Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is a beloved island classic that perfectly captures the balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that define Hawaiian comfort food. Unlike thicker, overly sticky mainland versions, authentic Hawaiian-style teriyaki sauce is lighter, deeply flavorful, and designed to soak into the chicken rather than coat it heavily. The focus is on marination time, allowing the soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic to fully penetrate the meat. This creates juicy chicken with bold flavor in every bite, especially when grilled over open heat. The caramelization that forms on the outside is key, giving the chicken its signature charred edges and irresistible aroma.
This dish is a staple at plate lunch spots across Hawaii, typically served with fluffy white rice and creamy macaroni salad. Chicken thighs are traditionally used because they stay moist and tender even after grilling, but chicken breasts can also work if cooked carefully. The sauce itself is intentionally simple, relying on pantry ingredients and technique rather than cornstarch or heavy thickeners. As the chicken grills, the sugars in the marinade caramelize quickly, so attentive cooking and frequent turning are essential to avoid burning while achieving that deep golden color.