If you’re craving a dish that bursts with tropical flavors and perfectly grilled goodness, you’ve got to try the Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe. This recipe combines a luscious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy ingredients that soak into tender chicken thighs, creating a mouthwatering experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the islands. Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a cozy dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm Hawaiian vacation on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first fun step toward making this delicious dish come alive. Each ingredient is straightforward but plays a crucial role — from balancing flavors to achieving that signature Hawaiian flair.
- Chicken thighs (2–5 lb, boneless skinless): These juicy, tender cuts soak up the marinade beautifully and grill up with perfect char marks.
- Soy sauce (3/4 cup, low-sodium): Adds that essential salty umami base without overpowering the sweetness.
- Ketchup (3/4 cup): Introduces a tangy tomato sweetness that complements the brown sugar.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Sweetens the sauce, helping to caramelize the chicken as it grills.
- Chicken broth (1/3 cup): Keeps the marinade moist and infuses subtle savory depth.
- Fresh ginger (2 1/2 teaspoons, grated): Brightens the marinade with a zingy warmth and slight spice.
- Garlic (2 teaspoons, minced): Adds a rich, aromatic punch that rounds out the flavor profile.
How to Make Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, chicken broth, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl. This simple yet flavorful blend is what makes the Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe so special—each ingredient balances sweetness, saltiness, and a touch of zest, creating the perfect soaking liquid for your chicken. Before adding in the chicken, reserve one cup of this marinade to use later while grilling.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken thighs to the marinade and toss everything together, making sure every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least six hours or overnight if you can. This slow marination time allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, making the chicken exceptionally juicy and flavorful when cooked.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat and place the marinated chicken on the grates. Grill each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. While grilling, use a basting brush to coat the chicken with the reserved marinade frequently—this creates a glossy, sticky glaze packed with flavor and helps achieve that irresistible caramelized finish.
How to Serve Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add fresh notes, top your Hawaiian BBQ chicken with thinly sliced green onions or fresh cilantro. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top can brighten up the richness of the dish, adding another layer of tropical flair that pairs beautifully with the bold marinade.
Side Dishes
Nothing complements the Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe better than fluffy white rice or coconut rice, which soaks up the sauce perfectly. Add sliced avocado for creaminess and a simple pineapple salad or grilled pineapple rings for a touch of wholesome sweetness that echoes the flavors in the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your chicken atop a bed of sautéed greens or alongside a vibrant mango salsa for a colorful and inviting plate. You can also try wrapping the grilled chicken in warm tortillas with cabbage slaw for a Hawaiian-inspired taco twist that’s perfect for a fun, casual meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken and any extra marinade (that was cooked or reserved properly) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious dish again without any loss of flavor.
Freezing
Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe also freezes well. Place cooked chicken pieces in a freezer bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. To prevent dryness, add a splash of broth or reserved marinade and cover the chicken while reheating for a moist, just-grilled texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but be aware they may cook faster and be less juicy than thighs. Marinate for less time to avoid drying out and monitor grilling closely.
Is it necessary to reserve some marinade before marinating the chicken?
Yes, reserving some marinade helps you baste the chicken while grilling safely without reintroducing raw chicken juices. This step helps create a beautiful glaze.
What can I substitute for soy sauce if I want a gluten-free option?
Gluten-free tamari sauce is a perfect substitute for soy sauce that maintains the umami flavor without the gluten, keeping the marinade just as tasty.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Six hours to overnight is ideal for this recipe. Longer than 24 hours can start to break down the texture, making the chicken mushy, so try to stick within that window.
Can I cook this recipe in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes, baking chicken at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes works well. Baste the chicken periodically with reserved marinade to keep it moist and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Making the Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe is like capturing the vibrant spirit of the islands right in your own kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to bring smiles to anyone lucky enough to taste it. Don’t wait for a special occasion—fire up that grill or oven and dive into this tropical delight today. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, chicken broth, fresh ginger, and garlic. After marinating for at least 6 hours, the chicken is grilled to juicy perfection with the reserved marinade brushed on for extra flavor. Serve it with hot rice and sliced avocados for a delicious and easy Hawaiian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2–5 lb Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
Marinade
- 3/4 cups Low-sodium soy sauce
- 3/4 cups Ketchup
- 1 cup Brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup Chicken broth
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 teaspoons Garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, packed brown sugar, chicken broth, freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved. Reserve 1 cup of this marinade in an airtight container and refrigerate it for basting later.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs into the remaining marinade in the bowl. Coat the chicken evenly by mixing well. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the chicken to absorb all the flavors.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken thighs for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks. While grilling, use a food brush to baste the chicken with the reserved marinade frequently to keep it moist and packed with flavor.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the Hawaiian BBQ chicken hot with freshly cooked rice and sliced avocados on the side for a complete, tropical-inspired meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavors.
- If you don’t have a grill, the chicken thighs can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
- Leftover marinade should be discarded or boiled thoroughly before using it as a sauce to avoid contamination from raw chicken juices.
- Skin-on chicken thighs can be used if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
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