This Easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is full of sweet and tangy flavors! With juicy chicken cooked in a tasty BBQ sauce, it’s a delicious meal that’s perfect for any day.
I love how quick and simple this dish is to make, plus it always makes my family happy. Serve it with rice for a full Hawaiian dinner—who could resist that? 🌺🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work too. For a lighter option, you can substitute with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce helps control salt content without sacrificing flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos make a great alternative.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice gives a bright flavor, but canned juice is convenient and works perfectly. If you want a different fruitiness, mango juice is another tasty substitute.
Brown Sugar: Using light brown sugar adds a nice caramel flavor. If you need a sugar substitute, maple syrup or honey can be used, though they may change the final taste slightly.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic add depth; however, you can use powdered versions in a pinch. Just halve the amount if using powder!
How Do I Marinate Chicken for the Best Flavor?
Marinating the chicken not only adds flavor but also helps keep it moist. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a bowl; the mix of sweet and savory is key.
- Toss the chicken in the marinade and ensure every piece gets covered well.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you have 1-2 hours, that’s even better!
For really juicy chicken, consider marinating overnight—just remember to keep it in the fridge!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Chicken?
Cooking the chicken properly can turn your dish from good to great. Here’s what to focus on:
- Preheat your skillet or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; too much chicken will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.
- Reserve the marinade before cooking the chicken for added sauce later. This step is crucial for flavor!
- Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes is usually perfect.
Don’t forget to pour the reserved marinade back into the pan to create a delicious glaze right before serving!
Easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1ÂĽ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- â…“ cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- â…“ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple works great)
- ÂĽ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Fresh cilantro or green onion, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional, for serving)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken will take about 10 minutes for prep and at least 30 minutes for marinating. Cooking will take about 10 minutes, so in total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes, including marinating time. You’ll have a tasty dinner ready quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil (if you’re using it). This will be your flavorful Hawaiian BBQ marinade and sauce. Make sure everything is mixed well!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it marinate for 1–2 hours will enhance the flavor even more.
3. Heat the Pan:
When you’re ready to cook, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken for that nice sear!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Cook the chicken pieces in the hot pan for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are nicely browned and cooked through. It should be juicy and slightly charred!
5. Add the Marinade:
Pour the reserved marinade into the pan with the chicken. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will allow the marinade to thicken and coat the chicken with a delicious glaze.
6. Garnish:
Once the chicken is ready, remove the pan from heat, and sprinkle the chopped cilantro or green onion over the top for a fresh touch. It adds color and a bit of extra flavor!
7. Serve:
Serve the Hawaiian BBQ chicken over cooked white rice. You can also add sliced avocado and lime wedges on the side for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy!
Indulge in your plate of tender, sweet, and tangy Hawaiian BBQ chicken. It’s not just easy to prepare, but absolutely delicious too!
FAQ About Easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before marinating. The best way to thaw is by transferring it from the freezer to the fridge overnight. If you need to thaw it quickly, you can submerge it in cold water (in a sealed bag) for about an hour.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for optimal flavor, aim for 1-2 hours. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, you can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I Substitute the Pineapple Juice?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can use orange juice or mango juice for a different fruity flavor. Just make sure it’s a juice you enjoy, as it will impact the overall taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent it from drying out.
