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Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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