This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is super juicy and packed with tropical flavor! The sweet and tangy sauce makes every bite a little taste of paradise.
When I make this, I can’t resist adding extra pineapple on top for fun! It’s so easy to whip up, perfect for a quick dinner that feels like a vacation.🌺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless thighs are great for BBQ since they stay juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, skinless chicken breasts work too, but watch your cooking time since they can dry out more quickly.
Soy Sauce: This adds the salty flavor in the marinade. For gluten-free options, use tamari sauce. Depending on your taste, you can try low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on saltiness.
Pineapple Juice: This ingredient gives a sweet tropical taste. No juice? You can mash up fresh pineapple or use other fruit juices like orange juice for a twist in flavor.
Brown Sugar: It helps caramelize the chicken and adds a deep sweetness. Coconut sugar or honey are good substitutes if you’re aiming for a different sweetness profile.
Ginger & Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic pack wonderful flavors. You can replace them with ground versions in a pinch, but fresh is always best for aroma.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky. Here’s how to achieve that perfect, juicy chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. This ensures a nice sear.
- Don’t skip the oiling step! It prevents sticking and gives a nice crust.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Let it rest after grilling for a few minutes. This helps retain juices before serving.
Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour for marinating, plus 15-20 minutes for cooking. So, if you allow for some extra time, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes total—perfect for a flavorful and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. This will be the marinade that gives your chicken that fantastic Hawaiian flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and gently shake it to coat each piece. Then, pop the bag in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, but keep that tasty marinade aside for later.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want to ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Thicken the Marinade:
While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Then, remove it from heat.
6. Brush and Serve:
Once the chicken is done grilling, brush it with the thickened marinade to add extra flavor. Then, remove it from the grill.
7. Final Touches:
Serve your BBQ chicken over a bed of cooked rice and top it with fresh avocado slices, chopped green onions, and cilantro for a burst of freshness. Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian BBQ Chicken!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Just be aware that chicken breasts can dry out more easily, so keep an eye on them while grilling and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor. However, if you’re short on time, even 1 hour will work! Just be sure not to marinate for longer than a day, as the acidity from the pineapple juice can start to break down the meat too much.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches the desired internal temperature.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover Hawaiian BBQ Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short bursts or warm on the stovetop over low heat. Serve it again with some fresh avocado to keep it delicious!
