Name: Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 3/4 cup ketchup; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/3 cup chicken broth; 2 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 2 to 5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Introduction

This Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe is a flavorful blend of sweet and savory, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend grilling. Tender chicken thighs marinate in a delicious sauce that brings out the tropical vibe of Hawaiian cuisine.

The dish is shown in a close-up on a white bowl against a white marbled texture, featuring a base layer of long-grain white rice speckled with fresh green herbs. On top of the rice is a layer of rich, glossy grilled chicken pieces with a dark brown caramelized finish and lightly charred edges, sprinkled with chopped green herbs. To the side, there are several slices of vibrant green avocado, fanned out and drizzled with a dark sauce. A lime wedge with a bright green rind sits at the edge, adding a fresh contrast. The overall look is colorful and fresh, with a mix of soft and textured layers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2-5 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
3/4 cups low-sodium soy sauce
3/4 cups ketchup
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup chicken broth
2 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
2 teaspoons garlic, minced

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, chicken broth, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Reserve 1 cup of this marinade by placing it in an airtight container and refrigerate for later use.
Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the remaining marinade in the bowl and mix well to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through. While grilling, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and keep it moist.
Step 4: Serve the Hawaiian BBQ chicken hot with steamed rice and sliced avocados for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra char and flavor, finish the chicken on a hot grill or under the broiler for a minute or two after cooking through.
Substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but reduce marinating time to 2-4 hours to prevent dryness.
Add a splash of pineapple juice to the marinade for an even more tropical twist.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to prevent drying out. The unused marinade should not be reused after raw chicken contact unless boiled first to ensure safety.

How to Serve

The dish is served in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The base layer consists of fluffy cooked rice, light beige in color with a soft texture. On top of the rice are pieces of grilled chicken, covered in a shiny, dark brown glaze with charred edges, giving a glossy and slightly sticky look. Scattered over the chicken are small bits of chopped green herbs. Around the chicken and rice, there are ripe avocado slices, bright green with a smooth, creamy texture, arranged neatly with a drizzle of dark sauce on some pieces. A wedge of lime with a bright green rind and juicy inside is placed on one side of the bowl. The entire scene looks fresh and colorful with contrasting textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken for brushing during grilling.

What side dishes go well with Hawaiian BBQ chicken?

This chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, grilled pineapple, fresh avocado slices, or a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 60 reviews

This Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, chicken broth, fresh ginger, and garlic. The chicken is grilled to perfection, brushed with the reserved marinade to enhance the flavor, making it a perfect dish for a quick and delicious meal served alongside hot rice and sliced avocados.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade Ingredients

3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3/4 cup ketchup
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup chicken broth
2 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
2 teaspoons garlic, minced

Chicken

2 to 5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, chicken broth, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are well blended. Reserve 1 cup of this marinade by placing it in an airtight container and refrigerate for basting later.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into the remaining marinade in the bowl, making sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic food wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to infuse thoroughly.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill the thighs for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. While grilling, frequently brush the chicken with the reserved marinade to keep it moist and flavorful.
Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and serve hot with steamed rice and sliced avocados for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal. Enjoy!

Notes

Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness, but 6 hours is sufficient if short on time.
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium content moderate.
Reserve marinade used for basting must be refrigerated and not reused as a dipping sauce unless boiled first to kill any bacteria.
For added smoky flavor, use charcoal grill or add wood chips to a gas grill.

Keywords: Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, grilled chicken thighs, sweet and savory chicken, marinated chicken, easy BBQ recipe