Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Bring the flavors of the islands to your table with this Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe! Sweet, smoky, and savory, this dish is marinated in a tangy BBQ sauce and pineapple blend, then grilled to perfection. Juicy chicken and caramelized pineapple make it a showstopper for summer dinners, family gatherings, or quick weeknight meals.
Whether you serve it with rice, in a wrap, or just on its own, this dish is bursting with flavor and easy to make perfect for anyone who also loves quick, garlicky dinners like Garlic Butter Chicken Bites.
Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Notes
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small pineapple (or canned pineapple slices)
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce (or your preferred BBQ sauce)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Prepare the Pineapple: If using fresh pineapple, peel and slice into large circles or wedges. Skip this step if using canned pineapple.
- Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine pineapple juice, olive oil, soy sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, sea salt, and paprika. Mix well.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken breasts and pineapple slices to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium heat and lightly spray with cooking spray. Grill the chicken, basting occasionally with the marinade, for 5 minutes on one side.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the chicken, baste again, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add Pineapple: Flip the chicken again, add pineapple slices, and continue grilling until chicken reaches 165°F and pineapple softens, about 5–10 minutes.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest a few minutes, then slice and serve with rice, veggies, or in a wrap. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Canned Pineapple: Works well but is thinner; grill for just a few minutes until caramelized.
- Chicken Options: Use thighs for juicier meat; adjust grilling time accordingly.
- Oven Option: Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes; add pineapple slices during the last 10 minutes.
- BBQ Sauce Swap: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce smoky, tangy, or spicyfor a different flavor profile.
- Marinating: Avoid marinating longer than 30 minutes in pineapple juice to prevent chicken from getting mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes! Canned pineapple works perfectly. Just grill for a few minutes until soft and caramelized.
2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
20–30 minutes is ideal. Longer marination can make the chicken too soft due to the pineapple juice.
3. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, bake at 375°F for 20 minutes and add pineapple slices during the last 10 minutes.
4. What if my chicken is cooking too fast on the outside?
Grill over medium heat or move chicken to a cooler area to prevent burning before fully cooking.
5. Can I use a different BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! Choose your favorite sauce smoky, tangy, or spicy just balance it with the sweetness of pineapple.
6. Can I prepare this dish for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, the marinade only takes 20–30 minutes, making it perfect for a fast, flavorful dinner.
Conclusion
This Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe is a simple way to bring tropical flavors to your table with minimal effort. Sweet, smoky, and savory, it’s perfect for summer dinners, family meals, or weeknight grilling. Serve it with your favorite sides, and for another quick, garlicky dinner option, try Garlic Butter Chicken Bites.
