Let’s be honest—there’s just something magical about firing up the grill and letting those delicious smoky aromas drift through your backyard. And if you’re craving a meal that’ll transport you straight to a breezy island paradise, this Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is about to become your new summer obsession.
I’m Aneta from Chicken Magic Recipes, and I firmly believe life’s too short for boring chicken. Whether you’re juggling a busy workweek or planning the ultimate family cookout, this recipe is quick to prep, big on flavor, and guaranteed to have everyone licking their fingers (and possibly fighting for seconds).
This dish is bursting with that signature sweet-savory combo that Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is famous for—and it’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
- Sweet & Savory Perfection – Thanks to brown sugar, soy sauce, and a hint of fresh ginger, every bite is a dance of flavors.
- Easy Ingredients – No hunting down fancy products. Everything’s likely in your pantry right now.
- Grill Magic – Perfect char marks and smoky flavors that scream summer.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – The marinade works wonders overnight, making dinner a breeze the next day.
- Crowd Pleaser – Whether it’s picky kids or foodie friends, Hawaiian BBQ Chicken never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Grab these pantry staples and get ready for the tropical vibes:
- Chicken thighs – I love using thighs for maximum juiciness, but breasts work too.
- Soy sauce – Brings the umami punch.
- Ketchup – Adds tang and a touch of sweetness.
- Brown sugar – For caramelized, sweet goodness.
- Chicken broth – Keeps the marinade balanced and moist.
- Fresh ginger and garlic – A bright, spicy kick that lifts all the flavors.
How to Make the Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Chicken broth
- Freshly grated ginger
- Minced garlic
This fragrant mix will instantly remind you of Hawaiian BBQ Chicken stands by the beach. Tip: Reserve about 1 cup of the marinade in a separate bowl for basting later. Don’t skip this—it’s the secret to layers of flavor on the grill!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken thighs into the bowl with the remaining marinade. Use your (clean) hands or a spoon to mix everything thoroughly.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 6 hours—or overnight if you have the time. Trust me, the longer, the better. It’s like sending your chicken on a tropical vacation.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
While grilling, brush each side generously with the reserved marinade. This is where the magic happens—the sauce caramelizes slightly, giving your chicken that irresistible sticky-sweet finish.
Serve hot with rice, pineapple salsa, or even tucked into sandwiches for an island-inspired meal.
Aneta’s Quick Tips for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Success
- Don’t Rush the Marinade – Overnight marinating is worth every second. Your taste buds will thank you.
- Grill Marks Are Your Friend – Press lightly for those pretty charred stripes.
- Keep Basting – That reserved marinade makes the chicken extra flavorful and glossy.
- No Grill? No Problem! – Cook these on a grill pan or even bake in the oven at 400°F until cooked through.
A Little Back Story
I once made this for a family BBQ, and my brother-in-law (who claims he “doesn’t even like chicken”) devoured four thighs in record time. Now it’s a staple at every summer gathering. If that’s not a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is!
FAQs About the Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just keep an eye on cooking time—breasts can dry out quicker than thighs.
Can I make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken in the oven?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade halfway through.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently so the chicken stays moist.
Is Hawaiian BBQ Chicken spicy?
Not really—it’s more sweet and savory. But if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat!
Let’s Get Grilling!
If you’ve been searching for the Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, look no further. This recipe is the perfect escape from the dinner routine, bursting with island flavors and grill-kissed goodness.
So grab your tongs, gather the family, and get ready to create some tropical memories—right in your own backyard. I’d love to hear how your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken turns out, so don’t be shy about sharing your delicious results. Happy grilling, friends!
Keep Exploring Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you loved diving into tropical flavors with this Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, here are more mouthwatering recipes to keep your grill sizzling and your dinners exciting:
- Get a creamy twist on summer grilling with my Peach Caprese Grilled Chicken, where juicy peaches and melty mozzarella bring a burst of freshness to your plate.
- Take your BBQ nights up a notch with Grilled Summer BBQ Chicken Pizza—a fun, flavorful spin perfect for backyard gatherings.
- For another sweet-savory delight, try these sticky Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings that pair beautifully with your island-inspired feasts.
- And if you’re a fan of tender, juicy thighs, don’t miss my Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs for a spicy kick and addictive creamy sauce.
Keep exploring, keep cooking, and let’s keep the chicken magic going strong!
Print
Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes + marinating time
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory Hawaiian BBQ sauce with ginger, garlic, and brown sugar, then grilled to sticky perfection. Perfect for family cookouts or a tropical dinner at home!
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
¾ cup soy sauce
½ cup ketchup
⅓ cup brown sugar
½ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, chicken broth, ginger, and garlic until combined.
Reserve 1 cup of the marinade in a separate container for basting during grilling.
Add chicken thighs to the remaining marinade. Stir well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
While grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade for extra glaze and flavor.
Remove from grill and let rest a few minutes before slicing. Serve over rice with avocado if desired.
Notes
Marinating overnight gives the best depth of flavor.
Don’t skip reserving marinade for basting—this is key for that glossy, sticky finish.
No grill? Bake chicken at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, basting halfway through.
Add chili flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes + marinating time
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330 Kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg