Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a delightful summer dish that combines the smoky flavors of grilled chicken with the sweetness of pineapple and a rich BBQ marinade. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for a family cookout, a weeknight dinner, or a BBQ gathering with friends. The tender, juicy chicken pairs perfectly with grilled pineapple, making this recipe a tropical twist on a classic BBQ favorite. With just 45 minutes of prep and cooking time, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal ready to serve!

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Why Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is Irresistible

The best part about Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is the combination of flavors. The marinade, made with sweet pineapple juice, savory soy sauce, and zesty BBQ sauce, gives the chicken an irresistible depth of flavor. Grilled pineapple adds a touch of sweetness and smokiness, which complements the savory chicken perfectly. Plus, the dish is quick to make and can be served with a variety of sides, making it a versatile addition to your dinner menu.

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Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken and Marinade:
  • 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 small pineapple (or use canned pineapple)
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• For Serving:
  • Chopped green onion (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

1. Prepare the Pineapple:

• If you’re using fresh pineapple, remove the skin and either slice it into large circles or core it and slice it into wedges.
• If you’re using canned pineapple, skip this step and move on to preparing the marinade.

2. Make the Marinade:

• In a large prep bowl, combine pineapple juice, olive oil, soy sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, sea salt, and paprika.
• Toss the chicken breasts and pineapple slices in the marinade, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated on all sides. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for 20-30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.

3. Preheat the Grill:

• Preheat your grill to medium heat. Spray the grill grates with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.

4. Grill the Chicken and Pineapple:

• Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill, reserving some of the marinade for basting. Close the grill lid and cook for about 5 minutes on one side until a nice char has developed.
• Flip the chicken, baste with the reserved marinade, and cook for another 5 minutes on the other side.
• After the second flip, add the pineapple slices to the grill. Grill the chicken and pineapple for an additional 5-10 minutes, flipping the pineapple halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the pineapple is soft and slightly caramelized.

5. Rest the Chicken and Serve:

• Remove the chicken and pineapple from the grill. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it to retain its juices.
• Slice the chicken and serve with the grilled pineapple. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

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Notes:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Marinade Time: 20-30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4

Tips:

• Canned Pineapple: If using canned pineapple, note that the slices are thinner and won’t hold together as well on the grill, so they only need a couple of minutes of grilling to heat through.
• Marinating Time: Avoid marinating the chicken for too long, especially if using pineapple juice in the marinade. The enzymes in pineapple can break down the chicken, making it mushy if left for too long. Marinating for 30 minutes is ideal.
• Grilling Tips: Grill the chicken on medium heat so that it cooks through without getting too charred on the outside. If the chicken is getting too dark, move it to a cooler part of the grill until it reaches the proper internal temperature.
• Side Ideas: This grilled chicken pairs well with sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 463 kcal
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 35g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 16g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

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