Hawaiian BBQ chicken is a tropical twist on classic barbecue, blending sweet and savory flavors with a hint of tanginess. This recipe, which is enhanced with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and flavorful spices, is ideal for family dinners, summer cookouts, or even a laid-back weeknight supper.
BBQ chicken hawaii recipe is elevated by the addition of homemade Hawaiian BBQ sauce, which gives the chicken a rich, caramelized coating that accentuates its soft texture. This meal is a hit at any gathering, whether it is pan-seared, baked, or grilled.
What Makes Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Unique?
The distinctive flavors of Hawaiian BBQ chicken are influenced by the tropics:
- Sweetness: Brown sugar and pineapple juice naturally sweeten the dish.
- Tanginess: Barbecue sauce and soy sauce offer a savory counterpoint.
- Aromatic Spices: Sesame oil, ginger, and garlic provide depth to the flavor.
- Versatility: It goes well with grilled veggies, rice, and salads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with bold flavors: The perfect balance of sweet pineapple, tangy soy, garlic, and a smoky kick.
- Perfect for meal prep: Marinate in advance and grill when ready.
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for cookouts, family dinners, or a solo tropical escape.
Ingredients for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
For the bbq chicken hawaii and marinade:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts (boneless and skinless)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ¾ cup pineapple juice
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
- ¼ tsp chili powder
For the Hawaiian BBQ Sauce:
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp mirin (or substitute with rice vinegar or lemon juice)
- 1½ tsp garlic (finely minced or grated)
- 1 tbsp ginger (grated)
- 1 tbsp chili paste (optional for heat)
Optional Garnishes:
- Grilled pineapple rings
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Green onions (sliced)
Step-by-Step Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken Recipe
1. Prepare the Hawaiian BBQ marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili powder.
- Place the chicken in a zip-lock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Make the hawaiian barbecue sauce
- Combine ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, mirin, garlic, ginger, and chili paste in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using.
3. Grill or Cook the Chicken
- Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade (discard used marinade) and place it on the grill.
- Cook for about 8–10 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- During the last few minutes of grilling, brush generously with Hawaiian BBQ sauce for a caramelized finish.
4. Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with grilled pineapple rings, fresh cilantro, and green onions.
- Serve alongside steamed rice or Hawaiian macaroni salad.
What to Serve with Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Pair your chicken with sides that enhance the tropical vibes:
- Coconut rice or pineapple fried rice
- Macaroni salad (classic Hawaiian plate lunch style)
- Grilled pineapple slices
- Charred corn on the cob
- Cabbage slaw with a citrusy dressing
- Iced hibiscus tea or pineapple mojito
Pro Tips from Chefs
“For extra caramelization, brush the chicken with honey during the last 2 minutes of grilling.” Chef Roy Yamaguchi
“Use fresh pineapple juice, it has enzymes that tenderize meat better than canned.” Chef Sheldon Simeon
“Char the pineapple rings slightly for a smoky-sweet contrast.” Chef Sam Choy
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian BBQ chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s weeknight-friendly yet impressive enough for gatherings. The marinade doubles as a glaze, and leftovers make killer tacos or salads.
I hope you like the recipe. Please try it at home and let us know in the comment section!
FAQS
1. What is Hawaiian BBQ sauce made of?
It’s usually made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, pineapple juice, and sometimes ketchup or vinegar for a sweet, tangy flavor.
2. What is Hawaiian barbecue chicken?
It’s chicken marinated in Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce, then grilled or cooked until caramelized and juicy—often served with rice and macaroni salad.
3. What is the difference between Hawaiian BBQ and BBQ?
Hawaiian BBQ has a sweeter, tropical flavor with soy sauce and pineapple, while traditional BBQ leans smoky, spicy, or tangy depending on the region.
4. How to make Hawaiian barbecue grilled chicken?
Marinate chicken in a mix of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for a few hours, then grill until cooked and nicely charred.
