Recipe for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken: 5 Secrets to Perfect Grilling!

There’s something about the sweet-tangy aroma of Hawaiian BBQ chicken that instantly transports me to summer evenings on our back porch. This recipe for Hawaiian BBQ chicken has been my go-to crowd-pleaser for years, perfected through countless family cookouts and neighborhood gatherings. I still remember the first time I attempted it – juggling a cranky toddler while trying to decode a complicated recipe that left me with burned sauce and undercooked chicken. Talk about a kitchen disaster!

That’s why I’ve simplified this Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe to be foolproof, even for those days when you’re pulled in a million directions. Between soccer practice drop-offs and work deadlines, we all need recipes that deliver big flavor without the stress. Trust me, this one hits all the right notes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that makes everyone at the table happy (even my picky 6-year-old Lila gives it two thumbs up!), this Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Here’s why it works for our busy household:

• Perfect balance of flavors: The sweet pineapple, savory soy, and subtle kick of ginger create that authentic Hawaiian BBQ sauce recipe for chicken that’s impossible to resist
• Make-ahead friendly: Marinate in the morning, grill in the evening
• Versatile serving options: Works equally well with rice, in tacos, or on a sandwich
• Made with everyday ingredients—just basic pantry items and fresh chicken, no frills needed.
• Guaranteed compliments: Every time I serve this, someone asks for the recipe!

Ingredients

For the Hawaiian BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium works great)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (apple cider vinegar works too)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Use 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, or substitute with 1 teaspoon of ground ginger if needed
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Chicken:

• 3 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless (you can substitute with chicken breasts)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (optional, for serving)

Substitution tip: No fresh ginger? Ground ginger works in a pinch. And if pineapple juice isn’t in your pantry, you can blend canned pineapple chunks with their juice to get what you need!

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes to overnight
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hawaiian BBQ Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Keep in mind that the mixture will continue to thicken as it cools down!

Olivia’s Tip: This Hawaiian BBQ sauce recipe for chicken can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavor deepens beautifully once the ingredients have had a chance to blend together!

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Reserve about 1/2 cup of the Hawaiian BBQ sauce for basting and serving later. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Olivia’s Tip: If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes of marinating will add flavor, but longer is definitely better. I often prepare this before heading out for morning errands, and it’s ready to grill when I get home!

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Your Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Make sure the grill grates are well-cleaned and lightly oiled to avoid sticking.

Olivia’s Tip: If you don’t have a grill, don’t worry! This chicken works beautifully in a grill pan or even under the broiler. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the used marinade) and place on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, brush the reserved BBQ sauce on both sides of the chicken. This creates that sticky, caramelized glaze that we all love!

Olivia’s Tip: One of the biggest secrets to juicy Hawaiian BBQ chicken is to avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature – it’s the most reliable way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the juices evenly settle, keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Top with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving. If desired, add fresh pineapple chunks on the side or grilled pineapple slices for an extra tropical touch.

Cooking Tips

After making this recipe for Hawaiian BBQ chicken countless times, I’ve discovered a few secrets that take it from good to incredible:

1. Sugar caramelization: The brown sugar in the sauce can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on your chicken while grilling and move it to a cooler part of the grill if it’s browning too fast.

2. Consistent thickness: For even cooking, pound the chicken thighs to a uniform thickness before marinating

3. Double the sauce: The Hawaiian BBQ sauce is so delicious that we often make a double batch – use half for marinating and grilling, and save the rest for dipping or drizzling over rice.

4. Perfect pairing: Grilled pineapple slices make an amazing side for this dish – just grill them for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized.

5. Rest period: Don’t skip the 5-minute rest after grilling. It’s the difference between juicy chicken and dry chicken!

Personal Story

This recipe brings back memories of our family vacation to Maui three years ago. Caleb was just a baby, and we’d spent the day exploring black sand beaches. Exhausted and hungry, we stumbled upon a tiny roadside BBQ stand where the most amazing aroma was wafting from the grill.

The friendly local chef showed me how he made his signature sauce, explaining that the balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors was the key to authentic Hawaiian BBQ. Back home in our little yellow farmhouse in Asheville, I experimented for weeks until I recreated that perfect balance of flavors. Now, whenever we’re missing the islands, I fire up the grill and transport us back through taste!

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Hawaiian BBQ chicken (approximately 6 oz) contains:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Fiber: <1g
• Sodium: 820mg

Beyond the numbers, this dish offers excellent protein for muscle maintenance and recovery. The ginger and garlic provide antioxidant benefits, while pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion.

Healthier Alternatives

Need to adjust this recipe for dietary concerns? Here are some simple swaps:

• Lower sugar: Reduce brown sugar to 2 tablespoons or use a natural sweetener like honey
• Lower sodium: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce (bonus: this makes it gluten-free too!)
• Lower fat: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs and trim all visible fat
• Paleo-friendly: Use coconut aminos, natural pineapple juice with no added sugar, and honey instead of brown sugar

Serving Suggestions

Turn this Hawaiian BBQ chicken into a complete meal with these easy sides:

• Pair it with coconut rice or cauliflower rice for a perfect base
• Add to a chopped salad with mango, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette
• Slice and wrap in lettuce cups with shredded carrots and cucumber
• Chop and use as filling for tacos with pineapple salsa
• Layer in a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and green onions

For a complete tropical-inspired dinner party, pair with my 7-layer taco salad recipe and finish with deliciously irresistible coconut pecan cookies for dessert!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling chicken can be tricky—even for seasoned home cooks. Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls:

1. Over-marinating: While marinating is good, more than 24 hours can break down the proteins too much and lead to mushy chicken.

2. Cold chicken on the grill: Always let marinated chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.

3. Cooking too hot: High heat will burn the sugars in the sauce before the chicken is cooked through. Medium-high is perfect!

4. Constant flipping: Try to flip only once for those beautiful grill marks and to seal in juices.

5. Skipping the thermometer: Visual cues can be deceiving – the only way to ensure food safety and optimal juiciness is with a reliable meat thermometer.

Storing & Reheating Tips

This Hawaiian BBQ chicken makes excellent leftovers! Here’s how to make the most of them:

• To store, place in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to three days
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this chicken! Tightly wrap single servings and freeze for as long as two months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain moisture. Microwave on 70% power if you’re in a hurry.
• Leftover reinvention: Shred cold leftovers and toss with greens for a quick lunch salad or stuff into a baked potato with a little cheese.

FAQs

Can I make this Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe in the oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches 165°F internally. Brush with additional sauce halfway through cooking.

What’s the secret to the best Hawaiian BBQ sauce recipe for chicken?
The perfect balance of sweet (pineapple and brown sugar), savory (soy sauce), and acidity (vinegar) makes authentic Hawaiian BBQ sauce. Don’t skip the ginger – it’s what gives the sauce its characteristic flavor!

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
Yes! You have two options: either marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, or fully cook the chicken, refrigerate, and reheat gently before serving. The sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Hawaiian BBQ chicken has saved so many of my weeknight dinners and backyard gatherings. There’s something magical about those island flavors that brings people together – maybe it’s the balance of sweet and savory, or perhaps it’s just the way food connects us to places we love.

Whether you’re making this for a quiet family dinner or a backyard full of friends, I hope this recipe brings a little tropical sunshine to your table. And remember, cooking isn’t about perfection – it’s about creating moments and memories around food that nourishes both body and soul.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop me a comment below or tag #RecipesSolutions on social media so I can see your Hawaiian BBQ masterpiece. Wishing you joyful cooking—see you next time from my kitchen to yours!

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