This Easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a tasty treat! With juicy chicken marinated in sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any meal. 🌊🍗
I love serving it with rice and pineapple on the side for a special touch! It’s an easy way to bring a bit of the island vibes to my dinner table. Just yum! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts are great too. If you’re looking for variety, consider using tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option!
Barbecue Sauce: A sweet Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce gives the best flavor, but any sweet BBQ will work. If you’re keeping it low-sugar, opt for a sugar-free version or make your own with ketchup and honey.
Pineapple Juice: This adds sweetness and tang. If you don’t have any, orange juice works in a pinch, or use a mix of apple cider vinegar and water for a zesty touch.
Ginger: Fresh ginger enhances the flavor. You can skip it if you don’t have it, or use ground ginger as a last resort—just half the amount since it’s more concentrated!
How Do I Perfectly Grill the Chicken?
Grilling takes some attention, but it’s worth it for that tasty caramelization! Start by making sure your grill pan or skillet is nice and hot. Here’s how to grill it perfectly:
- Heat your skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot, then add the oil.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, to avoid burning the sugar in the BBQ sauce.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for golden brown color and slight char.
- For a stickier glaze, brush on extra BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C)!
Perfectly grilled chicken will be tender and bursting with flavor—just the way you want it for your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken!
Best Easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
For the Marinade:
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (preferably sweet Hawaiian style or regular BBQ sauce)
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Cooked white rice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus marinating time (30 minutes to 2 hours). Cooking will take around 15 minutes. In total, you can expect to spend about 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on marinating—even the short version is super easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss them to ensure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, let it marinate for 1-2 hours to get even more flavor—it’s worth it!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable or olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, take the chicken out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off to avoid burning. Place the chicken in the pan, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until it’s cooked through and has nice caramelized edges.
4. Optional Glaze:
If you want an extra sticky glaze, brush on some extra BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Just let it cook for a minute or two more!
5. Serve it Up:
Once the chicken is cooked, plate it over a bed of cooked white rice. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with slices of avocado on the side. Drizzle a little soy sauce or extra BBQ sauce over the top, and squeeze some lime juice if you like a zesty kick!
Enjoy your delightful Hawaiian BBQ chicken, bringing tropical flavors to your table!
FAQ: Best Easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. The best way to thaw chicken is in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quicker option. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure an even cook!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. For the best flavor, aim for at least 1-2 hours. Just don’t go longer than 24 hours, as the acidity in the marinade can start to break down the chicken too much!
What Are Good Substitutes for Pineapple Juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can use orange juice for a similar sweetness or a mix of water and a little apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist. If you want to maintain that tropical vibe, try coconut water!
How Should I Store Leftover Hawaiian BBQ Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
