This Easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a tasty treat that combines sweet and tangy flavors. Juicy chicken thighs simmer in a delicious BBQ sauce with pineapple, making it a hit at any dinner!
I love serving this dish with rice to soak up all the yummy sauce. It’s like a little vacation on my plate! 🏖️ Plus, it’s so simple to make, you’ll want to whip it up all the time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are perfect for this recipe due to their tenderness and flavor. If you want a leaner option, chicken breasts work too, but they may be less juicy.
Pineapple Juice: This adds sweetness and acidity. If you’re out, you can use orange juice, or even a mix of orange and lemon juice for a zesty twist!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is my go-to to control saltiness. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative. You can also use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Brown Sugar: It enhances the sauce’s richness. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup if you prefer natural sweeteners.
Cornstarch: This is optional for thickening the sauce. If you don’t have it, you can simmer the sauce longer to reduce it instead.
How Do You Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is simple yet crucial for this dish! It allows the chicken to absorb flavors and become tender.
- Mix your marinade ingredients in a bowl, ensuring sugar dissolves well.
- Place chicken in a zip-top bag, pour half the marinade over it, and seal. Be sure it’s evenly coated!
- Let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour; longer is better for flavor absorption.
Remember to discard the marinade used for raw chicken to keep things safe!
What’s the Best Way to Grill Chicken for This Recipe?
Grilling brings a lovely smoky flavor to the dish. Here’s how to do it well:
- Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high heat; you want it hot enough to give a good sear.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let it rest for a minute before grilling.
- Cook chicken thighs for about 5-6 minutes per side until they’re cooked through and reach 165°F (75°C).
- To check, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. No thermometer? You can also cut into a piece to check for pinkness.
Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy!
Easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 1/4 cup water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Cooked white or jasmine rice, for serving
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, plus at least 1 hour for marinating in the refrigerator—though the longer, the better for flavor! So, plan for around 1 hour and 35 minutes total, with the option to marinate overnight for extra deliciousness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Keep mixing until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined. This yummy marinade is what will flavor the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Now, grab your chicken thighs and put them into a large zip-top bag or a shallow bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s coated well. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and pop it into the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours if you want deeper flavors. Remember, more time means more tastiness!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade that was in contact with the raw chicken. Grill the chicken thighs for about 5-6 minutes on each side. You want them to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and to get those nice char marks. If you don’t have a grill, you can easily cook the chicken in a skillet on medium heat.
4. Make the Sauce:
While the chicken is grilling, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir this slurry into the simmering marinade, cooking until it thickens to a nice glaze consistency, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Glaze the Chicken:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, brush it generously with the thickened sauce and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even juicier.
6. Serve It Up:
Slice the chicken and serve it over your cooked rice. Garnish with sliced avocado and chopped cilantro for that fresh touch. Drizzle any extra glaze or a splash of soy sauce on top, and don’t forget the lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick!
Enjoy your sweet and tangy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken with creamy avocado and fresh herbs—the perfect tropical comfort food!
FAQ for Easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer! Just be aware that they may dry out more easily than thighs, so keep an eye on the cooking time and don’t overcook them.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating overnight can enhance the flavor even more. Just remember to keep it refrigerated and ensure the chicken is properly sealed in the marinade.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or skillet, and consider adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
What Can I Serve with Hawaiian BBQ Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with cooked rice, but you can also serve it with quinoa, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal. Don’t forget the avocado and lime for extra flavor!
