Description
Want to impress at your next barbecue? This recipe for Hawaiian BBQ chicken reveals 5 secrets for perfect grilling. Discover mouthwatering tips today!
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)
Instructions
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz chicken
- Calories: 320
Keywords: Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe, homemade Hawaiian BBQ sauce, grilled Hawaiian chicken, pineapple BBQ chicken, tropical grilling recipes