This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a treat for your taste buds! It’s juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, giving it that tropical flavor we all love.
This dish is perfect for sunny days. Pair it with rice or a fresh salad, and you’ll feel like you’re on a beach vacation! Just remember to save a piece for later—if you can! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute them with chicken breasts, but they may be less tender. Just be sure not to overcook them!
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice adds fantastic flavor, but if you don’t have it, canned juice works just as well. You could even blend fresh pineapple and strain it for a quick alternative.
Soy Sauce: I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to keep things balanced. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos is a great substitute that offers a similar taste.
Brown Sugar: You can swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup if you prefer a different sweetness profile. Just remember that honey is sweeter, so use a bit less.
Fresh Ginger: For convenience, pre-grated ginger in jars can be used, but fresh ginger gives a more vibrant flavor. Ground ginger is another option, but use less (about 1/2 teaspoon) since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Grill Chicken to Perfection?
Grilling chicken can be a bit tricky, but with these steps, you’ll shine! First, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps to create those lovely grill marks and cook the chicken evenly.
- Remove chicken from marinade and let any excess drip off before placing on the grill.
- Grill for about 6-7 minutes without moving it around to allow searing. Flip only once for even cooking.
- Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer; this keeps it safe and moist.
- Don’t forget to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps all the juices locked in!
Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For Serving:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple rings (grilled or fresh)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to marinate. Cooking on the grill will take around 15 minutes. So, in total, you can enjoy this flavorful dish in under an hour, especially if you marinate the chicken overnight for even better flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This will be your yummy marinade for the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or better yet, overnight if you have the time!
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, making sure to discard any marinade that has touched raw chicken.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the grill. Grill each thigh for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until they’re cooked through and have beautiful grill marks. Remember, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Grill the Pineapple:
If you’re using fresh pineapple, slice the pineapple rings and grill them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are caramelized and delicious.
6. Let it Rest:
Once the chicken is done cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it up. This helps keep the juices in!
7. Serve it Up:
To serve, start with a scoop of cooked white rice in your bowl. Top it with the sliced chicken, some grilled pineapple, and avocado slices. You can drizzle a bit of the remaining marinade on top if you’d like.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle some fresh cilantro and red pepper flakes on top for a bit of color and flavor. Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Hawaiian BBQ chicken bowl!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs, but they may require a slightly shorter cooking time. Make sure to monitor them closely, as they tend to dry out more quickly. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and consider marinating for the same amount of time for flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No worries! You can substitute pineapple juice with orange juice or a mix of apple juice and lemon juice for a different yet delicious flavor. If you use a more tart juice, consider adding a little extra brown sugar to balance the acidity.
How to Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also freeze portions in individual bags for later use, which can last up to 3 months!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add any veggies you love. Bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas would complement the dish well. You can grill them alongside the chicken for added flavor. Just make sure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
