This Easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a sweet and tangy treat! With juicy chicken cooked in a delicious BBQ sauce and topped with pineapple, it’s perfect for a quick dinner.
It’s like a tropical vacation on your plate! I love serving it with rice to soak up the extra sauce. It’s a fun dish that makes my family smile every time! 🌺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless thighs for juiciness, but breasts work too. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use lean turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian version!
BBQ Sauce: I love using sweet Hawaiian BBQ sauce because it complements the pineapple perfectly. If you can’t find it, mix ketchup with brown sugar and soy sauce for a homemade alternative.
Pineapple Juice: This ingredient adds a nice sweetness. If you don’t have any, orange juice works as a good substitute, adding a citrusy twist.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a great flavor, but ground ginger is fine if that’s what you have. Just use less, about 1/4 teaspoon, since it’s more concentrated.
Rice: I recommend jasmine rice for its fragrance, but you can easily use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
How Do I Get My Chicken That Perfectly Glazed Look?
The key to a shiny, caramelized finish on the chicken is all in the glazing process! Here’s how to do it right:
- Marinate the chicken well – at least 30 minutes really boosts the flavors!
- Cook the chicken until it’s just about done, then pour in the remaining marinade. This step is crucial as it thickens and coats the chicken.
- Cook for a few more minutes, letting the sauce bubble and stick to the chicken. This will give it that lovely glossy look!
Keep an eye on your skillet during this phase to avoid burning the sauce—stir occasionally.
Easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably sweet Hawaiian style or a mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional, for extra tropical flavor)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger or ground ginger
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Cooked white rice or jasmine rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. Plus, if you marinate the chicken, add another 30 minutes to a few hours for extra flavor! In total, plan for about 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on your marination time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice (if using), soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger. This will be your flavorful marinade and glaze for the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Season the chicken strips lightly with salt and pepper. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours for deeper flavor).
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips (make sure to discard any leftover marinade that was in contact with raw chicken). Sear the chicken until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally for even cooking!
4. Glaze the Chicken:
In the last few minutes of cooking, pour the remaining marinade into the skillet and let it cook down to thicken. This will give your chicken a wonderful glaze!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is caramelized and sticky, remove it from heat. Serve the Hawaiian BBQ chicken over a bed of cooked rice. To add freshness, arrange slices of avocado on the side and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce or soy sauce if you like. Finally, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your tropical feast!
FAQs about Easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. The best way to thaw chicken is in the fridge overnight or by placing it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, pat it dry before proceeding with the recipe.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying it out.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and then cook it when you’re ready. The marinated chicken will actually develop even more flavor if it sits in the marinade overnight!
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Ingredients?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, you can mix ketchup with brown sugar and soy sauce to create a quick alternative. For a lower-carb option, try using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Also, feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or green onions for added color and nutrition!
