Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe: Is It Better With Pineapple?

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This plate features a serving of Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe, showing a glossy, grilled chicken breast and a grilled pineapple ring. It's served with a scoop of fluffy white rice and a portion of pineapple fried rice, all garnished with chopped scallions.
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I still remember the first time I tried a Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe at a backyard gathering with friends. The smell of charred pineapple mixing with smoky barbecue sauce floated through the air, and everyone crowded around the grill waiting for the first bite. To be honest with you, I didn’t expect something so simple to feel so special. But truth be told, that chicken wasn’t just food it turned into one of those meals that made the whole evening memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and smoky flavors that balance beautifully.
  • A glaze that caramelizes until it sticks to your fingers (in the best way).
  • Straightforward steps, even if you’re new to grilling.
  • Versatility: works for weekday dinners or big summer parties.
  • Kid-friendly yet satisfying enough for the grown-ups.

Ingredients List

This image shows ingredients for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe, including raw chicken breasts, chopped scallions, half a pineapple, dried chili peppers, pineapple juice, a dark sauce mixture, cooked rice, soy sauce, spices, salt,
  • Chicken thighs or breasts – thighs keep things juicier.
  • Pineapple juice – not exaggerating if I say this is the secret weapon; it tenderizes while adding tropical sweetness.
  • Soy sauce – brings balance and saltiness.
  • Brown sugar or honey – for caramelization and depth.
  • Fresh garlic and ginger – trust me, this aroma will hit you instantly.
  • BBQ sauce – smoky base that ties it all together.

Substitutions and Options

  • Swap honey with maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
  • Use tamari instead of soy if you want it gluten-free.
  • For extra spice, throw in some chili flakes.

Recipe Options

  • Oven-baked for those who don’t want to grill outside.
  • A grill pan if you’re working indoors but still want that charred edge.

By and large, these little tweaks give you flexibility without losing the essence of the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe.

What is Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

Quite frankly, the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe is tender chicken marinated in pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then grilled or baked with smoky barbecue sauce. It’s sweet, tangy, and downright comforting. From my point of view, it’s more than a meal it’s that backyard, friends around the table kind of dish you never forget.

Timing

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Marinating time: 2 hours
  • Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
  • Total: close to 3 hours

How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

This two-panel image shows the marination process for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe. The left side shows a whisk in a bowl of dark, chunky sauce. The right side shows raw chicken pieces and pineapple rings soaking in the marinade.

Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sugar. Toss the chicken in until fully coated. Refrigerate and let those flavors soak in. Tip: overnight marinating brings out the absolute best results.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill or Oven

Get your grill medium-high or set your oven to 400°F. Starting hot ensures caramelization, not steaming.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

This is a close-up of a marinated chicken breast grilling on a hot black grate. The chicken has a rich, orange-brown BBQ glaze and distinct dark grill marks running across its surface. for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

Lay the chicken on the grates, cook about 6–7 minutes each side. Brush with BBQ sauce as it cooks. Don’t flood it; thin layers are key to that sticky glaze.

Step 4: Check Doneness

This is a close-up of a thick, circular slice of pineapple resting on a hot grill pan. The fruit is caramelized with a golden-brown hue and features prominent, charred grill marks.

Grab your meat thermometer and check for 165°F. Don’t just poke with a fork and guess I’ve done that, and let me tell you something it doesn’t end well. Thermometers are cheap, and they save chicken from disaster.

This close-up image shows a plate piled high with pieces of Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe and grilled pineapple rings. Both the chicken and the fruit have a glossy glaze and prominent grill marks.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

serving of Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe. The chicken breasts are coated in a sweet, glossy sauce, topped with chopped scallions and sliced red chili, and served over grilled pineapple rings.

This is the part almost everyone skips. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes. I know it’s tempting to cut right in, but truth be told, the juices need a moment to settle back in. Otherwise, they’ll just spill out on the cutting board, and you’ll be left wondering why it’s dry.

Pro Cooking Tips

  • Marinate overnight for unbeatable tenderness.
  • Oil the grill grates before cooking (otherwise, sticking happens).
  • Don’t pile too many pieces together space equals even heat.
  • Grill pineapple slices alongside the chicken for a bonus treat.
  • Always, always check temperature instead of guessing.

How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

This dish isn’t just chicken on a plate. You can dress it up or keep it casual:

  • Pair with coconut rice and grilled vegetables for a tropical spread.
  • Toss shredded leftovers into tacos or wraps.
  • Layer slices on a homemade pizza with extra pineapple (yes, pineapple belongs on pizza at least here).
  • Serve with chilled lemonade or even a mojito if you’re feeling fancy.

Quite frankly, this versatility is what makes the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe so useful.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for two months. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of pineapple juice or water to keep it moist. Microwave works too, but honestly, the skillet brings back that smoky flavor best.

More Great BBQ Recipes

Nutritional Information

(per serving, approximate)

  • Calories: 340
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbs: 18g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 670mg
This plate features a serving of Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe, showing a glossy, grilled chicken breast and a grilled pineapple ring. It's served with a scoop of fluffy white rice and a portion of pineapple fried rice, all garnished with chopped scallions.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe: Is It Better With Pineapple?

By Nancy
Want juicy grilled chicken with tropical flair? Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe is your go-to guide for flavor-packed BBQ. Discover how to make it!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Hawaiian, American Fusion
Servings 4
Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken thighs or breasts
  • Pineapple juice
  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar or honey
  • Fresh garlic and ginger
  • BBQ sauce

Instructions
 

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  • Mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sugar. Coat chicken well. Refrigerate. (Tip: don’t skip marinating; it makes or breaks this dish.)

Step 2: Preheat the Grill or Oven

  • Get the grill hot (medium-high heat). If using oven, preheat to 400°F. This ensures caramelization without drying the meat.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

  • Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce. Keep basting to lock in flavor.

Step 4: Check Doneness

  • Use a thermometer—165°F is safe. Too high, and you risk dry chicken.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

  • Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. It keeps juices sealed in.

Notes

Nutritional Information

(per serving, approximate)
  • Calories: 340
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbs: 18g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 670mg
Keyword summer grilling, tropical chicken, backyard barbecue, party food, family dinner, sweet and smoky, island-inspired, pineapple chicken, easy weeknight recipe, cookout favorite

FAQ About Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

What is Hawaiian chicken sauce made of?

To be honest with you, it’s simpler than most people think. Pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a bit of sugar that’s the heart of it. Sometimes I even sneak in a splash of orange juice when I’m low on pineapple, and no one notices.

What sauce does Hawaiian BBQ use?

Believe it or not, it’s not some mysterious bottled blend. It’s basically your favorite BBQ sauce with a tropical twist sweetened up with fruit juice and kissed with smoky flavor. Bottom line: it’s familiar yet exciting at the same time.

What is Hawaiian barbecue chicken?

In all honesty, it’s just juicy chicken marinated in that sweet savory sauce, then grilled or baked until caramelized. The kind of dish that makes you close your eyes on the first bite because it just works.

What spices are in Hawaiian chicken?

Garlic, ginger, black pepper, and sometimes a tiny pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat. (I don’t keep you a secret once I tried adding cinnamon, and it actually gave a warm background note. Totally optional, but worth experimenting with!)

Conclusion

In every sense of the word, this dish delivers. The Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe is flavorful, flexible, and perfect for turning a regular meal into something unforgettable. Try it at your next cookout or weeknight dinner. Share your experience in the comments, leave a review, or subscribe for more recipes

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