Transport yourself to the islands with this Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipe! The sweet and savory flavors of soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice make the chicken incredibly juicy and flavorful. With a simple marinade and a hot grill, you’ll have a tropical-inspired meal that’s perfect for summer cookouts or a fun weeknight dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Bold Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and fresh ginger creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a tropical twist.
Juicy and Tender: Marinating the chicken overnight ensures every bite is juicy and full of flavor.
Perfect for Grilling: Chicken thighs stay moist and tender on the grill, making this an ideal recipe for any barbecue or outdoor gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ½ lbs chicken thighs, boneless, skinless – Tender, juicy, and perfect for absorbing the flavorful marinade.
1 cup soy sauce – Adds a rich, salty base to the marinade.
1 cup brown sugar, packed – Sweetens the marinade and helps caramelize the chicken on the grill.
1 cup pineapple juice – Provides a tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken.
4 cloves garlic, chopped – Adds a punch of garlicky goodness.
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced – Brightens up the marinade with a zesty, aromatic kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken thighs in a large bowl or gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Set it aside while you prepare the marinade.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, and fresh ginger. Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar has fully dissolved.

Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring that all the pieces are fully submerged. If using a Ziploc bag, press the air out and seal it tightly. If using a bowl, cover it as airtight as possible with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the chicken and marinade for at least 4 hours, but for the best results, let it marinate overnight.

2. Prepare the Grill and Marinade

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and set it aside. Do not discard the marinade—you’ll be using it later!

Pour the leftover marinade into a medium saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, letting it simmer for 5-10 minutes. This step ensures the marinade is safe to use as a glaze while also thickening it to make a rich, flavorful sauce.

3. Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill. As they cook, brush some of the hot marinade over the top of the chicken for extra flavor. Make sure you do not dip the brush back into the marinade after it touches the raw chicken—use a separate brush or spoon if needed.

Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The sugars in the marinade will caramelize, creating a deliciously charred exterior.

4. Serve with Extra Sauce

Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a serving dish. Pour the remaining hot teriyaki marinade over the top of the grilled chicken to really enhance the flavor.

Serve the Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken immediately, alongside your favorite sides like steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh pineapple salsa.

Tips for Success

Marinate Overnight: For the most flavorful and juicy chicken, let the thighs marinate overnight. The longer they sit, the deeper the flavor.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is fully cooked without drying out, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Simmer the Marinade: It’s crucial to simmer the leftover marinade before using it as a glaze. This ensures it’s safe to consume after being in contact with raw chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken pairs perfectly with tropical sides like:

Coconut Rice – The subtle sweetness of coconut milk complements the tangy teriyaki flavors.
Grilled Pineapple – Bring out the natural sugars in pineapple by grilling it alongside the chicken.
Hawaiian Mac Salad – A creamy and tangy side dish to cool down the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.

Why You Need to Make This Recipe

This Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken brings bold, tropical flavors right to your dinner table. With a juicy, marinated chicken thigh and a sweet-savory teriyaki glaze, it’s a dish that feels both indulgent and light at the same time. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, making it a great go-to for busy nights or weekend grilling with friends and family.