Introduction to Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
As summer rolls in, I often find myself craving something light, flavorful, and easy to whip up after a long day. That’s where my Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe shines! Imagine succulent chicken, kissed by the sun, perfectly balanced with the sweetness of pineapple. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy evening, making it the perfect solution for both family dinners and weekend gatherings. With just a bit of prep, you can have this vibrant meal on the table, ready to impress everyone around you!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
This Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken makes cooking a breeze! It’s quick to prep and even faster to grill, perfect for those busy weekday evenings. With every juicy bite, the sweet and savory flavors dance on your palate, transporting you straight to a tropical paradise. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, the delightful taste and colorful presentation always impress. Trust me, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients for Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in preparing the perfect Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These lean cuts are the star of the dish, absorbing flavors beautifully and grilling to tender perfection.
- Pineapple: Whether fresh or canned, pineapple adds that essential tropical sweetness. Fresh pineapple gives a wonderful bite, while canned is convenient and offers a lovely syrupy glaze.
- Pineapple juice: This acts as a tenderizer and enhances that fruity flavor to ensure your chicken bursts with goodness.
- Olive oil: A healthy fat that not only helps with marination but also keeps the chicken moist on the grill.
- Soy sauce: A savory element that adds depth to your marinade, balancing the sweetness of the pineapple.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand for a smoky flavor; it’s what brings everything together with that classic grill taste.
- Brown sugar: This adds a hint of caramel sweetness, complementing the savory flavors perfectly—enough to make your taste buds dance.
- Minced garlic: For that fragrant aroma and robust flavor, adding a depth that makes this dish irresistible.
- Ground black pepper: A must for seasoning, it contributes a subtle heat that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Sea salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and helping the chicken to remain juicy.
- Paprika: This not only brings color but also adds a smoky richness that elevates the overall taste.
- Chopped green onion (optional): For a fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and a mild oniony bite.
You can find precise measurements for all these ingredients at the bottom of the article for easy printing or reference. So, gather these amazing ingredients, and let’s dive into the fun of grilling!
How to Make Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Making Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is easier than you might think! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. Let’s break it down!
Prep the Pineapple
If you’re using fresh pineapple, first, remove the tough skin. Use a sharp knife to slice it into large rings or wedges. This method allows the pineapple to caramelize beautifully on the grill.
If canned pineapple is your go-to, just drain it and it’s ready to grill! Either way, the fruit adds a delightful sweetness to counterbalance the savory chicken.
Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, olive oil, soy sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, sea salt, and paprika. This blend delivers an explosion of flavor!
Add the chicken breasts into the marinade, making sure they’re coated well. Toss the pineapple slices in too; they love to soak up all those tasty juices. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes. This step allows the magic to happen.
Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Before placing the chicken on the grill, spray it with cooking spray. This little hack keeps your chicken from sticking.
Carefully place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Brush them with some leftover marinade for extra flavor. Close the lid and let it cook for about 5 minutes. You want those grill marks!
Flip and Continue Grilling
After 5 minutes, it’s time to flip the chicken. Give it another good baste with the marinade to keep it juicy. Cook for another 5 minutes until it’s grilling beautifully.
Add Pineapple
If you want those divine caramelized flavors, flip the chicken once more and place the pineapple slices on the grill. Grill the chicken and pineapple for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Flip the pineapple halfway for even cooking.
Keep an eye on that chicken; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The pineapple should be soft and succulent, waiting to accompany your chicken!
Serve
Once everything’s cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps it retain its juices. Slice the chicken and serve it with the grilled pineapple on the side.
You might enjoy it with rice, veggies, or even in a wrap for a fun summer dish!
Tips for Success
- Marinate for longer if you can—up to four hours for max flavor.
- Take your chicken out of the fridge about 20 minutes before grilling; this helps it cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the resting time after grilling; it keeps the chicken juicy.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauces for varied flavors!
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through.
Equipment Needed
- Grill: A gas or charcoal grill works best, but a grill pan on the stovetop can do in a pinch.
- Mixing Bowl: Any large bowl will do for mixing the marinade.
- Tongs: Essential for flipping the chicken safely and with ease.
- Meat Thermometer: Helps ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked every time.
- Cooker Spray: Olive oil spray prevents sticking—worth having in your kitchen!
Variations
- Spicy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
- Teriyaki Marinade: Swap the BBQ sauce for teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile that’s still oh-so-delicious.
- Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to keep the meal lighter.
- Vegetable Skewers: Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the grill for a colorful veggie boost alongside your chicken.
- Gluten-Free Version: Make sure to choose a gluten-free soy sauce to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with coconut rice for a tropical twist.
- Serve alongside a crisp tropical salad to balance flavors.
- For drinks, a chilled coconut water or fruity mocktail complements the dish beautifully.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.
FAQs about Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Sure! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating to ensure even cooking. No one wants to bite into a piece of chicken that’s still icy in the middle!
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can use a grill pan on the stove or even bake them in the oven. Just aim for a high temperature to achieve that crispy exterior.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate it for 20-30 minutes for great flavor, but if you want to pack in even more taste, go for up to 4 hours in the fridge! Just avoid going over 24 hours, as the chicken can become too mushy.
Can I use other fruits besides pineapple?
Absolutely! Mango or peaches can work beautifully as alternatives. They add a whole new layer of sweetness that complements the chicken in a delightful way!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce and a gluten-free BBQ sauce, then yes! It’s easy to adapt this Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken for your dietary needs. Just keep an eye on those labels!
Final Thoughts
Creating Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken isn’t just about cooking; it’s an experience that delights the senses. The aroma of marinated chicken sizzling on the grill makes my heart skip a beat, welcoming summer’s warmth into my home.
With every bite, I’m transported to a tropical paradise, as the juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the sweet, caramelized pineapple. It’s a dish that sparks joy and laughter at the dinner table, bringing loved ones together. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a festive gathering, this recipe promises smiles all around. Dive into this flavorful journey!
Print
Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a flavorful summer dish featuring marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection with fresh pineapple.
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small pineapple (fresh or canned)
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s, or your favorite)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- Optional: chopped green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Pineapple: If using fresh pineapple, remove the skin and either cut into large slices or wedges, depending on your preference. If using canned pineapple, skip this step.
- 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. Add the chicken breasts and pineapple slices, ensuring both are well-coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium heat and spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill, brushing with additional marinade. Close the lid and cook for 5 minutes, until the chicken has developed a nice char.
- Flip and Continue Grilling: After 5 minutes, flip the chicken over, baste with more marinade, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add Pineapple: Flip the chicken again if desired, then add the pineapple slices to the grill. Grill both the chicken and pineapple for an additional 5-10 minutes, flipping the pineapple halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the pineapple is soft.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve with your choice of sides, such as rice, veggies, or in a wrap.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- This dish pairs well with a tropical salad or coleslaw.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with pineapple
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
