Get ready to fire up your grill and bring a taste of the islands to your backyard with this mouthwatering Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe. Packed with tropical sweetness, savory soy, and a hint of sesame, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a juicy, flavor-loaded feast. Whether you’re planning a weekend cookout or just craving something that tastes like a Hawaiian vacation, this easy recipe hits all the right notes. We’ll explore what makes Hawaiian BBQ different, the key to the sauce, and how this dish fits beautifully into your summer grilling plans. Let’s get into the story behind this island classic.
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe: Juicy Island Grilled Favorite
The Flavor of Memories: My Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe Journey
Why Hawaiian-style BBQ chicken holds a special place in my kitchen
Growing up, the sweet smell of grilled chicken mixed with pineapple always meant something special—family cookouts or summer potlucks. But it wasn’t until a beach trip in Maui that I truly tasted authentic Hawaiian grilled chicken. The balance of sweet and savory, that sticky pineapple glaze, and the perfectly charred edges? Pure island magic. I knew I had to bring that flavor home. Over time, I crafted my own tropical BBQ chicken recipe, fusing that signature island-style chicken taste with easy ingredients found right in my pantry.
That dish became more than a meal—it became a connection to those moments of laughter and aloha around a picnic table. Now, I’m sharing this flavorful Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe so you can bring a little island joy to your backyard too.
What makes this grilled Hawaiian chicken recipe stand out
Unlike traditional American barbecue, this Hawaiian-style BBQ chicken brings tropical brightness through its key ingredient: pineapple juice. The sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with salty soy sauce and the warm bite of ginger and garlic. When it’s grilled, the sugars caramelize, forming a sticky glaze that clings to the juicy chicken.
This recipe isn’t just inspired by island flavors—it embodies them. You marinate the chicken in a blend of BBQ sauce and pineapple juice, then grill it to lock in the moisture. Add grilled pineapple slices and a bed of rice, and you’ve got a Hawaiian chicken with pineapple meal that’s both satisfying and refreshingly different from the usual BBQ lineup.
For more island-inspired ideas like our BBQ Chicken Musubi, this one’s an absolute favorite. And it’s not just a recipe—it’s an experience.
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Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe – Juicy Island Grilled Favorite
- Total Time: 30 minutes + marinate
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A juicy, island-inspired Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe marinated in pineapple, soy, garlic, and ginger, grilled and served with rice and pineapple slices.
Ingredients
1 cup BBQ sauce
20 ounce can pineapple slices in juice (not syrup)
¼ cup less sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 heaping teaspoon minced fresh ginger
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 green onions, thinly sliced
3 cups cooked long grain white rice
Instructions
1. Strain and reserve the juice from the can of pineapple slices.
2. Combine BBQ sauce, ½ cup pineapple juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
3. Reserve ½ cup marinade; pour the rest over chicken in a sealed bag and refrigerate for 2–8 hours.
4. Grill chicken, turning occasionally, until 165°F inside. Baste with reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes.
5. Brush pineapple slices with vegetable oil; grill for 2 minutes per side.
6. Serve chicken over white rice with grilled pineapple and sliced green onions.
Notes
Make sure to use pineapple canned in juice, not syrup.
Always reserve marinade before adding raw chicken for safe basting.
Prep time does not include marinating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: BBQ
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 476
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 1022mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 97mg
How to Grill Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe Like a Local
The Marinade: Where Island Flavor Begins
The heart of this pineapple BBQ chicken lies in the marinade. It’s a tropical fusion of sweet, savory, and umami notes that transforms ordinary cuts into something unforgettable. Start with your favorite BBQ sauce, then stir in ½ cup of pineapple juice (from canned slices), soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. That mix is what gives this grilled Hawaiian chicken its signature depth and sticky-sweet glaze.
Be sure to reserve ½ cup of marinade before pouring the rest over the chicken. This step is crucial—you’ll use the reserved sauce to baste while grilling. Let your chicken soak for 2 to 8 hours. I’ve tested this many times, and the longer marination yields juicier, more flavorful results. It mimics the classic Huli Huli chicken recipe in spirit—huli meaning “to turn”—which is all about repeated flipping and basting over the fire.
Grilling to Perfection: Baste, Turn, Repeat
Once marinated, preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F). Whether you’re cooking boneless thighs or breasts, aim for 6–8 minutes per side. During the final 5 minutes, baste with the reserved marinade. This adds shine and builds that addictive sticky coating.
Now here’s the magic touch—grilled pineapple. Brush the slices with vegetable oil and throw them on the grill alongside your tropical BBQ chicken. A quick 2 minutes per side is all it takes for golden grill marks and caramelized flavor. The pineapple juices soak into the meat for that signature Hawaiian twist.
Unlocking the Magic of Hawaiian BBQ Sauce
What Makes Hawaiian-Style BBQ Sauce So Distinct?
