Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

If you’re craving a delicious tropical twist on classic BBQ chicken, this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a must-try! Juicy, tender chicken thighs or breasts are marinated in a mouthwatering blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, then grilled, baked, or air-fried to perfection. The sweet-savory balance, paired with smoky grilled pineapple, makes this dish irresistibly flavorful and perfect for summer grilling!

Whether you're hosting a BBQ party, planning a weeknight dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this easy, flavor-packed recipe that transports your taste buds straight to the islands!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Hawaiian BBQ Marinade

• 1 ½ lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs are juicier, but breasts work too!
• ¼ cup Sesame Oil: Adds nutty richness.
• ⅓ cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free!
• ½ cup Pineapple Juice: For natural sweetness and tenderizing.
• ⅓ cup Brown Sugar: Creates a delicious caramelized glaze.
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste: Or ketchup for extra sweetness.
• 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger, Grated: Adds warmth and depth.
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced: For bold flavor.
• ½ tsp Chili Powder: For a subtle smoky kick.
• ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for spice lovers.
• ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg: Adds a hint of warm depth.

For Grilling & Garnish

• 4 Pineapple Rings: Grilled for extra caramelized sweetness.
• 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro, Chopped: For freshness.
• 2 tbsp Green Onions, Sliced: Adds a mild, crisp bite.

How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

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Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, tomato paste, ginger, garlic, and spices until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

🌀 Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a ziplock bag or large bowl.
🫙 Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
🧊 Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor!)
🍯 Refrigerate the remaining marinade to use as a basting sauce later.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken (Preferred Method!)

🔥 Preheat the grill to medium heat (375°F – 400°F).
🍯 Simmer the reserved marinade in a small saucepan for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
🍗 Place the marinated chicken on the grill, discarding the used marinade.
⏱ Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, basting with the thickened marinade until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
🍍 Add pineapple rings to the grill for the last 4 minutes of cooking.
⏳ Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with cilantro and green onions.

What to Serve with Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

• Keep It Fresh: Serve with cilantro-lime rice, avocado slices, or a fresh veggie slaw.
• Salad Pairings: Try it over a simple green salad or an Asian cabbage slaw.
• BBQ Sides: Enjoy with grilled corn on the cob, deviled potato salad, or spicy cucumber salad.
• Classic Hawaiian Pairings: Serve with Hawaiian mac salad, coconut rice, or baked sweet potatoes.

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FAQs

1. Is Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Healthy?
   Yes! This recipe is high in lean protein and low in processed ingredients. Keep it light by pairing it with grilled veggies or a fresh salad.
2. Can I Use a Different Protein?
   Absolutely! This marinade works great with steak, salmon, shrimp, or tofu.
3. Can I Make It Gluten-Free?
   Yes! Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
4. Can I Make It Ahead?
   Yes! The chicken can marinate for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also prep the marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
5. How Do I Store & Reheat Leftovers?
   🗄 Fridge: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
   🔥 Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is sweet, smoky, and packed with tropical flavor. Whether grilled, baked, or air-fried, it’s a guaranteed family favorite that’s perfect for:

• ✔ Summer BBQ parties
• ✔ Weeknight dinners
• ✔ Meal prepping
• ✔ Entertaining guests

🔥 Try it today and bring a taste of the islands to your table! 🍍🍗

📌 Did you make this recipe? Comment below & share your thoughts!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts work well, but they may cook faster than thighs, so check the temperature often.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate for at least 20 minutes, but up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.

→ Can I cook this in the oven instead?

Yes! Bake at 375°F for 16-18 minutes, basting with marinade halfway through.

→ What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

Serve with rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.