Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple and Brown Sugar

Sweet, savory, and bursting with island flavor!

Juicy, tender chicken thighs are marinated and cooked in a sticky-sweet teriyaki glaze made with soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Every bite is a balance of savory umami and tropical sweetness — it’s like a mini vacation on your plate!

This dish is perfect for family dinners, backyard BBQs, or meal prep — and it’s just as delicious grilled, baked, or pan-seared.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade:

3 pounds chicken thighs (boneless and skinless preferred, but bone-in works too)
1 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
1 cup pineapple juice (or use canned pineapple chunks with juice for extra texture)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
5 cloves garlic, mashed or finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional but adds richness)
½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnish:

Pineapple rings or chunks (grilled or fresh)
Sliced green onions
Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

Soy sauce
Pineapple juice
Brown sugar
Mashed garlic
Fresh ginger
(Optional) Sesame oil and black pepper

Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are fully combined. The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling like paradise!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Tip: The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the flavor. Overnight marination gives you that authentic, caramelized teriyaki taste.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

You can cook the chicken three different ways depending on your mood and setup:

Option 1: Grill (Best for Smoky Flavor)

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Remove chicken from the marinade and reserve the marinade for later.
Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Baste occasionally with the reserved marinade for extra glaze and flavor.

Option 2: Oven-Baked

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place marinated chicken thighs on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting halfway through with extra marinade.
For a caramelized finish, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Option 3: Pan-Seared + Glaze

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil.
Sear the chicken thighs for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Pour in the leftover marinade and let it simmer until thickened into a sticky glaze (about 5–8 minutes).
Important: If using leftover marinade from raw chicken, make sure you boil it for at least 5 minutes before using it as a sauce to kill bacteria.

Step 4: Add Pineapple for That Tropical Touch

If you’re using pineapple chunks or rings, toss them into the pan (or grill) during the last few minutes of cooking.
They’ll caramelize beautifully and add a juicy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Serve the chicken hot, drizzled with that gorgeous brown sugar–pineapple glaze.
Garnish with:

Fresh pineapple pieces or grilled rings
Chopped green onions
Toasted sesame seeds

Serving Suggestions

This Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken pairs beautifully with:

Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice 🌴
Grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions
Hawaiian macaroni salad for a true island-style plate lunch
Or turn it into Hawaiian chicken sliders with toasted Hawaiian rolls!

Storage & Reheating

Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or pineapple juice to keep it saucy.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple and Brown Sugar is everything you love about island-style food — sweet, savory, sticky, and totally addictive.
The combination of caramelized brown sugar, salty soy, fresh ginger, and juicy pineapple makes it a family favorite that tastes like sunshine in every bite.

Whether grilled for summer cookouts or baked for cozy dinners, this dish is always a winner.