Description
Get transported to a tropical paradise with this delicious Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe! Perfectly marinated chicken grilled to juicy perfection with a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze will be a hit at your next family dinner or backyard barbecue. The mix of flavors will leave everyone craving more. Ready to spice up your menu with some island flair? Click to discover the full recipe and turn your kitchen into a Hawaiian getaway tonight!
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
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.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 1020kcal
- Sugar: 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- Sodium: 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
Keywords: Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, Hawaiian Chicken Barbecue, Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken