There’s something wonderfully comforting about a plate of tender chicken coated in a glossy, sweet-and-savory teriyaki sauce. This Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken recipe brings that island-inspired flavor to your kitchen with juicy chicken thighs, pineapple juice, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh ginger, and a little Thai chili for gentle heat.
The chicken is marinated until deeply flavorful, then cooked over high heat so the edges become beautifully browned. The reserved marinade is reduced into a rich sauce before the chicken is tossed back into the wok, giving every bite that sticky, flavorful coating.
Served over fluffy white rice, this homemade Molokai chicken makes an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a Hawaiian-style plate lunch right at home.
What Is Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken?
Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken is a Hawaiian-inspired chicken dish known for its tender chicken and sweet, savory teriyaki-style glaze. The combination of pineapple juice and brown sugar gives the sauce a fruity sweetness, while dark soy sauce provides deep savory flavor.
Fresh ginger and garlic add warmth and aroma, while sliced Thai chilies bring a little heat to balance the sweetness. The result is juicy, caramelized chicken covered in a glossy sauce that pairs especially well with steamed white rice.
This homemade version uses simple ingredients and a hot wok to recreate those bold, comforting flavors at home.
What Does Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken Taste Like?
Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken has a delicious balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors. The pineapple juice gives the chicken a bright tropical sweetness, while dark soy sauce adds a deep, salty richness to the marinade and sauce. Brown sugar helps create a glossy glaze with a subtle caramel-like flavor as it cooks.
Fresh ginger adds warmth and a little zing, while garlic brings a savory aroma to the finished chicken. Thinly sliced Thai chilies add a gentle kick that cuts through the sweetness without overpowering the dish.
The chicken itself is tender and juicy, with beautifully browned edges and a sticky sauce that clings to every bite. Served over steamed white rice, Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken makes a comforting meal with the sweet-and-savory flavor that makes Hawaiian-style chicken so satisfying.
Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lb (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size cubes – Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy during high-heat cooking, making them ideal for this recipe.
For the Marinade
- ¾ cup (180 ml) pineapple juice – Adds fruity sweetness and helps create the signature tropical flavor.
- ¾ cup (180 ml) dark soy sauce – Gives the marinade its deep savory taste and rich color.
- 3 tbsp (42 g) rice vinegar – Adds a mild tanginess that balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar – Creates a sweet, caramel-like flavor in the finished sauce.
- 2–3 Thai chilies, thinly sliced – Add a bright, spicy kick. Use fewer chilies for a milder dish.
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, grated – Brings warmth and a fresh, aromatic flavor.
For Cooking and Thickening
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil – Used for cooking the chicken over high heat.
- 1 tbsp (9 g) cornstarch – Helps turn the reduced marinade into a glossy, thick sauce.
- 1 tbsp (12 g) water – Mixed with cornstarch to make the thickening slurry.
- 2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped – Added at the end for a fresh garlic flavor.
Kitchen Utensils and Equipment
You’ll need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large wok or heavy skillet
- Tongs or a wooden spatula
- Small bowl for the cornstarch slurry
- Fine grater for the ginger
- Knife and cutting board
A large wok works particularly well because it gives the chicken plenty of room to brown without steaming.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time & Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 8 hours or overnight
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: About 8 hours 40 minutes, including marinating
Servings: 6
How to Make Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken
Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of molokai chicken hawaiian bros in a delicious way.
1. Make the Marinade
Add the pineapple juice, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, and light brown sugar to a large bowl. Whisk until the sugar has mostly dissolved.
Stir in the sliced Thai chilies and grated ginger. The marinade should smell sweet, savory, fresh, and slightly spicy.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken thighs to the marinade. Toss thoroughly so every piece is coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate. For the deepest flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If you’re short on time, give it several hours so the flavors have a chance to work into the chicken.
3. Strain the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and strain it well, reserving the marinade.
Letting excess marinade drain away helps the chicken brown properly once it hits the hot wok.
4. Cook the Chicken in Batches
Heat a large wok over very high heat and add the vegetable oil.
Cook the chicken in two batches rather than overcrowding the wok. Toss occasionally and cook until the pieces are nicely browned and cooked through.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Cooking in batches is important because too much chicken at once can release moisture and cause the meat to steam instead of developing those delicious browned edges.
5. Reduce the Teriyaki-Style Sauce
Once the chicken has been removed, add about half of the reserved marinade to the empty wok.
Bring it to a heavy boil and let it reduce for about 2 minutes. The sauce should begin to look slightly thicker and more concentrated.
Important: Because the marinade has been in contact with raw chicken, it needs to be brought to a proper boil before being used as a sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
Whisk about half of the slurry into the boiling sauce. Let it cook briefly and check the consistency.
Add more of the slurry little by little until the sauce becomes thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. You may not need all of it.
7. Finish the Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken
Return all of the cooked chicken to the wok.
Toss thoroughly so the reduced teriyaki-style sauce coats every piece. Let everything heat together briefly.
Turn off the heat, then add the finely chopped garlic. Toss again until the garlic is evenly distributed and the chicken is beautifully glazed.
8. Serve Hot
Spoon the Molokai chicken over freshly steamed white rice and serve immediately.
For a Hawaiian-style plate lunch, pair the chicken with simple sides such as macaroni salad and steamed vegetables.
Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions for Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken
Cook the chicken in batches. This is one of the easiest ways to get browned, flavorful chicken instead of pale, steamed pieces.
Marinate overnight when possible. The extra time allows the pineapple, soy sauce, ginger, and other flavors to develop more deeply.
Don’t burn the sauce. Once the marinade begins reducing, keep a close eye on it. The brown sugar can caramelize quickly.
