Description
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky grilled chicken dish made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and warm spices. Finished with a sticky glaze and caramelized pineapple rings, this easy tropical-inspired recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, summer BBQs, or meal prep bowls.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
For the Hawaiian BBQ Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple rings)
- 4–6 pineapple rings (plus extra for grilling)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, tomato paste, ketchup, ginger, garlic, and seasonings until smooth. - Marinate the Chicken:
Pat chicken dry and place into a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 24 hours. Refrigerate the remaining marinade separately. - Preheat the Grill:
Heat grill to medium and clean grates. - Simmer the Reserved Marinade:
Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened. - Grill the Chicken:
Remove chicken from marinade and discard used marinade. Grill chicken about 8–10 minutes per side (depending on thickness), turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Begin basting with the thickened glaze during the last several minutes of cooking. - Grill the Pineapple:
Add pineapple rings to the grill during the final 4 minutes of cooking. Grill until lightly caramelized. - Rest and Serve:
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve over rice, salads, or with your favorite sides. Garnish with cilantro and green onions if desired.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving on the grill.
- Marinating overnight gives the deepest flavor.
- No grill? Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F, then broil briefly for caramelization.
- Always simmer reserved marinade before using as glaze for food safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-inspired / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg