Name: hawaiian bbq chicken recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 lb chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, or breasts (or mix the two like I did); 3 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish; 3 green onions, chopped, for garnish; 20 oz can pineapple rings + ¾ cup juice; ⅓ cup soy sauce, low sodium is preferred; 1 Tbsp sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced; 3 Tbsp brown sugar; ⅓ cup ketchup; 2 tsp tomato paste; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; ½ tsp nutmeg; ¼ tsp chili powder

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Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, Hawaiian Chicken Barbecue, Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a juicy, sweet-and-savory dish that’s quick to grill and full of island flavor. This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe is perfect for busy nights or sunny weekend cookouts.

This dish brings back memories of beachside dinners with my daughters, the scent of pineapple and smoke in the air. We often served it with our favorite coconut rice—comforting, fun, and full of heart.

Why you’ll love Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

Deliciously Sweet The balance of savory and sweet flavors creates a delightful taste experience that appeals to everyone at the table.
Easy to Prepare This recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Vibrant Presentation Bright colors and appealing garnishes not only enhance the dish’s visual appeal but also excite your taste buds before the first bite.
Customizable You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences, whether it’s adding veggies or adjusting spice levels.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and garlic in a bowl. This blend creates a sweet and savory base that will enhance the chicken’s flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken becomes, allowing those tropical flavors to infuse.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high. A properly preheated grill ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. This gives the chicken a nice char while keeping it juicy inside.
Step 5: Baste with Extra Marinade
During the last couple of minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the remaining marinade. This adds an extra layer of flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
Step 6: Let It Rest
After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and delicious.

Notes

Tip 1: Use Bone-In Chicken
Bone-in chicken pieces tend to stay juicier during the grilling process.
Tip 2: Adjust the Sweetness
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar in the marinade to suit your taste.
Tip 3: Choose Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh garlic and quality soy sauce will elevate the overall taste of your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe – A Closer Look

The charm of the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken lies not just in its blend of flavors, but in its ability to transport your taste buds to a sun-soaked island paradise. The sweetness from the pineapple juice harmonizes beautifully with the savory notes of soy sauce and garlic, creating a truly unique dish. Each bite bursts with a delightful mix of sweetness and umami that is both refreshing and satisfying. The grilling process adds a smoky depth, turning this dish into a comforting favorite that celebrates the essence of Hawaiian cooking.

Bringing It to Your Kitchen

Imagine serving up this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken at your next family gathering or casual dinner. It’s perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner with friends. Picture everyone gathered around the table, savoring the sweet and smoky aroma wafting through the air, each bite bringing smiles and creating lasting memories. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to experience the warmth of the islands, making every dining moment special and memorable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is perfect, pay attention to the grilling time. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, while undercooking poses a risk. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F is your target. Also, avoid skipping the marination step; it’s essential for infusing flavor. Lastly, using a too-hot grill can cause the outside to burn before the inside cooks through. A steady medium-high heat will give you the best results, presenting juicy chicken every time.

Cook Techniques

Marinating the Chicken

Begin with a simple marinade by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Make sure to mix the ingredients well until the sugar dissolves. Place your chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor infusion. This step is fundamental in achieving tender and flavorful Hawaiian BBQ Chicken.

Grilling the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid, and place it directly on the grill grates. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, brushing with additional marinade occasionally for a glaze effect. The grilling process adds a charred flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken.

Baking the Chicken

If you prefer an oven method, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This baking technique keeps the chicken juicy and allows the marinade to caramelize, resulting in succulent Hawaiian BBQ Chicken.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Tropical Platter

Arrange your cooked Hawaiian BBQ Chicken on a large platter surrounded by tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya. This colorful presentation not only looks appealing but also enhances the island flavor of the dish.

Beachside BBQ Style

Serve your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken in individual portions on bamboo plates or bowls with a side of coconut rice and grilled veggies. Coupled with tiki-style drinks, this setup creates a fun, beach-inspired dining experience.

Garnishing with Fresh Herbs

Add a touch of freshness by garnishing your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken with chopped green onions and cilantro right before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

The Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe delivers a memorably juicy, crispy, and tangy flavor experience that’s perfect for weeknights, holidays, or gatherings. Enjoy this dish as a delightful highlight of any meal.

Preparation is fuss-free, involving simple steps like mixing, baking, and assembling. The alluring aroma and visual appeal of the dish will have you eager to impress your guests or relish a restaurant-worthy experience right in your kitchen.

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SIMPLE CHICKEN RECIPES
There are so many amazing recipes you can make with your chicken. Check out one of these tried and true recipes for your family!
Thai Chicken Delight Salad
Copycat Dave’s Hot Chicken Cauliflower Sliders