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Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe


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  • Author: Keyla Stewart
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Juicy grilled Hawaiian BBQ chicken thighs with a sweet pineapple glaze—perfect for backyard BBQs or tropical weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

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 glaze)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 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

Instructions

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk pineapple juice, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Reserve ½ cup. Marinate chicken in remaining mixture for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
  • Make the Glaze: Boil reserved marinade. Stir in cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water). Simmer until thickened.
  • Preheat Grill: Heat to medium-high (400°F). Oil grates. Pat chicken dry.
  • Grill Chicken: Grill thighs 4–5 min per side, basting with glaze. Internal temp should reach 165°F. Grill pineapple 1–2 min per side.
  • Rest & Garnish: Let chicken rest 5 min. Garnish with pineapple, green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
  • Use breasts or drumsticks with adjusted cooking times.
  • Works well with mango or orange juice if pineapple isn’t preferred.
  • Store leftovers up to 4 days in fridge or 2 months frozen.
  • Reheat gently with glaze to preserve juiciness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 thigh with pineapple
  • Calories: 385 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg