Name: Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2-5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs; ¾ cups low-sodium soy sauce; ¾ cups ketchup; 1 cup packed brown sugar; ⅓ cup chicken broth; 2 ½ teaspoons fresh ginger, grated; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

Introduction

This Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe combines a sweet and savory marinade with tender chicken thighs for a flavorful, juicy meal. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for grilling season or any time you crave a tropical twist on classic BBQ chicken.

The dish is presented on a white plate with a base layer of fluffy white rice scattered across the bottom. On top of the rice, there is a generous layer of grilled chicken pieces glazed with a shiny, dark brown sauce that gives them a slightly charred, caramelized texture. The chicken is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, adding a contrast of fresh green color. On one side of the plate, there are several slices of bright green avocado arranged neatly with a drizzle of the same dark sauce on top. A fresh lime wedge rests near the avocado, adding a pop of light green. All elements sit on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 to 5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¾ cup ketchup
1 cup packed brown sugar
⅓ cup chicken broth
2 ½ teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
2 teaspoons garlic, minced

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, chicken broth, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Set aside 1 cup of the marinade 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 the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken thighs for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Step 4: While grilling, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade using a food brush to enhance the flavor and keep it moist.
Step 5: Serve the grilled Hawaiian BBQ chicken hot, alongside steamed rice and sliced avocados for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a smoky flavor, add a splash of smoked paprika or use a charcoal grill.
Substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks or breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Marinate the chicken overnight for a deeper, more intense taste.
Add crushed pineapple to the marinade for a fruity, tropical sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat to maintain moisture. The unused marinade that was reserved should not be reused once it has been in contact with raw chicken.

How to Serve

This dish is served on a white plate set on a white marbled texture. At the bottom layer, there is a bed of cooked rice with a light, fluffy texture and a mix of white and slightly brown grains. On top of the rice, there are several pieces of dark, glossy grilled chicken glazed with a shiny, sticky sauce in deep reddish-brown color, with some charred edges. Scattered over the chicken and rice are small bits of green herbs, adding a fresh, bright color contrast. Arranged around the edge of the plate are smooth slices of pale green avocado with a drizzle of dark sauce and small green herb pieces on them. Also, there is a wedge of bright green lime placed beside the avocado slices. The ingredients are laid out with a natural, inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes, you can cook the marinated chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, or cook it in a skillet on the stovetop until fully cooked.

Is it necessary to reserve part of the marinade?

Reserving part of the marinade before adding raw chicken helps prevent cross-contamination and allows you to safely brush the sauce onto the chicken while grilling, adding extra flavor without risk.

Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 141 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 marinated for hours to soak up the island-inspired flavors and then grilled to perfection with the reserved marinade brushed on for extra glaze and taste. Perfect served with hot rice and sliced avocados, this dish offers a delicious taste of Hawaiian BBQ right at home.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2–5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

¾ cups low-sodium soy sauce
¾ cups ketchup
1 cup packed brown sugar
⅓ cup chicken broth
2 ½ teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
2 teaspoons garlic, minced

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, chicken broth, freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until the brown sugar dissolves completely. Reserve 1 cup of this marinade by transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerate for basting later.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Use a spoon or your hands to ensure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic food wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs onto the grill and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through. While grilling, frequently brush the chicken with the reserved marinade using a food-safe brush to enhance the glaze and flavor.
Serve: Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with steamed rice and sliced avocados for a complete meal. Enjoy the flavorful Hawaiian BBQ chicken!

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavors.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts but cooking times may vary.
Keep the reserved marinade separate and only use it for basting, do not consume it raw.
If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan.

Keywords: Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, Grilled Chicken Thighs, Sweet and Savory Chicken, BBQ Chicken Recipe, Hawaiian Marinade