Delicious Hawaiian Grilled Chicken Recipe: A Perfect Blend of Sweet, Savory, and Smoky Flavors

When it comes to grilling, few recipes evoke the feeling of summer and tropical flavors like the Hawaiian Grilled Chicken. This dish combines the smoky aroma of grilled chicken with the sweet, tangy notes of pineapple and the richness of soy sauce and brown sugar. Whether you’re planning a weekend barbecue or a casual dinner, this Hawaiian Grilled Chicken recipe promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. It’s a versatile dish that works as a main course for family gatherings, a meal prep favorite, or a tasty dish to serve at your next party.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make Hawaiian Grilled Chicken at home, including the precise ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips for perfecting the dish, variations to suit different tastes, storage and conservation guidelines, and delicious serving suggestions.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Grilled Chicken

Before you fire up the grill, gather the following ingredients to make your Hawaiian Grilled Chicken. These ingredients are carefully selected to enhance the flavors and provide a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky notes.

For the Marinade:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) – 4 pieces (about 1 1/2 lbs)
• Pineapple juice – 1/2 cup (fresh is best, but canned works fine)
• Soy sauce – 1/4 cup (low-sodium preferred)
• Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons (light or dark, depending on your preference)
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger – 1 tablespoon, grated (fresh is ideal for a more authentic flavor)
• Rice vinegar – 1 tablespoon
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (for marinating)
• Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon (optional, but adds an extra depth of flavor)
• Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
• Crushed red pepper flakes – 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a hint of heat)

For the Grilled Chicken:

• Fresh pineapple rings – 4 rings (for grilling alongside the chicken)
• Fresh cilantro – 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges – for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, follow these easy steps to make your Hawaiian Grilled Chicken:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by preparing the marinade, which is the key to achieving that mouthwatering tropical flavor.

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
2. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is completely dissolved and the marinade is smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place your chicken breasts (or thighs) in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For best results, marinate the chicken overnight. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more the flavors will infuse into the meat, making it extra juicy and flavorful.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F–400°F).
2. While the grill is heating, brush the grill grates with a little bit of oil to prevent sticking. This step is particularly important when grilling chicken, as it can sometimes stick to the grill grates.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken and Pineapple

1. Once the grill is hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side (depending on the thickness of the chicken) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For juicy, tender chicken, try not to overcook it.
2. While the chicken is grilling, place the pineapple rings on the grill. Grill them for 2-3 minutes on each side until you see grill marks and the pineapple begins to caramelize. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat.
2. Slice the grilled pineapple into smaller pieces.
3. Serve the chicken on a platter, topped with the grilled pineapple and a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro. Garnish with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrusy freshness.

Tips for Perfecting Hawaiian Grilled Chicken

To make your Hawaiian Grilled Chicken even better, consider the following tips:

1. Choose the Right Cut of Chicken

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common choice for this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut of meat. Thighs tend to stay tender and moist during grilling, so they’re a great option for this dish.

2. Use Fresh Pineapple Juice

For a truly authentic taste, opt for fresh pineapple juice instead of canned juice. Fresh juice brings a vibrant, natural sweetness to the marinade, making the flavor more complex and richer.

3. Don’t Skip the Marinating Time

While you can marinate the chicken for just 2 hours, it’s best to let it sit in the marinade overnight. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat, creating a more intense and flavorful result.

4. Keep the Grill Temperature Consistent

Grilling is all about maintaining the right temperature. Too high, and the chicken will burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. Too low, and the chicken will dry out. A medium-high heat is perfect for grilling chicken, giving it a nice sear while ensuring it cooks through.

5. Let the Chicken Rest

Resting the chicken after it’s off the grill is essential. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked in.

Variations

While this Hawaiian Grilled Chicken recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Spicy Hawaiian Grilled Chicken

If you like a little heat, add some chili sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. You can also toss in some jalapeños or habaneros for an extra kick. The sweet and spicy combination will balance perfectly with the pineapple’s natural sweetness.

2. Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Instead of grilling whole chicken breasts, cut the chicken into cubes and thread them onto skewers with chunks of pineapple, bell peppers, and onions. This version is perfect for a party and can be served as appetizers or alongside your favorite sides.

3. Coconut Hawaiian Grilled Chicken

For an extra tropical flair, add some coconut milk to the marinade. The coconut milk will make the chicken even more tender and impart a subtle coconut flavor that complements the pineapple perfectly.

Conservation and Storage

If you have leftovers (or if you’re making this dish in advance), here’s how to store and reheat your Hawaiian Grilled Chicken:

Storing:

1. Allow the chicken to cool completely after grilling.
2. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
3. If you’ve made the grilled pineapple, you can store that in a separate container in the fridge as well.

Freezing:

If you’d like to store the chicken for a longer period, you can freeze it. Simply wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating:

To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the grill for a few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Hawaiian Grilled Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to make your meal even more satisfying:

• Grilled Vegetables: Consider serving the chicken alongside grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and corn on the cob. Their smoky flavor complements the tropical notes of the chicken.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a hearty meal.
• Tropical Salad: A light, refreshing salad with avocado, mango, and coconut adds a tropical touch to the meal.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw balances the sweetness of the chicken and pineapple.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are preferred for this recipe, you can use bone-in chicken. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time, as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. Can I make this recipe without a grill?

If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan or broil it in the oven. The flavor won’t be quite the same, but it will still be delicious.

3. Can I use canned pineapple juice?

Yes, you can use canned pineapple juice if fresh juice is not available. Just make sure it’s 100% pineapple juice with no added sugars or preservatives.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Grilled Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together tropical sweetness and savory goodness. With its easy-to-follow recipe, versatile variations, and tips for perfecting the dish, you’ll be able to create a grilled chicken meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, enjoying a weeknight dinner, or preparing a dish for meal prep, Hawaiian Grilled Chicken is sure to impress. With its vibrant flavors and juicy tenderness, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your grilling repertoire.

Print