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hawaiian chicken recipes - Grilled Hawaiian chicken thighs served with fresh pineapple and green onions on a plate.

Perfect Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Tender, juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and savory pineapple-ginger-soy sauce, grilled to perfection, offering a taste of paradise in every bite. This is one of the top hawaiian chicken recipes for a reason!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, for garnish (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl or a sturdy resealable bag, combine the pineapple juice, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, minced fresh ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk or shake well until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 2-4 hours. You can marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. If pan-frying, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off (discard the used marinade). Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until an internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is nicely charred. If baking, place chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and lightly caramelized. For pan-frying, cook for 6-8 minutes per side.
Step 5: (Optional Glaze) While the chicken cooks, you can create a simple glaze by simmering a separate half batch of the marinade ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened. Brush this glaze over the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
Step 6: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts can be used, but adjust cooking time as they cook faster. Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner Dishes
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 thigh
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: hawaiian chicken recipes, grilled chicken, pineapple chicken, teriyaki chicken, chicken dinner, easy chicken recipes, tropical chicken, marinaded chicken

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