Hawaiian BBQ sauce isn’t just sweet—it’s layered, vibrant, and deeply savory. At its core, this pineapple chicken marinade blends tangy pineapple juice with rich soy sauce, creating a sweet-salty foundation. Add in sesame oil, minced garlic, and fresh ginger, and you’ve got a tropical BBQ glaze that tastes like sunshine on a plate.
What sets this apart from traditional sauces is the fruit-forward brightness. Instead of a heavy molasses base, this Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce leans into acidity and natural sweetness. It’s designed to caramelize quickly on the grill, leaving behind a sticky, lacquered finish on the chicken that’s bursting with flavor.
In this island-style chicken recipe, the sauce is both a marinade and a finishing glaze. It seeps into the chicken while it rests, then reappears as a glossy coating when basted during grilling. The result? Tender, flavorful bites every time.
Flavor Balance: Sweet Meets Savory with a Kick
What makes this sauce so crave-worthy is its balance. Pineapple offers that tropical brightness, while soy and sesame deepen the flavor. Fresh ginger provides a zingy bite that wakes up your palate, and the garlic lingers in the best way. It’s not spicy, but it’s full of bold, unforgettable character.
As it grills, the sugars from the pineapple and BBQ sauce begin to char slightly, locking in juiciness while adding a complex crust. That’s why this isn’t just another BBQ chicken—it’s a Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe that gives you smoky edges and juicy centers every time.
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken vs. Huli Huli Chicken: Same Roots, Different Roads
Shared Ingredients, Different Approaches
When comparing this Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe to the classic Huli Huli chicken recipe, you’ll notice they’re cousins, not twins. Both dishes share that irresistible base of pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger—but how they’re cooked and finished gives them unique character.
Traditional Huli Huli chicken is often made using bone-in pieces, spit-roasted over open flames while constantly basted (huli means “to turn”). It’s rich, slow-cooked, and often has a thinner teriyaki-style sauce. In contrast, our Hawaiian-style grilled chicken is simplified for modern backyard grills—boneless, skinless cuts cooked over direct heat, glazed with a thicker BBQ sauce blend for more stick and shine.
The result? A tropical BBQ chicken dish that brings all the classic flavors but fits into your weeknight dinner or weekend BBQ with ease. It’s approachable, fast, and still gives you that authentic island taste.
Perfect Ways to Serve This Island BBQ Chicken
Once your grilled Hawaiian chicken comes off the grill, the fun begins. Serve it over a bed of fluffy long grain white rice, add a few grilled pineapple rings, and sprinkle fresh green onions on top for color and crunch. This setup gives you a complete island BBQ chicken experience that’s satisfying and stunning.
Want a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch feel? Add a scoop of creamy macaroni salad and maybe even some pickled vegetables. You could also repurpose leftovers into sliders, wraps, or pineapple-topped tacos for a second-day win.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes Hawaiian BBQ different?
Hawaiian BBQ stands out for its sweet-savory balance and tropical flair. Instead of the heavy smoke or vinegar found in traditional BBQ, Hawaiian-style grilled chicken uses ingredients like pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger to create a lighter, fruit-forward flavor profile. It’s all about combining bright, island-inspired elements that caramelize beautifully over the grill.
How to make Hawaiian barbecue grilled chicken?
To make grilled Hawaiian chicken, marinate boneless chicken thighs or breasts in a mixture of BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Let it sit for at least 2 hours. Grill over medium heat, basting during the last 5 minutes, and serve with grilled pineapple and rice for a true tropical BBQ experience.
What is Hawaiian BBQ sauce?
Hawaiian BBQ sauce is a tropical glaze that blends pineapple juice with soy sauce, BBQ sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. It’s lighter and sweeter than classic sauces, perfect for grilling as it caramelizes into a glossy finish. It works as both a marinade and a basting sauce in this pineapple BBQ chicken recipe.
What are the ingredients in Huli Huli chicken?
The classic Huli Huli chicken recipe uses a marinade of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and ketchup. Traditionally grilled over open flames while being repeatedly turned and basted, it’s a staple of Hawaiian roadside food culture with a flavor profile similar to teriyaki but richer and more aromatic.
Conclusion
Bringing this Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe into your weekly rotation is an easy way to add a burst of tropical flavor to your grill nights. With just a handful of ingredients—pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and aromatics—you can create an unforgettable island-style chicken dish that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and smoky.
Whether you’re serving it with white rice and grilled pineapple or turning leftovers into tacos or sliders, this dish offers versatility and crowd-pleasing flavor. It’s more than just a recipe—it’s a bite of aloha you can enjoy anytime.
Explore more BBQ creations in Top 5 BBQ styles and keep your grill hot and your flavors bold.
