This Easy Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is sweet, tangy, and oh-so-delicious! It’s made with juicy chicken and a tasty pineapple BBQ sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Honestly, this dish is perfect for summer cookouts. I love serving it with rice and grilled veggies. It makes any meal feel like a beach party! 🌺🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness. You can easily swap them for chicken breasts if that’s your preference, but they might be a bit drier, so keep an eye on the cooking time.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice really brings out the sweet tropical taste. If you don’t have any, canned juice can work too. Just check that it doesn’t have added sugar to keep it balanced.
Soy Sauce: This adds a savory depth to the dish. For a gluten-free version, try tamari or coconut aminos. If you’re watching your sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is a great substitute.
Brown Sugar: While brown sugar brings the right warmth, you could also use honey or maple syrup for a different flavor. Just remember, these natural sweeteners are more liquid, so use a bit less.
Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a lovely zing to the marinade. You can omit it if you’re not a fan or use ground ginger as a substitute – about a half teaspoon should do.
How Do You Get the Chicken to Cook Perfectly?
Cooking the chicken just right can be tricky. Here are some steps to keep your chicken juicy and flavorful:
- Use medium-high heat when searing the chicken. This helps to achieve a nice caramelized crust.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed, so each piece gets even heat.
- Cook until golden brown and no longer pink in the middle; about 4-5 minutes per side usually does the trick.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking before serving. This lets the juices redistribute!
These tips will ensure that your Hawaiian BBQ chicken is tender and bursting with flavor every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
- Marinade:
- 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably fresh)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For Cooking & Serving:
- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil (for cooking)
- Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
- Sliced avocado (for serving)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Cooked white rice or jasmine rice for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Hawaiian BBQ Chicken takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes (up to 2-3 hours) for marinating. Cooking it will take around 15 minutes. In total, plan for about 1 hour if you adhere to the marinating time. Perfect for a weekday dinner or a relaxed weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade/Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, ketchup, grated ginger (if using), sesame oil (if using), and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Make sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, aim for 2-3 hours to let the chicken soak up all those tasty flavors!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off, and reserve the marinade for later use.
4. Sear the Chicken Strips:
Cook the chicken strips in batches (to avoid overcrowding the pan) for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. If the chicken is sticking, just give it a moment before trying to flip!
5. Simmer the Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
6. Glaze the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the thickened sauce over it in the skillet. Toss everything together well to coat the chicken and let it caramelize slightly for 1-2 minutes. This makes the chicken even more delicious!
7. Serve:
Plate the glazed Hawaiian BBQ chicken over a bed of cooked white or jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, arrange slices of creamy avocado on the side, and add lime wedges for that perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every bite of this tropical delight!
There you have it! A simple and delightful Hawaiian BBQ Chicken that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion! 🍍🌺
FAQ About Easy Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking. The best way to do this is to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes to get some flavor, but for the best results, aim for 2-3 hours. If you need to marinate it overnight, that’s fine too, just be cautious to not let it sit too long as the acids in the marinade can start to break down the chicken.
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep the chicken moist. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken a day in advance. Simply keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This saves time on busy days, and the chicken will taste even more flavorful!
