Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Name: Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; ¼ cup oil; 1 cup barbecue sauce; 2 teaspoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 (15-ounce) can pineapple slices; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Published: August 13, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 50 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and fresh garlic creates an amazing flavor that everyone will love.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over grilled pineapple or with your favorite sides like rice or salad for a complete meal.
Healthy Choice: Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a lean protein option that satisfies your cravings without compromising health.
Impressive Presentation: The colorful plating of chicken over grilled pineapple will wow your guests and make any meal feel special.

Tools and Preparation

To make Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, you only need a few essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Outdoor grill
Large resealable bag
Medium bowl
Whisk
Grill spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Outdoor grill: Provides the high heat needed for perfect grilling, ensuring the chicken remains juicy with beautiful grill marks.
Large resealable bag: Ideal for marinating the chicken evenly and keeping flavors locked in.
Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing sauces without creating a mess.
Grill spatula: A sturdy tool that helps turn the chicken easily while on the grill.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
¼ cup oil
1 cup barbecue sauce
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon minced garlic

For Grilling

1 (15-ounce) can pineapple slices
Pineapple juice from can

For Garnish

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

How to Make Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Add the 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness, and ¼ cup oil into a large resealable bag. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup barbecue sauce, pineapple juice from can, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Pour half of this mixture into the bag. Seal it tightly and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. Reserve the remaining marinade.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill

Grease your outdoor grill and preheat it to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade bag and discard the used marinade.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken on the grill. Cook each side for about 6-8 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and is no longer pink in the middle.

Step 4: Grill Pineapple Slices

While grilling the chicken, place the canned pineapple slices on the grill as well. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they are heated through and begin to char slightly.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked, brush the grilled chicken with reserved barbecue sauce. Top with chopped fresh cilantro for garnish. Serve alongside grilled pineapple slices for a delicious presentation.

Enjoy your flavorful Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken!

How to Serve Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is not only delicious but also visually appealing, especially when paired with grilled pineapple. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Rice

Coconut Rice: The creamy texture of coconut rice complements the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken.
Jasmine Rice: Fragrant jasmine rice provides a light base that absorbs the barbecue sauce beautifully.

Add a Fresh Salad

Tropical Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits like mango, kiwi, and berries adds a refreshing contrast to the grilled chicken.
Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw provides a nice texture and balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

Create a Wrap

Chicken Wraps: Use tortillas to wrap the grilled chicken with fresh veggies and a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce for an easy meal.
Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves as wraps filled with grilled chicken and pineapple slices.

Serve with Dipping Sauce

Extra Barbecue Sauce: Offer additional barbecue sauce on the side for those who love extra flavor.
Spicy Sriracha Mayo: A spicy mayo can add a kick that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the dish.

How to Perfect Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

To ensure your Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for several hours enhances flavor and tenderness.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Checking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees ensures safety and optimal juiciness.
Preheat Your Grill: A properly preheated grill helps achieve those beautiful grill marks while locking in moisture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give each piece space to cook evenly; overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than grilling.
Baste While Cooking: Brushing on reserved marinade during cooking adds layers of flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes post-grilling allows juices to redistribute, making for tender bites.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Serving sides with your Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken can enhance your meal. Here are some tasty options that pair well with this dish.

Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds color and crunch, making it a perfect complement.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn, either grilled or boiled, brings out summer vibes and pairs well with BBQ flavors.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with vegetables can provide a nutritious balance to your plate.
Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is great for soaking up any leftover barbecue sauce on your plate.
Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad adds heartiness and pairs beautifully with grilled meats.
Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans offer a classic side option that goes hand-in-hand with BBQ dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken experience. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavor. Always allow at least 30 minutes for the marinade to infuse the chicken with taste.
Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for perfect juiciness.
Neglecting the Grill Temperature: Grilling on too low or too high heat can ruin your dish. Preheat your grill to medium-high for even cooking and optimal charring.
Forgetting to Reserve Marinade: Discarding all marinade can limit flavor. Always reserve some sauce before marinating for basting later.
Ignoring Side Pairings: Serving with plain sides may not highlight the meal’s flavors. Incorporate colorful vegetables or grains that complement the grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken in an airtight container.
It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
Frozen chicken will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth and cover, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I serve with Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken?

Pair this dish with rice, grilled vegetables, or fresh salad for a complete meal that enhances its tropical flavors.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! This marinade works well with pork or shrimp if you prefer a different protein option.

How can I customize my Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken?

Feel free to add spices like cayenne or paprika for extra heat or experiment with different barbecue sauces to suit your taste.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is great for meal prep as it stores well and reheats nicely, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor. Its vibrant presentation over grilled pineapple makes it a standout dish at any gathering. Customize it with your favorite sides or sauces to make it uniquely yours. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the tropical twist at your dinner table!

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