Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
8 hrs
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
8 hrs 15 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
Description
The Grilled Hawaiian Chicken recipe uses chicken thighs soaked in a marinade combining pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. The marinating process, lasting a minimum of 4 hours and up to 24, imparts sweetness and umami to the meat. Grilling over medium to medium-high heat cooks the chicken evenly, and basting it with the simmered reserved marinade near the end adds extra taste and a caramelized finish. The chicken develops a tender interior with a slightly charred exterior enriched by the marinade’s aromatic ingredients.
The marinade’s combination of pineapple juice and soy sauce gives a distinctive sweet-salty profile, while the brown sugar caramelizes on the grill. Freshly minced garlic and ginger add pungency and warmth. This recipe specifically favors chicken thighs for their juiciness and deeper flavor, but the marinade approach can be adapted for other cuts with adjustments in cooking time.
To serve, the grilled chicken pairs well with rice or grilled vegetables, complementing the tropical and savory notes. The richness of the marinade and the grilled texture make it suitable for casual dining or gatherings where a flavorful main course is desired.
Using low-sodium soy sauce controls salt levels, and the marinade can be safely simmered to reduce and thicken for basting. Proper trimming of chicken thighs before marinating helps improve texture. The method provides flexibility in marinating time, allowing the flavors to develop according to schedule.
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds chicken thigh boneless, skinless
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup soy sauce low-sodium, see note
- ⅔ cup brown sugar light or dark
- 1 tablespoon ginger or use ginger paste, freshly grated or finely minced
- 6 cloves garlic finely minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or in a gallon-size ziploc bag.
- Whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and garlic until the brown sugar is dissolved (or mostly dissolved). Pour half of the marinade over the chicken in the bag so the chicken is evenly coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Refrigerate the remaining marinade until the chicken is ready to be grilled.
- Preheat grill to medium- or medium-high (I use 400 degrees on my pellet grill).
- Bring the refrigerated reserved marinade to a simmer in a small saucepan on the stove. Simmer for 5-10 minutes (the longer it simmers the more reduced and slightly thickened it will be).
- Place the chicken on the preheated grill (discard the marinade in the bag/dish) and cook until an instant-read thermometer registers 165 degrees F at the thickest part, about 7-8 minutes per side. During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken liberally with the simmered sauce/marinade.
- Serve the cooked chicken with the warm marinade (to be drizzled over - it's especially yummy if serving this chicken with cilantro lime rice or coconut rice).
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs trimmed of excess fat for the best texture and flavor.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours; overnight marination deepens the flavor and tenderness.
- Simmer the reserved marinade before basting to safely reduce and thicken the sauce.
- If preferred, tamari or coconut aminos can be substituted for soy sauce, but note this will alter flavor.
- Grill over medium to medium-high heat, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F for doneness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 473kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 148mg | 49% |
| Sodium | 2285mg | 95% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 28g | 56% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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