Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the sweetness of pineapple and the smoky flavor of grilled chicken. Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this recipe promises to impress your guests with its vibrant colors and amazing taste. The combination of succulent chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful sauce and served over grilled pineapple makes this dish a standout at any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes minimal time to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Bursting with Flavor: The blend of barbecue sauce and pineapple creates a sweet and tangy taste that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main course or slice it up for salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
- Colorful Presentation: Grilling pineapple alongside the chicken adds beautiful color to your plate, making it appealing to all.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and served with fresh ingredients, it’s a wholesome choice for any meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Large resealable bag
- Medium-sized bowl
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect charred flavor on your chicken and pineapple.
- Large resealable bag: Ideal for marinating the chicken while minimizing mess.
- Meat thermometer: Ensures the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature for perfect doneness.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- ¼ cup oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
For the Pineapple
- 1 (15-ounce) can pineapple slices
- Pineapple juice from can
For Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro
How to Make Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large resealable bag, combine the 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness, and ¼ cup oil.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 cup barbecue sauce, pineapple juice from can, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic.
- Pour half of this mixture into the bag with the chicken. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to overnight. Reserve the remaining sauce for later.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
- Grease your outdoor grill and preheat it to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade bag, discarding any leftover marinade.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- Place the chicken on the preheated grill.
- Grill each side for 6-8 minutes or until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Grill the Pineapple
- While grilling chicken, place the 1 (15-ounce) can pineapple slices on the grill.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly charred.
Step 5: Serve Your Dish
- Once cooked, brush the grilled chicken with reserved barbecue sauce.
- Top with chopped fresh cilantro for garnish before serving alongside grilled pineapple slices.
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken!
How to Serve Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to impress your family and friends.
On a Bed of Rice
- Flavorful Accompaniment: Serving the chicken over a bed of jasmine or coconut rice adds a fragrant touch that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
With Fresh Salad
- Crisp Texture: A fresh green salad with avocado, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
Topped with Pineapple Salsa
- Zesty Addition: A homemade pineapple salsa made with diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice elevates the dish with added freshness and zest.
In Wraps or Tacos
- Fun Presentation: Slice the grilled chicken into strips and serve it in tortillas with shredded cabbage and drizzled barbecue sauce for a fun twist on tacos.
As Party Skewers
- Easy Finger Food: Cut the grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve them on skewers with chunks of grilled pineapple for easy snacking at gatherings.
With Extra BBQ Sauce
- Saucy Delight: For those who love extra flavor, serve additional barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. This enhances the already delicious taste of the chicken.
How to Perfect Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
To ensure your Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
Marinate Properly: Allowing the chicken to marinate for longer than 30 minutes will deepen the flavors. For best results, marinate overnight.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that it’s reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Preheat the Grill: Always preheat your grill before adding the chicken. This helps create beautiful grill marks and ensures even cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give each piece enough space on the grill to cook evenly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than grilling.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling allows juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter and grilled until charred adds a smoky sweetness that pairs well with the chicken.
Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw brings crunch and tanginess, balancing out the rich flavors of barbecue sauce.
Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans provide a savory element that complements barbecue dishes perfectly.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad loaded with veggies offers a healthy option full of texture and flavor.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra barbecue sauce while adding another layer of flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add color and nutrition to your plate.
Potato Salad: A creamy or vinegar-based potato salad adds richness that goes well with grilled dishes.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring tropical fruits mirrors the Hawaiian theme and adds sweetness to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a delightful dish, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect its flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
Skipping the Marinade Time: Not allowing the chicken to marinate long enough can lead to less flavorful meat. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
Not Preheating the Grill: Skipping the preheating step can result in uneven cooking. Always heat your grill to medium-high before placing the chicken on it.
Ignoring Temperature Guidelines: Cooking chicken without monitoring its temperature can lead to undercooked or dry meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too many pieces of chicken on the grill can lower its temperature and cause uneven cooking. Space out the chicken pieces for better heat distribution.
Using Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned: Fresh pineapple requires more preparation and may not give you the same caramelized flavor as canned slices. Stick with canned for ease and flavor consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Keep grilled pineapple slices in a separate container if possible.
Freezing Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
- Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
Reheating Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely with a paper towel, and heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes until warm.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, and cover. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken spicier?
You can add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the marinade for an added kick. Adjust according to your spice preference!
Can I use thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Yes! Thighs will add more moisture and flavor. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly as well.
What should I serve with Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it alongside grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I store leftover Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I use homemade barbecue sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade barbecue sauce can enhance the dish’s flavor even more. Just ensure it’s balanced between sweet and tangy!
Final Thoughts
Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor that everyone will love. The combination of tangy barbecue sauce and sweet pineapple makes this dish versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite spices or side dishes! Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!
Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a tropical delight that combines the sweetness of pineapple with smoky, tender chicken. Perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight meals, this dish is both quick to prepare and visually stunning. The chicken is marinated in a zesty barbecue sauce, then grilled to perfection alongside juicy pineapple slices, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Serve it as a main dish or use it in salads and wraps for versatile meal options that everyone will enjoy.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 (15-ounce) can pineapple slices
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a resealable bag, combine chicken and oil. In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and garlic. Pour half into the bag, seal, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and grease it lightly.
- Grill Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. Grill each side for 6-8 minutes until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Grill Pineapple: Add pineapple slices to the grill for 2-3 minutes until charred.
- Serve: Brush chicken with reserved barbecue sauce and garnish with cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of grilled chicken (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg