Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and savory flavors, and when it comes to barbecue chicken, adding a tropical flair turns it into a whole new experience. Imagine juicy, tender chicken slathered in a tangy, sweet BBQ sauce, with hints of pineapple, soy sauce, and a little kick from ginger. This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a moment of sunshine in your kitchen, perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering with friends and family.

I first stumbled upon this recipe while looking for something new to try on a summer evening. After a long day, I needed something easy, but I also craved bold, exciting flavors. This dish was the perfect answer. The moment the chicken hit the grill, the scent of caramelizing pineapple and smokey BBQ filled the air, and I was hooked. It’s now one of my go-to recipes whenever I’m in the mood for something a little different—it’s simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser.

In this recipe, I’ll show you how to create a delicious Hawaiian BBQ Chicken from scratch, from the BBQ sauce to the grilling technique. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and has an irresistible tropical twist that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and an uncomplicated cooking process make this recipe perfect for busy nights or impromptu gatherings.
Tropical Flavor: The pineapple and BBQ sauce create a tangy and sweet contrast, while a hint of ginger adds a warm kick, making each bite feel like a mini vacation to the islands.
Juicy and Tender Chicken: Grilling or baking the chicken ensures it stays moist, while the BBQ sauce seals in all that flavor. Whether you use chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, this recipe will be a hit.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet BBQ flavor, and it’s easy to customize for picky eaters.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, in a sandwich, or with a side of fresh grilled veggies—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this dish.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 30-40 minutes (includes prep and cooking time)
Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on how much chicken you prepare and your crowd’s appetite.

Nutrition Facts

Calories per Serving: 350-400 (depending on the chicken cuts)
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 15g

Ingredients

This recipe calls for fresh, vibrant ingredients to bring out those tropical flavors:

Chicken (Breasts, Thighs, or Drumsticks): 4-6 pieces, depending on your preference. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for grilling, but bone-in pieces can add more flavor.
BBQ Sauce: 1 cup (either store-bought or homemade—recipe included below).
Pineapple: 1 cup of crushed pineapple (you can use canned, just be sure to drain it well).
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (this gives a rich, umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the pineapple).
Honey: 1 tablespoon for a touch of natural sweetness.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic gives this dish depth and warmth.
Ginger: 1 teaspoon, freshly grated. It adds a lovely zingy note.
Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed to brighten the sauce.
Olive Oil: For grilling or searing the chicken.
Salt & Pepper: To taste.

Homemade BBQ Sauce (Optional but Highly Recommended):

For an extra layer of flavor, making your own BBQ sauce is so worth it. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the BBQ Sauce (if making from scratch)

Start by making the BBQ sauce. This extra step really brings the dish to life, and it’s easy!

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Set it aside once it’s done.

2. Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using boneless chicken breasts, lightly pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. If you’re using bone-in pieces, that’s okay—just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This is a simple step that helps enhance the natural flavor of the chicken before it soaks up all the BBQ goodness.

3. Make the Pineapple BBQ Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the crushed pineapple, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Stir it all together.
Take the seasoned chicken and place it in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the pineapple mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, marinate it for 30-60 minutes for even more flavor!

4. Grill the Chicken

While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using an indoor grill or stovetop, heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil.

Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill.
Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side (for boneless, skinless chicken breasts) or 10-12 minutes per side (for bone-in pieces). Flip the chicken only once to get those beautiful grill marks.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re using bone-in pieces, make sure the juices run clear.

5. Add the BBQ Sauce

About 5 minutes before the chicken is fully cooked, brush a generous layer of your homemade BBQ sauce over the chicken. Allow it to cook for a few minutes, just until the sauce gets nice and bubbly.
If you’re using store-bought sauce, this is when you’d brush it on. You can also add a little more pineapple on top at this stage to give it a fresh pop of sweetness.

6. Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken stays juicy and tender.

How to Serve

This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it:

Over Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice. The rice soaks up the sweet and savory sauce beautifully.
In a Sandwich: Shred the chicken and pile it onto a soft sandwich roll with some fresh pineapple slices for a tropical twist.
With Grilled Veggies: Pair it with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for a complete BBQ plate.
Side Salad: A simple arugula salad with a light lemon vinaigrette will balance out the rich BBQ chicken.
Toppings: Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for an extra burst of flavor.

Additional Tips

Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Let your chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This simple step ensures your chicken will be juicy and not dry.
Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
For Extra Flavor: If you want to add a smoky touch, try grilling the chicken over indirect heat for part of the cooking time. This will infuse a subtle smokiness into the meat.
For More Pineapple Flavor: Grill the pineapple slices alongside the chicken, then add them to the chicken just before serving. It’s a great way to boost the tropical flavor!

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for thick slices of grilled tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian take on this dish.
Gluten-Free: Ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free and serve the chicken with gluten-free rice or grilled vegetables.
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes to the BBQ sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the chicken before grilling for a spicy twist.
Herb Variations: Try swapping the cilantro for fresh basil or mint if you’re craving a different herbal flavor.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers (which is unlikely because this chicken is so tasty!), here’s how to store it:

Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Simply wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Special Equipment

Grill: A standard outdoor or indoor grill will work perfectly for this recipe.
Meat Thermometer: This is essential to make sure your chicken is cooked to the perfect temperature.
Basting Brush: A silicone brush is ideal for brushing on your homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes! Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce if you’re short on time. Just make sure to add the pineapple marinade to give it that Hawaiian touch.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just store the chicken in the fridge in an airtight container or plastic bag until you’re ready to cook it.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are great for grilling, and they stay moist and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs take a little longer than breasts to cook through.

What can I serve this with?
This dish pairs well with tropical sides like coconut rice, grilled pineapple, or a crisp green salad. It’s also fantastic with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal.

Conclusion

I hope this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken brings a little slice of the tropics to your dinner table! With its sweet and tangy flavors, juicy chicken, and simple prep, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how your version turns out! Happy cooking!