Hawaiian BBQ Chicken: Sweet & Savory Island-Style Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Marinate Time: 2 hours | Serves 6
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Transport your taste buds to the tropical islands with this irresistible Hawaiian BBQ Chicken! This sweet and savory dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a homemade pineapple-infused barbecue sauce that’s bursting with island flavors. Perfect for summer grilling, weeknight dinners, or when you want to bring a taste of Hawaii to your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Hawaiian BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Marinate: Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken. Place in a dish, cover, and marinate in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Make the Hawaiian BBQ Sauce:
- Combine sauce ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer sauce: Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir into the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat grill or oven: For grilling, preheat to medium-high heat. For oven, preheat to 425°F.
- Cook chicken:
- Grilling: Cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side, basting with sauce during last 5 minutes
- Oven: Bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting with sauce halfway through
- Rest and glaze: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then brush with additional sauce before serving.
Finish and Serve:
- Garnish: Top with fresh pineapple chunks, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro leaves.
- Serve: Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Coconut rice or jasmine rice
- Grilled pineapple rings for extra tropical flavor
- Asian-style coleslaw with sesame dressing
- Roasted sweet potatoes or regular mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas
- Hawaiian macaroni salad for an authentic island meal
Make-Ahead Tips
Marinate overnight: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes Sauce preparation: Make the BBQ sauce up to 3 days ahead and store in refrigerator Meal prep: Cook chicken completely and store with sauce for easy reheating Freezer friendly: Marinated raw chicken freezes well for up to 3 months
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken for up to 4 days in covered container Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months Reheating: Reheat gently in oven at 350°F or in microwave, adding extra sauce if needed
Health Benefits
- Lean protein: Chicken thighs provide high-quality protein for muscle health
- Vitamin C: Pineapple juice offers immune system support
- Antioxidants: Ginger provides anti-inflammatory compounds
- Lower sodium option: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content
- Natural enzymes: Fresh pineapple contains bromelain for digestion
Recipe Variations
Spicy Hawaiian: Add sriracha or jalapeños to the sauce Coconut Twist: Replace some pineapple juice with coconut milk Teriyaki Style: Increase soy sauce and add mirin Grilled Pineapple: Grill pineapple rings alongside chicken Slow Cooker Version: Cook on low 4-6 hours with all ingredients Sheet Pan Meal: Add vegetables like bell peppers and onions
Tips for Perfect Results
Don’t skip marinating: At least 2 hours for best flavor penetration Baste carefully: Only baste during last few minutes to prevent burning Check temperature: Use meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken Fresh pineapple: Use fresh pineapple juice when possible for best flavor Sauce consistency: Adjust cornstarch slurry for desired thickness
Perfect for These Occasions
- Summer barbecue parties
- Tropical-themed dinners
- Family weeknight meals
- Meal prep Sundays
- Hawaiian luau celebrations
- Game day gatherings with a twist
