homemade teriyaki marinade, this easy grilled or air-fried teriyaki chicken is perfect for a quick dinner or an impressive meal if you're hosting. Serve it with rice and steamed veggies for an authentic Hawaiian meal at home!

This Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Is The Best

Sweet, savory, and packed with tropical flavor, this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken recipe is your ticket to an easy island-inspired dinner! It has tender air fried chicken thighs that are infused and smothered with a homemade teriyaki sauce. Each bite has just the right balance of sweet and salty that'll keep you coming back for more!

Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal, a summer BBQ crowd-pleaser, or a healthy meal prep option, this Hawaiian-style chicken has you covered. Best of all? It’s super easy to make, even if you've never made something like this before!

I love pairing the chicken with steamed rice or grilled veggies, or even serving it in tacos or lettuce wraps. Keep reading to learn how to make the best Hawaiian teriyaki marinade, how long to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer for juicy results, and how to store leftovers like a pro.

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Chicken Marinade:

• 1½ cups soy sauce
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, ground
• 1 teaspoon MSG (optional)

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 stalks green onions, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, ground sesame seeds, and MSG until the sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Bring to Room Temperature

Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until slightly charred and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Alternatively, grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to a plate and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve with steamed rice, macaroni salad, or grilled pineapple!

My Expert Tips

• Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicier and absorb the marinade better.
• Grill for Authentic Flavor: Cooking over charcoal adds a smoky Hawaiian touch.
• Don’t Skip the Marinade Time: The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavor.
• Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade.
• Double the Sauce: Use extra marinade to drizzle over rice for more flavor.

FAQ's About This Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

What makes Hawaiian teriyaki chicken different?

It’s sweeter and richer than traditional teriyaki due to the use of brown sugar and sesame oil, giving it a deeper, caramelized flavor.

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes! Cook it on the grill, stovetop, or oven at 400°F for 20 minutes.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

I mentioned storing leftovers earlier, and if you happen to have any chicken leftovers, you're in luck! It tastes amazing for the next few days. Store the Hawaiian chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat for best results.

What can I serve with teriyaki chicken?

Pair it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, grilled pineapple, or Hawaiian macaroni salad.

My Final Thoughts

This authentic Hawaiian teriyaki chicken recipe is sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re grilling, pan-frying, or air frying, it’s the perfect quick and flavorful chicken dish for any occasion. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to bottled teriyaki sauce again!

More Chicken Recipes You'll Love

• Crockpot chicken leg quarters
• Chicken lollipop legs
• Frozen chicken in the crockpot
• Popeye's fried chicken
• Hot honey chicken breasts