Flavor-Packed Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe Everyone Craves

There’s something magical about the first bite of a perfectly grilled Hawaiian BBQ chicken — juicy, sweet, smoky, and kissed with the golden tang of pineapple. This hawaiian bbq chicken recipe is the kind of dish that instantly transports you to a sun-soaked backyard luau, where laughter mingles with the scent of charred fruit and caramelized marinade. Whether you’re grilling for friends or prepping a weekday dinner that tastes like a tropical escape, this recipe delivers bold flavor with zero fuss.

Overview of This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

This hawaiian bbq chicken recipe centers on one powerful combination: marinated boneless chicken thighs and a punchy pineapple glaze grilled to sticky-sweet perfection. The chicken bathes in a tropical marinade of pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, ginger, and a splash of apple cider vinegar — a flavor profile that’s sweet, tangy, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Inspired by Hawaii’s famous Huli Huli chicken, this dish brings a bit of island tradition to your backyard. “Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian — and that’s exactly what makes this dish so delicious. Frequent basting and turning on a hot grill helps the sugars caramelize and build layers of flavor on the outside, while locking in juicy tenderness within.

This is the recipe I reach for when I want to bring the aloha spirit to the table — whether it’s a summer cookout, a rainy-day craving for sunshine, or simply a Tuesday night that needs rescuing. It’s bright, bold, and incredibly versatile.

Plus, it scales easily for a party, pairs well with classic sides like coconut rice or Hawaiian macaroni salad, and reheats beautifully. And best of all? No need to buy a plane ticket — just fire up your grill and let the island vibes come to you.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this unforgettable hawaiian bbq chicken recipe:

For the Marinade & Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ¾ cup pineapple juice (100% juice, no sugar added)
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening glaze)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

For Serving & Garnish:

• 1 fresh pineapple, sliced into rings or spears
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Optional Sides:

• Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice
• Hawaiian macaroni salad
• Grilled corn or tropical slaw

The beauty of this hawaiian bbq chicken recipe lies in its simplicity — every ingredient serves a purpose, building layers of flavor that shine when kissed by flame. Pineapple juice provides natural sweetness and acidity, soy sauce adds umami depth, and fresh ginger brings warmth and zing.

Make sure you’re using boneless, skinless thighs for maximum juiciness and faster cooking. Their natural fat content helps them stay moist on the grill and soak up every drop of marinade.

Necessary Tools for Preparation

To make this hawaiian bbq chicken recipe shine with minimal stress, here’s what you’ll want at the ready:

• Outdoor grill (gas or charcoal) – for authentic flavor and gorgeous char
• Large zip-top bag or shallow baking dish – to marinate the chicken evenly
• Tongs – essential for flipping and basting
• Basting brush – to apply the thickened marinade during grilling
• Meat thermometer – to ensure perfect doneness (165°F internal temp)
• Sharp chef’s knife & cutting board – for prepping pineapple and herbs
• Medium saucepan – for reducing and thickening extra marinade into glaze

Optional, but helpful:

• Pineapple corer/slicer – makes prepping fresh pineapple easier
• Grill pan or cast iron skillet – for stovetop grilling if needed
• Skewers – great for party-friendly serving

Whether you’re grilling outdoors in the summer sun or using a grill pan in your kitchen during colder months, the right tools make the process seamless. The key to success is a hot grill, frequent turning, and generous basting with that golden pineapple glaze.

Ready to dive into substitutions and step-by-step cooking? Let’s bring the islands to your plate.

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

This hawaiian bbq chicken recipe is already naturally friendly to a variety of diets, but here are some easy substitutions to help adapt it further — without sacrificing flavor or that signature tropical kick.

Protein Swaps:

• Chicken thighs are best for moisture and flavor, but you can substitute with chicken breasts — just slice them in half horizontally for even cooking and reduce grilling time by 3–5 minutes.
• Boneless skinless drumsticks work well too, though they’ll need longer on the grill and extra basting for tenderness.

