Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Juicy, tender grilled chicken smothered in a sweet and tangy pineapple BBQ sauce. This tropical favorite brings the taste of the islands to your backyard and is perfect for a summer cookout.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Pineapple BBQ Sauce
- b.In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- c.Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- d.In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and 2 tbsp of water to create a smooth slurry. Whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce.
- e.Continue to cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
- f.Measure out and reserve half of the sauce in a separate bowl for basting the chicken later. The remaining sauce in the saucepan will be used as the marinade.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag.
- c.Pour the marinade portion of the sauce (the half left in the saucepan) over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- d.Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for best flavor. Do not marinate longer, as the pineapple acid can affect the chicken's texture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Grill the Chicken and Pineapple
- b.Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). Clean the grates and lightly oil them with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- c.Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
- d.Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, with the lid closed as much as possible.
- e.During the final 3-4 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken generously on both sides with the reserved (unused) BBQ sauce.
- f.The chicken is cooked through when it's no longer pink inside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
- g.While the chicken cooks, place the pineapple rings on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the pineapple is slightly caramelized.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the chicken and pineapple from the grill and transfer to a clean platter.
- c.Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender result.
- d.Serve the grilled chicken topped with the grilled pineapple slices. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest results, use chicken thighs. If you prefer chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out more easily.
- 2Don't marinate the chicken for more than 4 hours. The acid in the pineapple juice can start to break down the meat, making it mushy.
- 3To prevent cross-contamination, always use a separate batch of sauce for basting that has not come into contact with raw chicken.
- 4Keep a close eye on the chicken while grilling, especially after basting. The sugar in the sauce can cause flare-ups and burn quickly.
- 5This chicken is also delicious when baked. Place marinated chicken in a baking dish and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, basting with reserved sauce during the last 5 minutes.
- 6For a bit of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the BBQ sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the BBQ sauce for a spicy-sweet flavor.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
This marinade and sauce work wonderfully with pork loin, shrimp, or firm tofu. Adjust grilling times accordingly.
Slow Cooker MethodSlow Cooker Method
Place chicken and all of the sauce (no need to reserve any) in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Shred the chicken with two forks before serving on buns or with rice.
Add VeggiesAdd Veggies
Create skewers by alternating chunks of chicken with bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini. Grill until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender-crisp.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Contains Digestive Enzymes
Pineapple is a natural source of bromelain, a group of enzymes that can aid in the digestion of proteins, potentially reducing bloating and indigestion.
Source of Key Minerals
This dish provides important minerals like selenium from chicken, which supports thyroid function and immunity, and manganese from pineapple, which is crucial for bone health and metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is estimated to have around 450-500 calories. This can vary based on the exact size of the chicken thighs and specific brands of ingredients used.