Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Marinade: A Flavorful Recipe for Your Next Grill Session

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Marinade is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that transports your taste buds straight to the islands. As someone who has always been captivated by the vibrant culinary traditions of Hawaii, I can assure you that this marinade is not just a recipe; it’s an experience. The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and a hint of garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly complements the juicy chicken, making it a favorite for summer barbecues and family gatherings.

What I love most about this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Marinade is its versatility. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or even stir-frying, this marinade infuses your chicken with a tropical flair that’s hard to resist. The tender texture and rich flavor profile make it a hit among friends and family, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of taste. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of loved ones. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that will surely become a staple in your home!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Marinade

Let’s start by making the marinade that will infuse our chicken with that delicious Hawaiian BBQ flavor. It’s super easy and comes together in just a few minutes!

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Whisk them together until the sugar is fully dissolved. This will create a sweet and tangy base for our marinade.
2. Add the apple cider vinegar and vegetable oil to the bowl. The vinegar adds a nice acidity that balances the sweetness, while the oil helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
3. Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. These ingredients will give our marinade a wonderful depth of flavor. If you love garlic and ginger as much as I do, feel free to add a little extra!
4. Season the marinade with black pepper and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Mix everything together until well combined.

Marinating the Chicken

Now that our marinade is ready, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Marinating is a crucial step that allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.

1. Take the chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. I prefer using a bag because it allows the marinade to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but if you have the time, let it marinate for 4 to 6 hours or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Cooking the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it. You can grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken, depending on your preference. I’ll walk you through the grilling method, which gives it that classic BBQ flavor.

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are hot and ashed over.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade, as it’s not safe to reuse.
3. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. You can use a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil and tongs to do this.
4. Place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them. This will help create those beautiful grill marks.
5. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes on the other side. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

Assembling and Serving

Now that our chicken is perfectly grilled, it’s time to serve it up! This dish is versatile and can be served in various ways.

1. Slice the grilled chicken breasts into strips or serve them whole, depending on your preference.
2. For a tropical twist, serve the chicken over a bed of coconut rice or alongside grilled vegetables. You can also pair it with a fresh salad for a lighter option.
3. Garnish the chicken with chopped green onions and fresh

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Marinade is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their grilling game. The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, combined with a hint of tanginess, makes this marinade a standout choice for summer barbecues or any casual gathering. Not only does it infuse your chicken with mouthwatering taste, but it also brings a touch of the tropics to your dinner table, making every bite feel like a mini-vacation. For serving suggestions, I highly recommend pairing your marinated chicken with a side of coconut rice and a fresh pineapple salsa to enhance those tropical vibes. You can also experiment with variations by adding a splash of soy sauce for an umami kick or incorporating some fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for added freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try marinating other proteins like shrimp or tofu using the same delicious marinade for a delightful twist. I encourage you to give this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Marinade a try and share your experience with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to snap a few photos and tag your culinary creations on social media—I’d love to see how your chicken turns out! Happy cooking, and may your meals be filled with the vibrant flavors of the islands! Print
   

   Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Marinade: A Flavorful Recipe for Your Next Grill Session

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 30 minutes
   • Yield: 4 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   Savor the tropical flavors of this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, marinated in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. Perfect for grilling, this dish is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a delicious feast!

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
   • 1 cup pineapple juice
   • 1/4 cup soy sauce
   • 1/4 cup brown sugar
   • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
   • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
   • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
   • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
   • Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

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   Instructions

   1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved.
   2. Add the apple cider vinegar and vegetable oil. Mix well.
   3. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger.
   4. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until combined.
   5. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
   6. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish.
   7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
   8. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
   9. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
   10. Lightly oil the grill grates.
   11. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on one side without moving it.
   12. Flip and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
   13. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
   14. Slice the grilled chicken or serve whole.
   15. Serve over coconut rice, alongside grilled vegetables, or with a fresh salad.
   16. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro.

   Notes

   • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños to the marinade.
   • This marinade also works well with pork or shrimp if you want to switch things up.
   • Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 15 minutes