Soy-Free Version:

• Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free, soy-free alternative that still brings umami depth.

Sweetener Variations:

• You can substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar if you prefer natural sweeteners. Start with 3 tablespoons and adjust to taste.

Spice Level:

• Want more heat? Add a teaspoon of Sriracha, gochujang, or a finely minced red chili to the marinade.
• For zero heat, omit red pepper flakes entirely — the flavor will still shine.

Acid Swap:

• If apple cider vinegar isn’t available, use rice vinegar or fresh lime juice for brightness.

No Grill? No Problem:

• This recipe also works beautifully on a cast iron grill pan, broiler, or air fryer. The key is caramelization — wherever you get heat and control, you can get flavor.

No matter the substitution, the magic of this hawaiian bbq chicken recipe lies in balancing sweet, savory, tangy, and aromatic notes — keep that ratio in check, and you’re golden.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to bring this hawaiian bbq chicken recipe to life, one flavorful step at a time:

❶ Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• ¾ cup pineapple juice
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

Reserve ½ cup of this marinade and refrigerate — this will become your basting glaze later.

Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.

❷ Make the Pineapple Glaze

After marinating, pour the reserved ½ cup marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
In a separate cup, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir into the boiling marinade.

Simmer 3–5 minutes, stirring, until thickened into a glossy glaze. Set aside.

This step adds that luscious, sticky-sweet finish to the grilled chicken — don’t skip it.

❸ Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Oil the grates with a paper towel dipped in neutral oil to prevent sticking.

Remove chicken from marinade and pat lightly dry with paper towels. This helps achieve better browning.

❹ Grill the Chicken

Place chicken thighs directly over heat. Grill for 4–5 minutes per side, turning once.

As they cook, brush generously with the glaze after each flip. You want those edges to caramelize and build a golden crust.

Use a thermometer to check for doneness — 165°F internal temp is perfect. If needed, move chicken to indirect heat to finish cooking without burning.

While the chicken rests, grill pineapple slices for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly charred and caramelized.

❺ Rest and Garnish

Transfer grilled chicken to a platter. Let rest 5 minutes to lock in juices.

Top with grilled pineapple, sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro (if using). Serve immediately with your favorite tropical sides.

That’s it — your hawaiian bbq chicken recipe is ready to serve, packed with sweet-savory island flavor in every bite.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this hawaiian bbq chicken recipe is how effortlessly it turns a casual meal into something special. Whether you’re hosting a backyard luau or plating up a sunny weeknight dinner, here are a few ways to serve it up island-style:

Traditional Hawaiian-Style Plate Lunch:

• Scoop of steamed jasmine rice
• Generous serving of Hawaiian macaroni salad
• 1–2 grilled pineapple spears tucked beside the chicken

Tropical Rice Bowl:

• Fluffy coconut rice as a base
• Sliced Hawaiian BBQ chicken on top
• Add grilled pineapple, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of leftover glaze
• Optional: a fried egg or avocado for richness

Party Skewers:

• Slice grilled chicken and thread onto skewers with pineapple chunks and red bell pepper
• Brush with extra glaze and serve as finger food for guests

Luau-Style Tacos:

• Shred or slice leftover chicken
• Serve in grilled corn tortillas with mango salsa, cabbage slaw, and a squeeze of lime

Pairings:

• Drinks: Pair with sparkling pineapple water, iced green tea, or a tropical mocktail (think coconut + lime)
• Desserts: End with grilled plantains, pineapple sorbet, or coconut panna cotta

This hawaiian bbq chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser because it fits any occasion — from casual summer nights to festive family dinners. Just bring the aloha spirit.

Tips for Best Results

After testing dozens of batches (yes, my grill has seen things), here are the essential tips that take this hawaiian bbq chicken recipe from good to absolutely unforgettable:

Marinate Long Enough:
Minimum of 2 hours is okay, but overnight gives the best results. The acid and sweetness work together to tenderize and flavor every bite.

