Go Back
Grilled Hawaiian BBQ chicken with pineapple, avocado slices, and cilantro over steamed white rice in a bowl

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

Sweet, smoky, and juicy—this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe is your ticket to island flavor without leaving home! Marinated in pineapple juice, soy sauce, and bold spices, it's grilled, baked, or air-fried to caramelized perfection. Ready in under 40 minutes and packed with tropical flair, this easy dinner is a crowd-pleaser you’ll crave all year long.Make it tonight and turn your kitchen into a Hawaiian getaway.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Asian-Inspired, Hawaiian
Servings 4
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
  • 3 green onions chopped (for garnish)

Marinade

  • 20 oz can pineapple rings + ¾ cup juice reserve rings for grilling
  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 2 tsp tomato paste
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp chili powder

Optional Sides

  • Long grain white rice
  • Avocado slices

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade

  • In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, ketchup, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, and chili powder.

Marinate the Chicken

  • Pat chicken dry and place in a ziplock bag or bowl. Pour in half of the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for 20 minutes (up to 24 hours). Reserve the rest of the marinade.

Simmer the Sauce

  • In a small saucepan, bring the reserved marinade to a simmer over medium heat for 5–10 minutes, until slightly thickened.

Cook the Chicken

    Choose your method:

      Grill:

      • Preheat grill to medium.
      • Grill chicken 3–4 minutes per side.
      • Baste with simmered marinade as it cooks.
      • Add pineapple rings in the last 4 minutes.
      • Cook until internal temp is 165°F.

      Air Fryer:

      • Cook at 350°F for 15–18 minutes.
      • Baste halfway with thickened marinade.
      • Serve with warmed pineapple.

      Oven:

      • Bake at 375°F for 16–18 minutes.
      • Baste halfway through with simmered marinade.
      • Serve with warmed pineapple slices.

      Garnish & Serve

      • Let chicken rest 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and green onions. Serve with rice, avocado, or fresh sides.

      Notes

      Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

      Nutrient Amount
      Calories 310 kcal
      Protein 27g
      Fat 15g
      Saturated Fat 3g
      Carbohydrates 11g
      Sugar 7g
      Sodium 570mg
      Fiber 1g
      Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients and cooking method.
      Keyword grilled chicken, Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe, island BBQ, pineapple chicken