Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe That Brings Island Flavors Home

Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe pairs tropical flavors with smoky char for a meal that feels like vacation on a plate.

Sweet and savory notes meld beautifully over an open flame, creating caramelized edges that make every bite memorable.

Backyard cookouts become special occasions when you serve something so full of bold, island-inspired taste.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel more exciting, and company meals turn into casual celebrations around the grill.

The balance of sauce and smoke creates depth that satisfies both comfort food cravings and adventurous palates at the same time.

Juicy, tender protein with a glossy glaze proves that simple grilling techniques can produce impressive results without complicated preparation.

You can count on rave reviews from anyone who loves food that's both familiar and pleasantly surprising.

Check out the full recipe to see how quickly you can bring those sunny, smoky flavors to life.

Why Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Hits The Spot

• Easy Summer Crowd-Pleaser: Your backyard barbecue guests will go crazy for this tropical-inspired chicken that blends sweet and savory flavors in one simple dish.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: With minimal prep and straightforward ingredients, this recipe transforms boring chicken into a restaurant-quality meal faster than ordering takeout.
• Healthy Protein Option: The marinade infuses lean chicken breasts with tons of flavor while keeping the meat tender and juicy, making dinner both nutritious and delicious.
• Versatile Meal Strategy: Whether tucked into a wrap, served over rice, or enjoyed straight off the grill, this chicken adapts perfectly to whatever your mealtime needs happen to be.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Ingredient Essentials

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (4): These lean cuts absorb flavor beautifully and create the perfect base for your Hawaiian BBQ dish.

• Small Pineapple (1): Fresh pineapple adds tropical sweetness and helps tenderize your chicken with its natural enzymes.
• Pineapple Juice (1/4 cup): Provides moisture and enhances the marinade’s fruity depth.

• BBQ Sauce (1/2 cup): Creates a rich, tangy foundation for your grilled chicken.
• Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Brings caramelized sweetness and helps the sauce stick to your chicken.
• Olive Oil (1/4 cup): Helps distribute flavors and prevents the chicken from sticking to the grill.
• Soy Sauce (3 tablespoons): Adds a savory umami flavor that complements the sweet elements.
• Minced Garlic (2 teaspoons): Provides a sharp, aromatic punch to the marinade.
• Ground Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
• Sea Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the other seasonings.
• Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Contributes a mild smoky undertone to your grilled chicken.

• Green Onion (Optional): Offers a fresh, crisp finish to your completed dish.

Common Prep Tools for Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

• Large Mixing Bowl: Where you’ll whip up that amazing marinade and coat your chicken and pineapple with all those delicious flavors.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for getting your marinade ingredients precisely right and ensuring balanced taste.
• Grill (Gas or Charcoal, 4-5 burner): Your main cooking surface for achieving those perfect char marks and smoky flavor on the chicken and pineapple.
• Grill Tongs (12-inch): Critical for safely flipping chicken and pineapple slices without losing any juicy goodness.
• Meat Thermometer: Guarantees your chicken reaches the safe 165F internal temperature every single time.
• Grill Brush: Helps baste chicken with extra marinade and keep everything moist during grilling.
• Cutting Board (Large): Where you’ll prep your pineapple and slice the finished chicken.
• Sharp Knife (8-inch chef’s): Perfect for trimming chicken and cutting fresh pineapple into beautiful slices.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents your chicken from sticking to the grill grates and ensures smooth flipping.

The Process for Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Practical Cooking Insight for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

• Give your chicken plenty of time to soak up those sweet and tangy Hawaiian flavors by marinating for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Keep your grill at medium heat to prevent burning and ensure your chicken cooks evenly without drying out.
• Brush your chicken with extra marinade while grilling to lock in moisture and build up delicious caramelized layers of flavor.
• Grill your pineapple slices alongside the chicken to get those beautiful char marks and bring out their natural sweetness.
• Always let your grilled chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help the juices redistribute, keeping your meat tender and juicy.

Flavor Options for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

• Spicy Hawaiian Chicken: Replace BBQ sauce with hot sauce and add red pepper flakes to kick up the heat for those who enjoy a fiery flavor profile.
• Coconut Tropical Remix: Swap olive oil with coconut milk in the marinade and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top after grilling for a rich Caribbean touch.
• Low-Sodium Hawaiian Option: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and replace BBQ sauce with a homemade tomato-based sauce to control salt content while keeping the classic Hawaiian taste.
• Vegetarian Pineapple Grill: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating plant-based protein in the same Hawaiian-style sauce for a meat-free alternative that captures the same zesty essence.

How To Serve Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

• Perfect Side Dish: Serve this grilled chicken over fluffy white rice to soak up all those delicious marinade juices.
• Fresh Veggie Companion: Toss together a crisp coleslaw with cabbage and carrots to balance the sweet and tangy chicken flavors.
• Smart Serving Style: Wrap the sliced chicken and grilled pineapple in warm tortillas for a quick and satisfying Hawaiian-inspired meal.
• Wine and Drink Pairing: Crack open a cold beer or a light tropical white wine like Riesling to complement the sweet and savory profile of the dish.

Best Storage for Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

• Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pineapple separate to maintain its texture and prevent soggy results.
• Freeze grilled chicken in a sealed freezer bag with parchment between layers, which helps prevent sticking and preserves flavor for about 2 months.
• Store any remaining marinade in a closed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but never reuse marinade that touched raw chicken.
• Cool chicken completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain the best taste and texture in your refrigerated leftovers.

Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken FAQ Guide

Backyard Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken delivers tropical flavor straight from your backyard grill, bringing zesty pineapple and smoky char to tender chicken pieces. Marinating the meat in sweet and tangy sauce ensures each bite packs maximum deliciousness for your summer gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Fruit and Juice:

• 1 small pineapple
• ¼ cup pineapple juice

Sauce and Seasoning:

• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Garnish:

• Green onion (optional)

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Instructions

1. Peel the fresh pineapple into large slices or wedges. Skip this step if using canned pineapple.
2. Whisk together ¼ cup pineapple juice, ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, ½ cup BBQ sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and ½ teaspoon paprika in a large bowl.
3. Submerge 4 chicken breasts and pineapple slices in the marinade. Ensure everything gets thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for 25 minutes.
4. Heat the grill to 400F. Spray the grates with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Place marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. Brush with extra marinade. Close the lid and cook for 5 minutes until char develops.
6. Rotate the chicken, baste with marinade, and grill another 5 minutes.
7. Add pineapple slices to the grill. Cook both chicken and pineapple for an additional 5-10 minutes, turning pineapple midway.
8. Confirm chicken reaches 165F internal temperature. Remove everything from the grill.
9. Let chicken rest for 3 minutes. Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken for 20-30 minutes helps tenderize and infuse deep flavor, so don’t skip this crucial step.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari and verify your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
• Pineapple caramelizes beautifully when grilled, creating a sweet, slightly charred complement to the savory chicken.

• Prep Time: 25-35 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 417 kcal
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg