If you’re craving something sweet, savory, and smoky with a tropical twist, this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe is your next must-try dish. Packed with island-inspired flavors like pineapple, garlic, and soy sauce, this recipe brings the spirit of aloha straight to your dinner table—whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors.
In this post, you’ll discover how to make this mouthwatering recipe, what ingredients you’ll need, the best tips for a flavorful finish, and answers to your most frequently asked questions. By the end, you’ll feel confident to whip this up for a weeknight dinner or your next summer BBQ bash.
What Is Hawaiian BBQ Chicken?
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a sweet and savory dish typically made with marinated chicken grilled or baked to perfection. What makes it distinctly Hawaiian is the use of tropical flavors—pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger—which create a sticky, caramelized glaze that pairs beautifully with grilled meats.
This version focuses on juicy chicken thighs, marinated for maximum flavor, then grilled (or oven-baked) until charred on the outside and succulent on the inside.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes of cook time
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Family-Friendly – Sweet and smoky flavors that everyone enjoys
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Versatile – Can be grilled, baked, or even cooked in a skillet
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Meal-Prep Friendly – Marinate ahead of time and cook when ready
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Perfect for Summer – Makes a great BBQ or picnic meal
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring the island vibes to your kitchen:
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Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Juicy and flavorful
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Pineapple juice – Fresh or canned, adds natural sweetness
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Soy sauce – Brings a deep umami flavor
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Brown sugar – For caramelization
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Garlic (minced) – Boosts savory depth
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Ginger (grated) – Adds warm spice
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Ketchup – Thickens the glaze and adds a tangy finish
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Rice vinegar – A hint of acidity to balance the sweetness
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Sesame oil – For a nutty richness
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Cornstarch slurry (optional) – To thicken sauce, if desired
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Green onions & sesame seeds – For garnish
How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
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1 cup pineapple juice
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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2 tbsp ketchup
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tsp sesame oil
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3 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or bowl. Pour in the marinade, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best for deeper flavor).
Step 3: Grill or Bake
Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Oven: Preheat to 400°F. Bake chicken on a lined baking sheet for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Optional: Simmer leftover marinade in a saucepan until thickened (boil first to make it safe). Brush over cooked chicken for extra flavor.
Step 4: Serve
Serve over steamed white rice with grilled pineapple slices, garnished with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
Tips for Best Results
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Use thighs for juiciness. Chicken thighs stay moist and soak up flavor better than breasts.
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Don’t skip marinating. The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor.
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Reserve some marinade. Set aside a small portion before adding chicken to use later as sauce.
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Grill pineapple slices. Adds caramelized sweetness and a smoky bite.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
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With coconut rice and coleslaw
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In sliders or wraps
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As a bowl with rice, avocado, and veggies
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With grilled veggies like bell peppers or zucchini
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but breasts are leaner and may dry out faster. Adjust the cook time and keep an eye on internal temperature.
2. Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Absolutely. Just ensure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar to avoid making the dish too sweet.
3. How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour, but for best flavor, marinate for 6–12 hours in the fridge.
4. Can I cook this in the oven instead of a grill?
Yes, baking at 400°F for 25–30 minutes works well. You can broil for the last 3 minutes to get a charred finish.
5. What sides go well with Hawaiian BBQ chicken?
Rice, grilled pineapple, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a tropical fruit salad.
6. Is this recipe spicy?
No, it’s sweet and tangy. Add chili flakes or Sriracha if you want a spicy kick.
7. Can I freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months or freeze cooked chicken for 2 months.
8. Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
9. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Simmer and reduce it on the stovetop or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
10. Is this dish gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari).
11. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of juice?
Yes, just blend it into juice or use it as a topping.
12. How do I know when chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer. It’s done when the internal temp is 165°F (74°C).
13. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just scale up the ingredients proportionally.
14. Can I serve this cold in a salad?
Yes, chilled Hawaiian BBQ chicken works great in tropical salads or wraps.
15. What’s the cooking time?
Cooking time is 30 minutes, plus 1 hour or more for marinating.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is the ultimate dish for when you want a tropical escape without leaving your kitchen. With its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors, it’s a meal that’s both simple to prepare and impossible to resist.
Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a weeknight dinner, or a meal prep session, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ready to bring island flavors to your plate? Do not forget to follow us on Pinterest for more delicious meals!
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice fresh or canned
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
Optional Glaze (for brushing or drizzling):
- Reserved marinade
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water for thickening
For Garnish and Serving:
- Grilled pineapple slices
- Cooked white rice
- Chopped scallions or green onions
- Sesame seeds optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
- Step 2: Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour in the marinade, seal, and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Prepare to Cook: Preheat your grill to medium-high or your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates or baking sheet.
- Step 4: Cook the Chicken: Grill Method: Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Oven Method: Place chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Step 5 (Optional): Make the Glaze: Pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5–8 minutes. For a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
- Step 6: Serve and Garnish: Plate the chicken with grilled pineapple and rice. Drizzle with thickened glaze and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy the island vibes!
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