Imagine biting into juicy, tender chicken glazed with a tangy-sweet Hawaiian BBQ sauce that’s both vibrant and satisfying. That’s what you get with this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe, a dish that brings a taste of tropical paradise right to your dinner table. The combination of pineapple, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger creates a unique flavor profile that’s both exotic and comforting.
I love how easy it is to make this dish, whether you’re firing up the grill or cooking it in the oven. The caramelized edges and the sticky, flavorful glaze make each bite a delightful experience. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress, no matter the occasion.
I have always loved these grilled chicken recipes and for that, Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken and Hibachi Salmon are an ideal suggestion for you people.
Why I Love This Recipe?
- The sweet and tangy Hawaiian BBQ sauce transports you to a sunny beach, making it a fun twist on a classic BBQ.
- Whether you grill or bake, this recipe is simple to prepare and works great for both casual meals and special occasions.
- The pineapple and ginger in the sauce add layers of flavor that make the chicken truly stand out.
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large bowl or ziplock bag for marinating
- Digital thermometer
- Basting Brush
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken thighs boneless, skinless or breasts (or a mix of both)
- 3 tbsP Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
- 3 Green onions chopped (for garnish)
For the Marinade:
- 1 20 oz can Pineapple rings + ¾ cup pineapple juice
- ⅓ cup Low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced (or 1 teaspoon 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
- In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple rings and juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, ketchup, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, and chili powder. Set it aside.
- Pat the chicken dry and place it in a large ziplock bag or 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. Keep the remaining marinade in the fridge for later.
- When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill to medium. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the used marinade). Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, turning until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with the simmered marinade and add pineapple rings to the grill for about 4 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve it over salads, rice, or enjoy it on its own with your favorite sides. Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350ºF. Cook the chicken in batches if needed, for 15-18 minutes. Baste with the simmered marinade halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches 165ºF. Warm the pineapple rings in a skillet with a teaspoon of oil or serve them at room temperature.
Oven Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Place the chicken on a non-stick baking sheet and bake for 16-18 minutes, basting with the simmered marinade halfway through. The chicken should reach 165ºF. Warm the pineapple rings in a skillet with a teaspoon of oil or serve them at room temperature.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken! A digital thermometer is your best friend here.
- Grill the chicken if you can; the smoky flavor is unbeatable. But no matter how you cook it, you’ll love it!
- Taste the marinade before using it on the chicken. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking with more brown sugar or soy sauce if needed.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 522 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 23g |
| Protein | 40g |
| Cholesterol | 222mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Potassium | 798mg |
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken. Just adjust the cooking time as bone-in pieces may take a bit longer to cook through compared to boneless chicken.
What Type of BBQ Sauce Is Best for This Recipe?
For a classic Hawaiian BBQ flavor, use a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. You can find pre-made Hawaiian BBQ sauce or mix your own with ingredients like pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time. Marinate it in the BBQ sauce and refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply bake or grill the chicken according to the recipe instructions.
Can I Use a Different Protein for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use other proteins like pork, tofu, or even seafood. Adjust the cooking times as needed based on the protein you choose.