Go Back
For a tasty Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup pineapple juice - 1/2 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup ketchup - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Grilled pineapple rings (for serving, optional) These ingredients create a sweet and tangy marinade that makes the chicken juicy and full of flavor. The pineapple juice adds a tropical touch. The soy sauce gives it a nice umami kick. Brown sugar and ketchup balance the flavors perfectly. Garlic and ginger bring warmth, while cilantro adds freshness. Grilled pineapple rings are a fun touch to serve on the side. Gather all these ingredients for a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to make the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together these ingredients: - 1 cup pineapple juice - 1/2 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup ketchup - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon sesame oil Mix well until the sugar dissolves. This marinade is the heart of Hawaiian BBQ chicken. It adds sweetness and tang, making your chicken juicy and full of flavor. After you prepare the marinade, it’s time to marinate the chicken. Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best taste. Marinating allows the chicken to absorb all those lovely flavors. Now, let’s get grilling! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, but save the marinade for later. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C). While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. This will thicken the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until it looks nice and thick. Once the chicken is fully cooked, brush it with the thickened BBQ sauce. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it on a platter, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro and grilled pineapple rings if you like. Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian BBQ chicken! To make a tasty marinade, mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth. The pineapple juice adds sweetness and a fruity kick. Let the chicken soak in this mix for at least two hours. More time means more flavor. For best results, marinate overnight. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is key for good grilling. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let it drain. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the inside reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps keep it juicy. Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it on a platter. Drizzle the thickened BBQ sauce over the chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Grilled pineapple rings make a fun side. They add sweetness and pair well with the chicken. Serve with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your Hawaiian BBQ feast! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly. Check Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before cooking. This helps to sear the chicken and lock in moisture. Rest the Chicken: After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices, keeping the chicken moist. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic and ginger instead of powdered versions for a more vibrant flavor in your marinade. {{image_2}} To spice things up, add hot sauce to the marinade. You can use your favorite type. Start with a teaspoon and taste. Increase it to your liking. This adds a nice kick. The sweet flavor of the pineapple balances the heat well. Make sure to serve it with cooling sides like coleslaw or rice. Enhance your dish by adding grilled fruits. Pineapple is a classic but try mango or peach too. Slice them thick and place them on the grill. Grill them until they are caramelized and soft. You can serve these fruits on the side or right on top of your chicken. This adds great texture and flavor. If you want a meatless option, tofu works great. Use firm tofu for the best results. Press the tofu to remove excess water. Then, cut it into thick slices. Marinate it just like you would chicken. Grill the tofu for about 5-6 minutes on each side. Brush it with the thickened BBQ sauce for a tasty treat. Serve with rice or a fresh salad. To store your Hawaiian BBQ chicken, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Keep the container in the fridge for up to three days. If you have extra sauce, store it in a separate container. This helps keep the chicken juicy when you reheat it. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them gently. The best way is to use the oven or grill. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. If you use a grill, heat it on low. Turn the chicken often to avoid burning. You can also use a microwave for a quick option. Just heat in short bursts to keep it tender. If you want to freeze Hawaiian BBQ chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, move it to the fridge for a night to thaw. You can also thaw it in cold water for faster results. After thawing, reheat it as mentioned above. Hawaiian BBQ Chicken comes from Hawaii. The dish blends Asian and American flavors. It features sweet and tangy tastes, thanks to ingredients like pineapple and soy sauce. The chicken is marinated in this mix, which adds depth to its flavor. Locals often serve it at luaus and family gatherings. The use of fresh tropical fruits is a key part of Hawaiian cuisine. Yes, you can make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Bake it for about 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). You can baste the chicken with the thickened sauce during cooking. This will keep it juicy and add more flavor. When serving Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, you have many tasty side options. Here are some great choices: - Coconut rice - Grilled vegetables - Coleslaw - Macaroni salad - Fresh fruit salad These sides balance the sweet and savory notes of the chicken. They also add color and texture to your meal, making it more appealing. This blog post covered the key aspects of making Hawaiian BBQ chicken. We explored the essential ingredients, from chicken breasts to marinade components. I shared step-by-step grilling instructions and helpful tips for the best results. We also discussed tasty variations, including spicy options and a vegetarian choice. In conclusion, following these steps will give you great BBQ chicken. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving suggestions. Your next meal will impress everyone at the table. Happy grilling!

Tropical Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

A delicious and tangy BBQ chicken recipe with a tropical twist, featuring pineapple juice and a savory marinade.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Hawaiian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • to taste none fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste none grilled pineapple rings (for serving, optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use.
  • Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • While the chicken is grilling, pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Once the chicken is done, brush it with the thickened BBQ sauce and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • Slice the chicken and serve it on a platter, drizzling any remaining sauce over it. Garnish with fresh cilantro and grilled pineapple rings if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, grilled, Hawaiian, tropical