Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors sizzling on the grill. That was the inspiration behind this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken—a dish that captures the island spirit in every bite.

I created this recipe during a summer cookout when I wanted to offer something bold yet familiar, tropical yet comforting. I thought, why not marry the boldness of barbecue sauce with the juicy freshness of pineapple and a hint of island spice?

Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, meal-prepping for the week, or just dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, this dish brings the vacation straight to your table. It’s the kind of meal that makes people linger around the grill, breathing in that intoxicating aroma and asking, “What is that smell?!”

Read on and discover how to bring a little Aloha to your dinner routine.

Why I Love This Recipe

What sets Hawaiian BBQ Chicken apart from your everyday barbecue is its perfect balance of contrasting flavors and textures.

You get juicy, tender chicken marinated in a deeply flavorful sauce that’s sweet from pineapple juice, smoky from barbecue sauce, and slightly spicy from a touch of garlic and chili flakes. The tropical element is what makes it special—it’s not overpowering, but just enough to transport your senses to a breezy island beach.

I also love how versatile this recipe is. It’s a guaranteed hit whether you’re making it for a big crowd or just looking to jazz up weeknight chicken. It’s grill-friendly, oven-friendly, and can even be adapted for your slow cooker or air fryer. That flexibility is priceless when you’re juggling busy days and still want to put something delicious on the table.

But perhaps my favorite thing? This recipe smells like summer. As it grills or bakes, the aroma of caramelized pineapple and spiced BBQ sauce wafts through your kitchen or patio, building anticipation with every minute. And once it’s on the plate, it’s colorful, glossy, and totally irresistible.

Ingredients for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

To create the bold, bright flavors of Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few tropical touches. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why it matters:

Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best here. They’re juicy, cook evenly, and soak up the marinade like a dream. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat—just be careful not to overcook them.

Pineapple Juice
This is your tropical secret weapon. It adds natural sweetness and subtle acidity, helping to tenderize the chicken while infusing it with fruit-forward flavor.

Barbecue Sauce
Use a good-quality BBQ sauce that’s smoky and slightly sweet. A hickory-smoked or honey BBQ sauce works beautifully. This forms the base of the marinade and also becomes the glaze.

Soy Sauce
A splash of soy sauce adds umami and saltiness, balancing the sweetness of the pineapple and BBQ sauce.

Garlic and Ginger
Fresh garlic cloves and grated ginger bring warmth and depth. These aromatics are essential for giving the sauce a more complex, well-rounded flavor.

Brown Sugar
A touch of brown sugar enhances the caramelization on the chicken and complements the tropical sweetness.

Crushed Red Pepper (Optional)
Add a pinch for a little heat. It’s not traditional, but the contrast works well if you like a bit of spice.

Pineapple Slices or Chunks
Grilled or roasted pineapple caramelizes beautifully and gives the dish that unmistakable Hawaiian flair.

Green Onions (Optional, for garnish)
They add a fresh pop of color and a mild oniony crunch to finish things off.

How Much Time Will You Need?

This dish is surprisingly fast to prepare, though it benefits from marinating time.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinating time (optional, but recommended): 2–8 hours
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time (including marinating): 2 hours 40 minutes (max)
Total time (no marinating): About 35 minutes

If you’re short on time, a quick 30-minute marinade will still give you decent flavor. But for best results, let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight.

How to Make This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Step – 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• ¾ cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (if using)

Mix until everything is fully combined.

Step – 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Step – 3: Preheat the Grill or Oven

If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
If using an oven, preheat to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

Step – 4: Grill or Bake the Chicken

Grilling:
Remove chicken from marinade and place it directly on the grill grates. Grill each side for 5–7 minutes, brushing with additional marinade (reserved separately before marinating) or fresh BBQ sauce, until internal temp reaches 165°F.

Oven-Baking:
Place the marinated chicken on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with more BBQ sauce.

Optional: In the last 5 minutes, add pineapple rings to the grill or sheet to caramelize them.

Step – 5: Rest and Garnish

Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve with grilled pineapple on the side or on top.

Substitutions

Chicken Alternatives
Chicken breasts can be used if you’re looking for a leaner option—just reduce the cook time to prevent drying. You can also try chicken drumsticks or wings for a more casual, handheld version.

