This Easy Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a tasty dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors with juicy chicken. It’s perfect for any BBQ party or a cozy family dinner!
Honestly, the sauce is the star here—it’s so good that I could drink it! Just grill the chicken, brush on the BBQ sauce, and watch everyone go for seconds. 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness. If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts work too! Just know that they might dry out a bit faster.
BBQ Sauce: A sweet and tangy Hawaiian BBQ sauce is ideal. If you can’t find it, any other fruity BBQ sauce would work. You can even make a homemade version with ketchup and honey!
Pineapple Juice: This adds great flavor! If you don’t have any, you could use orange juice for a different sweet kick. Alternatively, try apple juice, but that will change the taste a bit.
Fresh Ginger: This ingredient boosts the flavor but can be omitted if you don’t have it. Ground ginger is a good substitute; just use less, about 1/4 teaspoon.
Soy Sauce: Remember to check for low-sodium versions if you’re reducing salt. Coconut aminos are a great gluten-free alternative.
How Do You Get Juicy Grilled Chicken Every Time?
To ensure your chicken is juicy, marinating is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but if you can, let it sit for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Preheat the grill properly—it should be medium-high to sear the chicken without drying it out.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken! Use a meat thermometer; 165°F is the perfect doneness.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling. This helps redistribute the juices inside the meat.
By following these steps, you’ll serve up the juiciest Hawaiian BBQ chicken that everyone will love!
How to Make Easy Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably a sweet and tangy Hawaiian style)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then needs to marinate for at least 1 hour (preferably 3-4 hours for best flavor). Once you grill, it will take about 15 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 to 4 hours, primarily for marination, plus an additional 15 minutes for cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mix will become a sweet and flavorful marinade that will keep the chicken juicy!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. If you have time, let it marinate for 3-4 hours for even more flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. This will give your chicken those beautiful grill marks and caramelization!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade (don’t throw away the marinade just yet!). Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F) and has nice charred edges.
5. Glaze While Grilling:
As you grill, brush the chicken occasionally with the reserved marinade to keep it moist and sticky—don’t be shy with that glaze!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. While you wait, prepare your serving area.
7. Plate and Enjoy:
Serve the grilled Hawaiian BBQ chicken over fluffy white rice. Add sliced avocado on the side. Drizzle any extra warm marinade over the dish for more flavor, and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges to squeeze over the top!
Now you have a beautifully vibrant Hawaiian BBQ chicken dish that’s full of flavor! Enjoy this tropical feast with family and friends—it’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ About Easy Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts! Just be mindful—they might cook faster than thighs, so keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead. Just store the marinated chicken in the fridge until you’re ready to grill it. This will enhance the flavors even more!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Can I Use a Different BBQ Sauce?
Of course! While a sweet and tangy Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce works best, any favorite BBQ sauce will do. Just adjust the amount of sugar in the marinade based on how sweet or savory your sauce is.