Adjust the heat. Thai chilies can vary quite a bit in spiciness. Start with two if you prefer moderate heat and add more for a spicier chicken.
Chicken breast can be substituted. Boneless, skinless chicken breast works if you prefer leaner meat, but chicken thighs generally stay juicier.
No wok? Use a large skillet. A heavy, wide skillet can still give you good browning. Just make sure you don’t overcrowd it.
Add the garlic at the end. Cooking it briefly off the heat keeps its flavor fresh and aromatic rather than allowing it to become bitter.
Serving Suggestions for Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken
The easiest way to serve this Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken is over a generous scoop of steamed white rice. The rice soaks up the sweet and savory sauce and makes the dish wonderfully satisfying.
For a more complete Hawaiian-style plate lunch, serve it with macaroni salad, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also add sliced green onions or sesame seeds on top for a little extra freshness and crunch.
For a family-style meal, place the glazed chicken in a large serving bowl with a platter of hot rice alongside it so everyone can build their own plate.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Let leftover chicken cool, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should be enjoyed within 3–4 days.
To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small splash of water. Stir gently until hot. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each one.
Avoid overheating the chicken, as this can make the pieces dry.
Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Add the pineapple juice, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, and light brown sugar to a large bowl. Whisk until the sugar has mostly dissolved. Stir in the sliced Thai chilies and grated ginger. The marinade should smell sweet, savory, fresh, and slightly spicy.
- Add the cubed chicken thighs to the marinade. Toss thoroughly so every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate. For the deepest flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If you’re short on time, give it several hours so the flavors have a chance to work into the chicken.
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and strain it well, reserving the marinade. Letting excess marinade drain away helps the chicken brown properly once it hits the hot wok.
- Heat a large wok over very high heat and add the vegetable oil. Cook the chicken in two batches rather than overcrowding the wok. Toss occasionally and cook until the pieces are nicely browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside. Cooking in batches is important because too much chicken at once can release moisture and cause the meat to steam instead of developing those delicious browned edges.
- Once the chicken has been removed, add about half of the reserved marinade to the empty wok. Bring it to a heavy boil and let it reduce for about 2 minutes. The sauce should begin to look slightly thicker and more concentrated. Important: Because the marinade has been in contact with raw chicken, it needs to be brought to a proper boil before being used as a sauce.
- In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Whisk about half of the slurry into the boiling sauce. Let it cook briefly and check the consistency. Add more of the slurry little by little until the sauce becomes thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. You may not need all of it.
- Return all of the cooked chicken to the wok. Toss thoroughly so the reduced teriyaki-style sauce coats every piece. Let everything heat together briefly. Turn off the heat, then add the finely chopped garlic. Toss again until the garlic is evenly distributed and the chicken is beautifully glazed.
- Spoon the Molokai chicken over freshly steamed white rice and serve immediately. For a Hawaiian-style plate lunch, pair the chicken with simple sides such as macaroni salad and steamed vegetables.
Video
Notes
Common FAQs About Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken
When you give this Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.
What Is Molokai Chicken From Hawaiian Bros?
Molokai Chicken from Hawaiian Bros is a sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired chicken dish served with rice and other plate-lunch-style sides. The chicken is typically known for its flavorful teriyaki-style glaze, with a combination of sweet, salty, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. This homemade version uses pineapple juice, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, Thai chilies, and garlic to create a rich glaze for tender chicken thighs.
What Are the Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken?
Hawaiian chicken recipes can vary, but common ingredients include chicken thighs or chicken breast, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and sometimes rice vinegar or chili peppers. For this Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken recipe, the main ingredients are chicken thighs, pineapple juice, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, light brown sugar, Thai chilies, fresh ginger, garlic, vegetable oil, and cornstarch for thickening the sauce.
How to Make Hawaiian Bros Sauce?
To make a Hawaiian Bros-style sauce at home, combine pineapple juice, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar in a bowl, then add fresh ginger and Thai chilies. After marinating the chicken, reserve some of the marinade and bring it to a strong boil in a hot wok. Reduce it briefly, then add a cornstarch slurry made with cornstarch and water until the sauce becomes glossy and thick enough to coat the chicken. Finish with finely chopped garlic for extra flavor.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes. Chicken breast can be used, but chicken thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay juicier when cooked over high heat.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Several hours will also work when you don’t have enough time for an overnight marinade.
Can I make Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken less spicy?
Absolutely. Use only one or two Thai chilies, or leave them out completely for a milder version. The sweetness and savory flavors will still make the chicken delicious.
What should I serve with Molokai chicken?
Steamed white rice is the classic simple pairing. For a Hawaiian-style plate, try serving the chicken with macaroni salad and steamed vegetables.
Can I use the chicken marinade as a sauce?
Yes, but the marinade must be thoroughly boiled before serving because it has been in contact with raw chicken. Reducing it and thickening it with cornstarch turns it into a flavorful glaze.
Why should I cook the chicken in two batches?
Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding. When the wok is too full, the chicken releases moisture and can steam rather than brown.
This Hawaiian Bros Molokai Chicken recipe is all about juicy chicken, a glossy sweet-and-savory sauce, and plenty of tropical flavor. Pineapple juice, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, Thai chilies, and garlic come together to create a wonderfully satisfying homemade dinner.
Serve the chicken over hot white rice for an easy weeknight meal, or build a full Hawaiian-style plate lunch with your favorite sides. With a little marinating time and a very hot wok, you can bring this flavorful island-inspired dish straight to your own kitchen.
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The Molokai chicken has an addictive flavor with a slight kick