This Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is the perfect addition to your summer BBQ menu. The sweet, tangy and smoky flavors is the perfect combination for this grilled recipe.
This Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is perfect for everyone. The barbecue sauce and marinade gives the chicken amazing flavor that is perfect for all your summertime BBQ’s.
This Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is always a crowd favorite. If you have made Crock Pot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken then you are going to love this grilled recipe.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Grilled Chicken Recipes are always on the menu, especially during the warmer months. It always cooks tender, quickly and juicy thanks to the hot grill.
We love making homemade marinade and the combination of the pineapple juice and barbecue sauce makes this a family favorite.
Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Feel free to also use skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders.
- BBQ sauce – Store bought or make Homemade Barbecue Sauce
- Sliced Pineapple Rings – Reserve juice for chicken marinade. Feel free to use fresh pineapple to grill
- Soy Sauce – If are out, check out Best Soy Sauce Substitute
- Honey – Perfect hint of sweetness. Substitute with brown sugar or maple syrup
- Cloves Garlic, Minced – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
- Grated Fresh Ginger – Check out these Best Ginger Substitutes
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
How to Make Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Step 1 – In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger to make the Hawaiian BBQ marinade.
Step 2 – Place the chicken breasts in a large, shallow dish and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for a stronger flavor.
Step 3 – Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess liquid. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill grates and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 4 – During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, baste the chicken breasts with BBQ sauce and place the pineapple rings on the grill. Cook the pineapple for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until lightly charred and heated through.
- Step 5 – Remove the grilled chicken and pineapple from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Step 6 – To serve, place the sliced grilled Hawaiian BBQ chicken on a platter and top with the grilled pineapple rings. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Expert Tips
- Grilling Chicken – Grill at medium-high heat for a smoky exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
- Marinating Chicken – For the best flavor, make sure to marinade the chicken for at least 1 hour. We have even marinade the chicken overnight for a strong flavor.
- Marinade – Make sure to throw out any marinade that has come in contact with the chicken. You can use reserved marinade to baste the chicken while it is grilling for even more flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is great served with Instant pot White Rice Recipe, Instant Pot Brown Rice and Cauliflower Rice Recipe. Add a side of Oven Roasted Asparagus or Grilled Green Beans for a complete meal idea.
I love to add a side of Grill Bell Peppers for a low carb side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brush on the BBQ sauce just before the chicken finishes cooking on the grill.
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, make sure to use a meat thermometer. This allows you to check the internal temperature to make sure it reaches 165 degrees.
Marinated Chicken will stay moist if it is not overcooked. We like to flip the chicken every 2-3 minutes to keep it tender and moist.
Grill chicken covered to help cook the chicken evenly and locks in the flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storing – Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze the leftovers in a freezer safe container once the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken has cooled to room temperature. If the chicken is stored correctly it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to serve.
- Reheating – Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or the oven to heat thoroughly.
More Easy BBQ Chicken Recipes
We love to hear from you. If you make this Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
- 20 oz. sliced pineapple rings, juice reserved
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger to make the Hawaiian BBQ marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large, shallow dish and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for a stronger flavor.
- Preheat the outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess liquid. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill grates and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, baste the chicken breasts with BBQ sauce and place the pineapple rings on the grill. Cook the pineapple for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until lightly charred and heated through.
- Remove the grilled chicken and pineapple from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- To serve, place the sliced grilled Hawaiian BBQ chicken on a platter and top with the grilled
- pineapple rings. Garnish with chopped green onions.