Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

• Author: kenzie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

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Description

This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is juicy, sweet, smoky, and packed with tropical flavor. The combination of pineapple, BBQ sauce, and a hint of garlic creates a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for summer dinners, cookouts, or easy weeknight meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Hawaiian BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

For Serving:

 

• Grilled pineapple slices
• Cooked rice (optional)
• Fresh cilantro or green onions
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. If the pieces are thick, slice them in half horizontally or pound them slightly so they cook evenly. Place the chicken in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, then rub it all over each piece. This helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken juicy during cooking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken. Press the spices into the surface so they adhere well. Let the chicken sit for 10–15 minutes so the flavors can soak in before cooking.

Step 3: Make the Hawaiian BBQ Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. It should be glossy, sticky, and rich with a sweet tropical aroma. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. If using a grill pan, heat it until hot and lightly grease it.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Avoid flipping too often so it develops a nice char. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 6: Glaze the Chicken

During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the Hawaiian BBQ sauce generously over the chicken. Turn and brush again to build layers of flavor. The sauce will caramelize slightly, creating a sticky, flavorful coating.

Step 7: Grill the Pineapple

Place pineapple slices on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly charred and caramelized. This enhances their sweetness and adds smoky flavor.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

 

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Serve over rice with grilled pineapple on the side. Garnish with cilantro or green onions and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for a bright finish.

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Notes

• Use chicken thighs if you want extra juicy results
• Don’t add sauce too early or it may burn due to sugar
• Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it moist
• Pineapple juice adds natural sweetness and tenderizes the meat
• Grill pineapple for extra flavor and presentation

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: Per serving
• Calories: 380

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed rice or coconut rice
• Pair with grilled vegetables or salad
• Slice and use in wraps or sandwiches
• Serve with extra sauce for dipping
• Perfect for BBQ parties and meal prep

Prep Time / Cook Time / Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Info (Approx.)

Calories: 380 per serving
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 14g
Sugar: 18g

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, it works perfectly and is very convenient.

Can I make this without a grill?
Yes, you can cook it in a skillet or oven.

Is the sauce very sweet?
It’s balanced sweet and savory, but you can adjust sugar to taste.

How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.