With its effortless blend of juicy chicken, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, succulent pineapple, and other Hawaiian-inspired delights, this recipe for Hawaiian BBQ chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The versatility of chicken as a neutral-tasting protein makes it an ideal canvas for a wide range of flavors, making the combination with Hawaiian ingredients a match made in heaven. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a delicious meal option, this dish is guaranteed to get everyone excited and leave them wanting more.
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity – just eight ingredients are required to create perfectly tender chicken that’s bursting with tropical flavors. The harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes in each bite ensures a mouthwatering experience that will leave you craving more. And if you’re looking for even more Hawaiian-inspired delights, consider pairing this recipe with slow cooker Hawaiian ribs or a refreshing Hawaiian macaroni salad, followed by a sip of the gorgeous lava flow cocktail – your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This
The allure of tropical flavors never gets old, and Hawaiian BBQ chicken is no exception. The harmonious blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and other Pacific-inspired ingredients creates a culinary masterpiece that’s simply irresistible. With every bite, you’ll be transported to the sun-kissed islands, where the aroma of grilled chicken fills the air. This recipe’s versatility knows no bounds – it pairs perfectly with an array of side dishes, from classic rice and potato salad to steamed veggies and pasta salads. Serve it as part of a lavish buffet or party spread, and get ready for the inevitable applause as the crowd devours this succulent delight. And the best part? This Hawaiian BBQ chicken is surprisingly easy to prepare! Simply combine the sauce ingredients, throw the chicken on the grill, add the tangy glaze, and serve hot. With minimal prep time required, you’ll be enjoying this culinary treasure in no time.
How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
To begin preparing the Hawaiian barbecue chicken, follow these steps. First, create the sauce by whisking together all the ingredients except for the chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes or until it reaches the desired consistency. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even let the chicken marinate in this flavorful blend. Next, preheat your grill to medium heat and brush the sauce onto skinless chicken thighs. Grill the chicken for a few minutes on each side, or until it’s cooked through. To add some extra flair, flip the chicken over, slather on some more marinade or reserved sauce, and throw some pineapple rings onto the grill as well. Close the lid and let the flavors meld together until the chicken is done. Finally, serve the Hawaiian BBQ chicken hot, accompanied by your favorite sides for a truly satisfying meal.
Substitutions and Variations
Whether you opt for boneless thighs, skinless chicken breasts or even turkey or pork, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate your preferences. For added zest, consider incorporating chilli flakes to give your dish a spicy kick.
The sweet and tangy combination of fresh pineapple on the grill pairs beautifully with the Hawaiian chicken BBQ recipe, but canned pineapple slices also provide a tasty alternative. While sliced pineapple may not be essential, it undeniably elevates the overall flavor experience when paired with the succulent chicken.
How to Store Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
When storing leftovers, keep the chicken fresh by sealing it in an airtight container within the fridge for up to seven days. If you’ve had it at room temperature for over an hour or so, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it. As for freezing, place the chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers and consume within three months. However, don’t freeze the grilled pineapple as it will become mushy if not stored properly. To thaw the recipe, allow it to sit overnight in the refrigerator. For reheating, warm the chicken back up in the oven or reheat in 15-second increments by microwaving it in smaller pieces to prevent drying out.
Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken FAQs
While it’s always ideal to fire up the grill when cooking Hawaiian-style BBQ chicken, Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate with our plans. Fortunately, this recipe can be easily adapted for baking in the oven instead. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken for approximately 40 minutes. Be sure to baste it a few times during cooking to keep the meat moist and lock in those delicious flavors. If you prefer a more authentic Hawaiian experience, feel free to swap out canned pineapple juice for fresh pineapple puree, as well as use fresh garlic and ginger instead of powdered or ground varieties. To incorporate these fresh ingredients, simply sauté them briefly before adding the remaining sauce components to the pan. This will allow their flavors to mellow out slightly and meld with the rest of the dish. If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, all you need to do is substitute soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Additionally, ensure that your BBQ sauce of choice is also gluten-free.
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
This mouthwatering Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe is a breeze to make, combining the rich flavors of grilled chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, sweet pineapple, and more. With only 10 minutes of prep time, 15 minutes of cooking time, and a total of 25 minutes from start to finish, you can indulge in this scrumptious dish with ease. Perfect for a family dinner or gathering, this recipe serves 5 people, making it an ideal choice for your next meal.
Instructions
Combine BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until fully incorporated, then bring the mixture to a boil over 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally as it reduces and thickens. Remove from heat and pour into a separate container, allowing it to continue thickening further. Meanwhile, prepare your chicken thighs by coating them evenly with the BBQ sauce using a pastry brush. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing the chicken on the tray and cooking for 7 minutes. Flip each piece, reapply more of the BBQ sauce, and add slices of pineapple to the grill. Close the lid and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Serve with steaming hot rice and a refreshing side of Hawaiian macaroni salad.
