This Easy Homemade Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a delicious twist on classic BBQ! It’s juicy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy pineapple BBQ sauce that will make your taste buds dance!
You’ll love how quick it is to whip up! I can’t resist making extra sauce because it’s great on rice too. Who doesn’t love a tropical getaway on their plate? 🌺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, but thighs are just as good if you prefer more juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try skinless chicken tenders.
Pineapple Juice: This is the star for that tropical flavor! If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can substitute it with orange juice or a mix of apple and lemon juice for a different twist.
Ketchup: This adds sweetness and depth. If you want a healthier alternative, try using a homemade BBQ sauce or low-sugar ketchup.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar helps to caramelize the chicken. Coconut sugar is a great alternative if you’re avoiding refined sugars.
Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is preferred, but you can use white vinegar or even rice vinegar for a milder taste.
How Can I Ensure My BBQ Sauce is Perfectly Balanced?
The key to a great BBQ sauce is balancing sweet and tangy flavors. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by mixing all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer. Letting it cook for 10-15 minutes concentrates the flavors!
- If you want a thicker sauce, make a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water), and add it as the sauce simmers.
- Taste as you go! You might want to add a little more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang based on your preference.
Having a little taste test will help you adjust it to your liking! Enjoy your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken! 🍍
Easy Homemade Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup water (optional, for thickening)
- Pineapple slices (fresh or canned), for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. So in just about 30-35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the BBQ Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together the pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Stir them well until the sugar has dissolved completely. This will be your tasty BBQ sauce!
2. Simmer and Thicken:
Next, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This helps meld all the flavors together and thickens the sauce slightly. If you want it thicker, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and slowly stir it into the sauce while it cooks for another 1-2 minutes. Then, turn off the heat.
3. Prepare the Grill:
While your sauce is cooking, preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. This will ensure a nice sear on your chicken.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Once the grill is hot, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. You can season the chicken breasts with a bit of salt and pepper if you like for extra flavor. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until it’s fully cooked through and the juices run clear. During the last few minutes, brush the chicken generously with the Hawaiian BBQ sauce for that gooey goodness!
5. Rest and Serve:
After grilling, take the chicken off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Before serving, brush on more of that delightful BBQ sauce. If you like, you can garnish with freshly grilled pineapple slices and sprinkle with chopped green onions or cilantro for a lovely touch. Serve with rice or any favorite side dish!
This dish is sure to impress with its tender, juicy chicken and a wonderful sweet and tangy BBQ flavor. Enjoy your homemade Hawaiian BBQ Chicken! 🌺🍍
FAQ for Easy Homemade Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. Thawing in the fridge overnight is best, or seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing. Pat the chicken dry before grilling to keep it from being watery!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Hawaiian BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, ensuring it’s heated through before serving again. You can add a splash of BBQ sauce to keep it moist!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the BBQ sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a little stir or warm it up slightly before using it to brush on the chicken during grilling!
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This Hawaiian BBQ chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a simple salad. For a tropical twist, try serving it with coconut rice or alongside grilled vegetables. Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
