There’s nothing quite like the tantalizing aroma of Delicious Hawaiian Grilled Chicken wafting through the air, making your mouth water and your taste buds dance with anticipation. Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent chicken, perfectly marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce that transports you straight to a tropical paradise. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that evokes memories of beach barbecues and sun-soaked afternoons. For more inspiration, check out this more lunch ideas recipe.
I remember the first time I tried this recipe at a friend’s backyard luau. The laughter, vibrant colors of fresh ingredients, and that incredible grilled flavor left me craving more. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, this dish promises to impress and delight everyone at your table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying with friends
- The flavor profile is a delightful balance of sweet and savory, perfect for any palate
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any plate or picnic table
- Versatile enough to serve with rice, salad, or even in tacos for a fun twist
I still chuckle when my cousin accidentally used too much pineapple juice in the marinade—it turned out to be the best mistake ever!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 pieces will work well for most gatherings, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd.
- Fresh Pineapple Juice: Choose 100% pure juice for maximum flavor; fresh pineapples can also add an extra touch.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium is ideal here; it helps control saltiness while still delivering umami goodness.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth—don’t skimp on this one.
- Brown Sugar: Opt for light brown sugar to create that perfect caramelized crust when grilling.
- Ginger Root: Fresh ginger lends warmth and spice; grate it finely for better incorporation.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the flavors and balances sweetness beautifully.
- Green Onions: These add a pop of color and mild onion flavor—chop them finely for garnish.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle enhances the dish’s nutty notes without overpowering other flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
The Marinade Magic: Start by mixing together pineapple juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, grated ginger, lime juice, and sesame oil in a large bowl. Whisk until well combined—the mixture should smell heavenly.
Add Your Chicken**: Place your chicken breasts into the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. If time allows, cover them with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the fridge for at least one hour—overnight is even better for maximum flavor infusion.
Prepare Your Grill**: While your chicken absorbs those tasty flavors, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). If you’re using charcoal, let those coals turn white-hot for optimal grilling conditions.
Grill Time**: Remove the chicken from the marinade (don’t forget to reserve some marinade for basting), and place it on the hot grill. Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes until you see nice char marks; check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before removing.
Baste & Finish**: Brush reserved marinade over the chicken as it cooks—this adds an extra layer of flavor while keeping everything moist. When done, let it rest for five minutes before slicing—this step seals in those juicy secrets!
Enjoy every bite of this delicious Hawaiian grilled chicken while dreaming of palm trees swaying in the breeze!
You Must Know
- This delicious Hawaiian grilled chicken recipe is perfect for summer barbecues and family gatherings
- The marinade infuses the chicken with island flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser
- Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite spices and ingredients for an extra personal touch
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve juicy chicken, marinate it overnight for maximum flavor, then grill over medium heat. Flip occasionally to ensure even cooking, and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding pineapple juice or ginger to the marinade for a tropical twist. You can also substitute chicken thighs for more moisture or experiment with different herbs like cilantro.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Marinating longer enhances flavor absorption, while grilling on medium heat avoids drying out the chicken
- Always let it rest before slicing; this keeps juices locked in for maximum tenderness
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my cousin’s wedding where I grilled this chicken. Everyone raved about it, making me feel like a culinary rock star that day.
FAQ
How long should I marinate my chicken?
Marinate your chicken for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for deeper flavor.
Can I use other meats with this marinade?
Yes! This delicious Hawaiian grilled marinade works well with pork or shrimp too.
What side dishes pair well with Hawaiian grilled chicken?
For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Serve it with coconut rice or a fresh mango salad to enhance those tropical flavors.
Delicious Hawaiian Grilled Chicken
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience a taste of the tropics with this Delicious Hawaiian Grilled Chicken. Perfectly marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and spices, each bite is a burst of flavor that transports you to sun-soaked beaches. Ideal for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, ginger, lime juice, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is ideal).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F/200°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade (reserve some for basting) and grill for 6-7 minutes on each side until charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Baste with reserved marinade while grilling for extra flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with garnish of green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg