Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
Experience the tropical sweetness and savory depth of Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken, a quick and easy dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce with pineapple chunks. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining, this recipe balances sweet, tangy, and savory elements for a comforting meal that adapts to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying and simmering
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts (skin-on or skinless)
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (cornstarch slurry)
- 1–2 tablespoons cooking oil (for skillet)
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and honey in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken thighs or breasts on each side until golden, about 5 minutes per side, ensuring they are nearly cooked through.
- Add Pineapple and Sauce: Stir in pineapple chunks and pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Lower heat to medium and let simmer gently so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
- Thicken the Glaze: Mix the cornstarch slurry and slowly pour into the skillet while stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the sauce reaches desired consistency and chicken is fully cooked, remove from heat and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes beforehand to deepen flavor.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best taste.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar or honey to taste.
- Allow cooked chicken to rest briefly to retain juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 chicken thigh with sauce)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken, Teriyaki chicken recipe, pineapple chicken, easy chicken dinner, tropical chicken dish, gluten-free teriyaki