Pineapple Juice
If you don’t have pineapple juice, try orange juice for a similar fruity acidity, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

Barbecue Sauce
Use a homemade BBQ sauce or experiment with different styles like Kansas City, Carolina, or even chipotle BBQ for a smoky twist.

Soy Sauce
For gluten-free diets, use tamari or coconut aminos instead.

Sweetener
Brown sugar adds depth, but you can also use honey or maple syrup.

Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Coconut Rice

Fluffy jasmine rice cooked with coconut milk brings a creamy, subtly sweet backdrop that pairs perfectly with the bold BBQ flavors.

Grilled Corn with Lime Butter

Sweet grilled corn slathered in lime butter and a sprinkle of smoked paprika is a simple but flavorful side.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet—this island-style macaroni salad adds comfort-food vibes to your plate and balances the spice of the chicken.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is all about channeling that island-style charm—bright, casual, and full of flavor. Presentation doesn’t have to be overly fussy, but thoughtful touches will elevate the dish.

Start by placing the grilled chicken over a bed of coconut rice or steamed jasmine rice on a wide plate. Fan a few caramelized pineapple rings beside the chicken or lay them right on top. The vibrant golden fruit adds both visual contrast and a burst of sweet acidity in every bite.

Sprinkle with finely chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a pop of green. If you want to impress, serve it in a shallow bowl lined with banana leaves or alongside slices of grilled lime for a tropical finish.

Pair with your side dishes in colorful bowls—this helps create a warm, laid-back island feast presentation perfect for family-style sharing.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Better

Want to make your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken absolutely unforgettable? These tips will help you hit that sweet spot every single time.

• Marinate longer when possible: While a 30-minute soak will work, letting your chicken marinate overnight helps infuse every fiber with flavor and creates a more tender texture.
• Reserve marinade safely: Never reuse marinade that’s had raw chicken in it. Instead, set some aside before marinating, so you can brush fresh sauce over the chicken during cooking.
• Grill marks matter: If grilling, press the chicken lightly onto the grates for a few seconds at the beginning of cooking. It’ll help you achieve those beautiful char lines that look professional and boost flavor.
• Let the chicken rest: Don’t skip the 5-minute rest time after cooking. It allows juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and flavorful.
• Add texture with toppings: Sprinkle on some toasted sesame seeds or crushed macadamia nuts for crunch. A tiny drizzle of teriyaki or sriracha mayo can also add bold contrast.
• Make it ahead: This chicken is a meal-prep dream. Cook it ahead and reheat gently in the oven or microwave. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to make sure your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken turns out just right every time:

• Overcooking the chicken: Especially when using breasts instead of thighs, keep an eye on internal temperature. Overcooked chicken turns dry and rubbery fast.
• Skipping the marinade: The marinade is the heart of this recipe. Skipping or shortening it too much will lead to bland, uninspired results.
• Using fresh pineapple in marinade: Fresh pineapple contains enzymes that break down proteins too aggressively. Use canned or pasteurized juice only for the marinade to avoid mushy chicken.
• Not preheating the grill or oven: Always make sure your cooking surface is hot before adding the chicken. It ensures better caramelization and flavor.
• Brushing on marinade too early: If you baste too early, the sugars in the BBQ sauce can burn. Wait until the last 5–7 minutes of cooking to brush it on.

How to Store It

Refrigerator:
Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For best texture, reheat gently in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil to prevent drying.

Freezer:
Cool the cooked chicken completely, then freeze in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat Tips:
For best results, reheat in the oven or in a skillet over low heat. Microwaving works too—just add a splash of water and cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or towel to retain moisture.

Leftover Idea:
Slice leftovers and add to tacos, BBQ pizza, rice bowls, or even chopped into a grilled cheese sandwich for an unexpected twist.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Bone-in thighs or drumsticks work great—just increase cook time slightly and check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Q2: Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mild by default, with just a hint of heat from the crushed red pepper. You can omit it or amp it up with chili sauce or hot BBQ sauce if you like.

Q3: Can I use this marinade on other meats?
Absolutely. It works beautifully on pork chops, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Q4: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, Hawaiian BBQ Chicken keeps well and even tastes better the next day. Just store portions separately with your sides.

Q5: Can I make this without a grill?
Of course. The oven or a stovetop grill pan works well. You can even use an air fryer—just reduce cooking time and monitor closely.

Print