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A handheld smartphone photo of sliced grilled chicken thighs with dark amber glaze and green scallions. (Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken)

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken: The Ultimate Glossy Grilled Island Feast

This Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken features juicy grilled thighs with deep char marks, a thick glossy amber glaze, and caramelized pineapple. Served over fluffy jasmine rice, it’s a tropical flavor explosion that's easy to master at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Recipe
  • 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs 900g
  • 1 cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce 240ml
  • 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice 120ml
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar 100g
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger 15g, grated
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch 8g, mixed with 1 tbsp water
  • 2 cups Jasmine Rice 400g, uncooked
  • 6 rings Pineapple Fresh or canned
  • 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds White
  • 3 stalks Green Scallions sliced

Equipment

  • 1 Outdoor Grill or Cast Iron Grill Pan Essential for high-heat charring.
  • 1 Small saucepan Used for reducing the glossy glaze.
  • 1 Digital Meat Thermometer To ensure internal temp of 165°F.

Method
 

Prep and Marinade
  1. Whisk soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Reserve 1/2 cup for the glaze.
  2. Place chicken in the remaining marinade for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Cooking
  1. Simmer reserved 1/2 cup marinade in a saucepan. Whisk in cornstarch slurry until thick and glossy.
  2. Grill thighs over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until charred and internal temp is 165°F (74°C). Brush with glaze in the final 2 minutes.
  3. Place pineapple rings on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized with visible grill lines.
Serving
  1. Slice chicken and serve over steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green scallions.

Notes

Always use chicken thighs for the best char and moisture.
Ensure the grill is preheated to at least 400°F before adding the meat.