The aroma of grilled chicken wafts through the air, a tantalizing promise of juicy, flavorful bites that beckon your taste buds. Imagine biting into a succulent piece of Hawaiian grilled chicken, its sweet and savory glaze dancing on your palate, while the smoky char adds an irresistible depth. Every bite is a mini-vacation to a tropical paradise, where sunshine meets flavor.
As memories flood in of summer barbecues and laughter shared around the grill, I can’t help but smile. This delicious Hawaiian grilled chicken has always been a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, where everyone’s eyes light up as the first batch comes off the grill. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a cozy evening with friends, this dish promises to elevate any occasion. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner ideas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious Hawaiian grilled chicken is easy to prepare and perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs
- The combination of sweet pineapple and tangy soy sauce creates an unforgettable flavor profile
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, turning even simple dinners into festive feasts
- Enjoy it straight off the grill or toss it in salads or wraps for versatility
Sharing this dish with loved ones always leads to happy faces and satisfied bellies; my cousin once declared it “life-changing.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for 3-4 breasts, adjusting for your guest list or appetite.
- Pineapple Juice: Use fresh juice for a sweeter, more vibrant flavor; canned works too in a pinch.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps manage saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds caramelization when grilling; choose light or dark based on your sweetness preference.
- Fresh Ginger: Grate fresh ginger to infuse a zesty kick that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic elevates the dish; use 2-3 cloves for that aromatic punch.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up all flavors; bottled just won’t cut it here!
- Pineapple Slices: Grilled alongside chicken for added sweetness and texture; fresh is best!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice until well combined. The mixture should smell heavenly!
Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over them and seal tightly. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight if you’re feeling adventurous) to let those flavors soak in!
Preheat Your Grill: Get your grill heated up to medium-high heat (around 375°F/190°C). You want those grill marks to impress! If using charcoal, let those coals turn white hot.
Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade (discard leftover marinade). Place on the hot grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Look for beautiful grill marks and that mouthwatering aroma!
Add Pineapple Slices: In the last few minutes of grilling, add pineapple slices on the grill. Cook until they are nicely charred and caramelized—about 2-3 minutes per side—bringing out their natural sweetness.
Rest & Serve!: Once cooked through, remove chicken from grill and let rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with grilled pineapple on top or alongside for that extra tropical flair.
This delicious Hawaiian grilled chicken will transport you straight to paradise with every bite!
You Must Know
- This delicious Hawaiian grilled chicken is a flavor-packed delight that brings tropical vibes to your dinner table
- Perfectly marinated, it boasts juicy tenderness and smoky goodness that will make you feel like you’re on a beach in Hawaii
- Plus, it’s easy enough for any home cook!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve mouthwatering results, start by marinating the chicken for at least two hours. Grill over medium heat for about six to eight minutes per side until perfectly charred.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize the marinade by adding your favorite spices or switching out pineapple juice for mango juice. You can also add fresh herbs for an extra punch of flavor!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Hawaiian grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to maintain juiciness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For ultimate flavor, use bone-in chicken pieces; they stay moist and tender while grilling
- Marinate overnight if possible for deeper taste absorption
- Always let the chicken rest before slicing to keep all those delicious juices inside!
Cooking this delicious Hawaiian grilled chicken always reminds me of summer barbecues with friends. One time, my buddy thought he could out-marinate me; let’s just say his chicken ended up in the dog bowl!
FAQ
What can I serve with Hawaiian grilled chicken?
Pair it with coconut rice and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I use skinless chicken breasts?
Yes, but they may dry out more quickly; watch the grilling time closely.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Aim for at least two hours for optimal flavor infusion!
Hawaiian Grilled Chicken
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the flavors of the tropics with this Hawaiian grilled chicken, marinated to perfection in a blend of sweet pineapple juice and savory soy sauce. Each bite delivers juicy tenderness complemented by a smoky char and vibrant grilled pineapple. Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its irresistible taste and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 cup pineapple slices (for grilling)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and lime juice.
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal tightly and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade (discard any leftover marinade) and grill for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- In the last few minutes of grilling, add pineapple slices to the grill and cook until caramelized (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with grilled pineapple on top or alongside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 100mg