Ingredients
1 cup BBQ sauce This forms the base of the marinade, providing a smoky sweetness that coats the chicken beautifully and ties all the flavors together.
20 ounce can pineapple slices in juice (not heavy syrup) The pineapple adds tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the meat, plus its juice is crucial for the marinade to enhance the grilled Hawaiian chicken’s juicy texture.
1/4 cup less sodium soy sauce It brings umami and saltiness to the dish, making the Hawaiian BBQ chicken marinade flavorful while keeping sodium levels lower for health-conscious eaters.
2 teaspoons sesame oil This ingredient adds a nutty depth that elevates the overall taste of the grilled tropical chicken without overwhelming the other flavors.
2 teaspoons minced garlic Garlic infuses a pungent aroma and robust flavor, helping to create that irresistible Hawaiian chicken recipe profile.
1 heaping teaspoon minced fresh ginger Ginger provides a zesty kick and warmth, which is essential for the authentic island style in your BBQ chicken with pineapple.
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs These provide the lean protein base, ensuring the grilled Hawaiian barbecue chicken is tender and satisfying.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil Used for brushing the pineapple, it helps prevent sticking and adds a light crisp to the grilled fruit.
4 green onions, thinly sliced These add a fresh, oniony garnish that brightens the finished dish and complements the sweet and sour chicken BBQ elements.
3 cups cooked long grain white rice Served as a base, it soaks up the delicious juices and makes the meal hearty for any Hawaiian BBQ chicken lover.
Instructions
1-First Step: Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by straining the pineapple slices and reserving the juice, as this is essential for the marinade in your grilled Hawaiian barbecue chicken. Set aside the pineapple slices for later grilling and measure out all other ingredients like BBQ sauce and soy sauce to keep things organized. This initial setup, known as mise en place, helps avoid any last-minute rushes and ensures your Hawaiian BBQ chicken turns out just right.
2-Second Step: Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup of the reserved pineapple juice, 1/4 cup less sodium soy sauce, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, and 1 heaping teaspoon minced fresh ginger. After mixing, reserve 1/2 cup of this marinade for basting to keep things safe and flavorful. This step infuses the grilled Hawaiian chicken with its signature sweet and tangy taste, making it a hit for any barbecue.
3-Third Step: Marinate the Chicken: Place 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs into a plastic storage bag and pour in the remaining marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours to let the flavors soak in, which tenderizes the meat and enhances the overall grilled tropical chicken experience. Remember, this marinating time is key, so plan ahead for the best results in your Hawaiian chicken recipe.
4-Fourth Step: Preheat and Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F, to get that perfect sear on your Hawaiian BBQ chicken. Grill the marinated chicken, turning it occasionally and basting with the reserved 1/2 cup sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F, which takes about 6-8 minutes per side for breasts and a bit longer for thighs, ensuring it’s juicy and safe to eat.
5-Fifth Step: Grill the Pineapple: While the chicken rests, brush the pineapple slices with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Grill them for about 2 minutes on each side until they soften and show nice grill marks, adding a sweet contrast to your pineapple BBQ chicken. This quick step boosts the flavors and makes your dish even more appealing for guests.
6-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy: Once grilled, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing, then serve it garnished with 4 thinly sliced green onions, alongside the grilled pineapple slices, over 3 cups of cooked long grain white rice. This presentation makes for a complete meal that’s versatile for diets, like pairing with vegetables for a lighter option. With a total active time of just 22 minutes plus marinating, your grilled Hawaiian barbecue chicken is ready to impress. You might also check out our easy grilling tips for more ideas on perfecting your setup.
Last Step:
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🌿 Store fresh ginger in the freezer; grate frozen ginger directly with a microplane for convenience.
⏲️ Marinate the chicken 2 to 8 hours for best flavor; active prep time does not include marinating.
🍍 Always use pineapple canned in juice, not heavy syrup, and reserve 1/2 cup marinade before adding raw chicken to avoid contamination while basting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 2 to 8 hours
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 476 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 1022 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 97 mg