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Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 25 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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