Chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy Hawaiian-style barbecue sauce is a delicious and easy dinner option. Hawaiian barbecue chicken has a wonderful balance of flavors – the sweetness from pineapple and brown sugar, the saltiness from soy sauce, and the tanginess from vinegar. This barbecue chicken can be made on the grill or baked in the oven, and pairs perfectly with classic Hawaiian sides like rice, macaroni salad, and grilled pineapple. Follow this guide to learn how to make authentic Hawaiian barbecue chicken at home.
Ingredients Needed
Making Hawaiian barbecue chicken at home starts with gathering the right ingredients for both the chicken and the sauce. Here is what you will need:
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Hawaiian Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken so it is ready to be cooked.
- Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Use a sharp knife to trim off any excess fat or skin.
- Place the chicken in a large bowl. Drizzle the vegetable oil over the chicken and toss to evenly coat.
- Generously season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes up to overnight.
The oil and seasoning help add flavor and encourage browning when cooking the chicken. Marinating for any amount of time infuses more flavor into the meat.
Make the Hawaiian Barbecue Sauce
While the chicken marinates, you can prepare the barbecue sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and all the spices.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Set aside about 1/2 cup of the sauce in a small bowl to use for basting later.
- Allow the remaining sauce in the pan to continue simmering until thickened to a glaze consistency, about 20-25 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool and thicken further.
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon thickly. If needed, mix together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water and mix into the sauce to help thicken it more.
Cook the Chicken
The Hawaiian barbecue chicken can be made either on an outdoor grill or baked in the oven. Choose your preferred cooking method:
Grilled Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken
- Preheat your gas or charcoal grill on medium-high heat. Use a grill brush to clean the grates.
- Place the chicken on the hot grill skin-side down. Cover and grill for 5-6 minutes until nicely browned.
- Flip the chicken over and grill uncovered 3-4 more minutes. Move the chicken to indirect heat if it browns too quickly.
- Use a clean barbecue brush to baste the chicken with the reserved sauce. Close grill and cook 10 more minutes.
- Turn chicken over again, baste with more sauce, and grill another 8-10 minutes until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Transfer chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Baked Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil.
- Arrange the chicken pieces skin-side up on the sheet. Bake 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and brush chicken with the reserved sauce. Return to oven and bake 20 more minutes.
- Take out chicken, flip pieces over, baste again with sauce and bake 15-20 minutes more until done.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.
The barbecue sauce helps the chicken develop a delicious caramelized, charred crust when grilled. Baking uses the sauce to add flavorful glaze all over the chicken. Cook times may vary based on size of pieces.
Finish the Sauce
Once the chicken is done cooking, the Hawaiian sauce can be finished:
- Skim any fat from the top of the sauce in the pan and discard.
- Place the pan over medium heat on the stovetop or grill.
- Stir the thickened sauce, adding any collected chicken juices from the plate.
- Bring to a simmer and cook 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Remove pan from heat and mix in 1-2 tablespoons butter until melted through the sauce.
The butter rounds out the flavors and gives the sauce a silky smoothness.
Serving Suggestions
Hawaiian barbecue chicken is fantastic served alongside classic Hawaiian side dishes:
- White rice or fried rice
- Tropical fruit like pineapple, mango, or papaya
- Macaroni salad made with mayo, vinegar, and onion
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or onions
- Coleslaw with a tangy dressing
- Tropical beverages like pineapple juice or coconut water
The sweet and mildly tangy chicken pairs perfectly with starchy, fresh, and flavorful sides. Try garnishing with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken just before eating for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy this taste of the islands!
FAQs About Making Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about preparing Hawaiian barbecue chicken at home:
What cut of chicken works best?
- Bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks hold up best on the grill and have the most flavor. The bone helps keep the meat juicy. Skin-on adds flavor.
Does the sauce need to be cooked first?
- Yes, simmer the sauce before using to allow the flavors to meld and thicken to a glaze consistency.
Should the chicken be marinated first?
- Marinating is optional but recommended. Even 30 minutes helps season and tenderize the meat.
What’s the best way to get a char?
- Let the chicken cook skin-side down first over direct heat both on the grill and in the oven. Avoid moving it too early.
Is it necessary to rest chicken after cooking?
- Letting it rest 5 minutes allows juices to reabsorb for moister, more tender chicken.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of juice?
- Yes, substitute 1 cup crushed canned pineapple. Drain first to reduce excess liquid.
Can I bake the chicken only?
- Yes, baking instead of grilling will still give delicious results. Broil at the end to help caramelize.
How long does the sauce keep?
- Refrigerate leftover sauce up to 1 week. Reheat before using. Can also be frozen.
What sides go well with this chicken?
- Classic Hawaiian options like rice, mac salad, pineapple, mango, zucchini are all excellent pairings.
Final Tips for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Making Hawaiian barbecue chicken at home is easy and full of flavor. Here are some final tips for success:
- Look for air-chilled chicken for better quality and flavor.
- Cut chicken into smaller pieces if needed for more even cooking.
- Use 100% pineapple juice instead of a juice blend.
- Add more brown sugar to the sauce for a sweeter flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches safe doneness.
- Charcoal grilling adds the most authentic Hawaiian flavor.
- Consider a quick broil at the end if baking to caramelize the sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
- Serving with lime wedges is a must to balance the sweet sauce.
With an easy homemade barbecue sauce, juicy chicken, and classic Hawaiian sides, you’ll feel like you’re at a luau! Use this guide to enjoy mouthwatering Hawaiian BBQ chicken any night of the week.