Dry Before Grilling:
Remove excess marinade and pat the chicken lightly dry with paper towels. This helps the surface sear and caramelize properly.

Grill on Medium-High Heat:
Too low and you won’t get that sticky char; too high and the sugars can burn. Stick to 375–400°F and move to indirect heat if flare-ups happen.

Baste Often — But Wisely:
Start basting after the first flip, once the chicken has sealed in its juices. Use the thickened glaze (not the raw marinade) to avoid cross-contamination.

Use a Thermometer:
The safest way to ensure doneness without overcooking is to pull the chicken at 165°F internal temperature. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Grill the Pineapple Separately:
It only needs a minute or two per side — just long enough to char without drying out. Grilled pineapple brings juicy acidity that balances the savory chicken beautifully.

Let it Rest:
Always give your chicken a few minutes to rest before cutting. It keeps the juices locked in and helps the flavor settle into each bite.

Follow these simple tips, and your hawaiian bbq chicken recipe will be juicy, flavorful, and gorgeously caramelized every single time.

Storage Instructions

One of the best parts about this hawaiian bbq chicken recipe? It stores and reheats like a dream. Here’s how to keep those flavors fresh and bold even after the grill has cooled.

Refrigeration:

• Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Store extra glaze separately to use during reheating or for drizzling over rice bowls.

Freezing:

• Freeze grilled chicken (whole or sliced) in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.
• For best texture, let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tips:

• Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or reserved glaze to prevent drying out.
• Alternatively, use the microwave at 70% power in 30-second intervals, turning chicken between blasts.

Make-Ahead Tip:

• You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, then grill fresh. Or, grill a day in advance and reheat with glaze right before serving for a stress-free meal.

This recipe fits perfectly into meal prep plans, potlucks, or even busy weeknights. Just warm, serve, and savor the aloha.

FAQ

Can I make this hawaiian bbq chicken recipe without a grill?
Absolutely. Use a cast iron grill pan or broil it on high heat in the oven. For stovetop: sear on medium-high heat 5–6 minutes per side, then finish in a 375°F oven for 5–10 minutes.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Slice large breasts in half horizontally and reduce grilling time slightly. Just keep an eye on doneness — they dry out faster than thighs.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Totally. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, or fully grill it and reheat with glaze before serving. It stores well and actually tastes better the next day.

Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos in place of regular soy sauce. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.

What if I don’t like pineapple?
You can substitute with mango nectar or even orange juice, though the flavor will be slightly different. Pineapple brings natural sweetness and acidity that really defines this dish.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes — bake in a 400°F oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with glaze. Broil for the final 2–3 minutes for a bit of char.

Conclusion

Few dishes bring people together quite like this hawaiian bbq chicken recipe. It’s vibrant, fragrant, and full of flavor — like sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re hosting friends for a summer barbecue or making a midweek dinner feel special, this chicken delivers on every level: juicy, charred, sweet, and tangy with tropical flair in every bite.

It’s not just a recipe — it’s an invitation to slow down, grill something beautiful, and share a meal worth remembering. Try it once, and it just might become your new summer ritual.

So fire up the grill, grab that pineapple, and get ready to taste the aloha.

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Additional Recommended Recipes

If you loved this hawaiian bbq chicken recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy:

• Blueberry BBQ Sauce Recipe – A bold and fruity twist that pairs beautifully with grilled meats.
• Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe from Longhorn – Juicy chicken with a golden, cheesy crunch—comfort food done right.
• Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe – Rich, spicy, and silky—perfect drizzled over grilled chicken or seafood.
• Pineapple Jalapeño Jam Recipe – Sweet heat in a jar, fantastic as a glaze or BBQ topping.

These dishes bring the same summer-ready flair and bold flavors you loved—perfect for your next backyard feast!