If you’re craving a tropical twist on a classic favorite, this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy, tender chicken breasts get coated in a luscious, tangy pineapple-infused barbecue sauce that’s bursting with just the right balance of sweet, savory, and a little kick of spice. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this dish brings sunshine to your plate and makes every bite feel like a mini vacation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet thoughtfully balanced ingredients is key to achieving that perfect harmony of flavors in the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role in creating a sauce that’s both bold and comforting while ensuring the chicken stays moist and delicious.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- Pineapple juice: Adds tropical sweetness and natural acidity to tenderize the chicken.
- Ketchup: Brings a tangy tomato foundation to the barbecue sauce.
- Butter: Enriches the sauce with a smooth, velvety texture.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce just the right consistency.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and subtle saltiness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Enhances complexity with its savory, slightly tart flavor.
- Brown sugar: Balances acidity with its warm, molasses sweetness.
- White vinegar: Brings brightness and a hint of tang.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the other flavors.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a mild, aromatic savoriness.
- Chili powder: Adds a gentle heat to balance the sweetness perfectly.
How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when your chicken and sauce are prepared. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan—this will be where your chicken gets all cozy and bakes to juicy perfection. Then arrange your boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly in the pan, making sure there’s enough space for the sauce to coat each piece beautifully. Setting the stage right is the first step to success!
Step 2: Whisk Up That Flavor-Packed Sauce
Next, grab a medium saucepan and combine pineapple juice, ketchup, butter, cornstarch, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, white vinegar, salt, garlic powder, and chili powder. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well-blended. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then let it bubble for a minute. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and marry the flavors, turning it into that irresistible glaze for your chicken.
Step 3: Smother the Chicken in Sauce
Once your sauce is ready and the chicken is arranged, pour the vibrant, aromatic sauce evenly over each piece, ensuring every bite will be bursting with flavor. The sauce not only infuses the chicken with its tropical barbecue goodness but also keeps it wonderfully moist during baking.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Juicy
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. To know when it’s done, check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees the meat is safe to eat but still juicy and tender. During baking, the sauce will caramelize slightly, giving the chicken a beautiful, sticky glaze that’s hard to resist.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
When your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe is out of the oven, it’s time to get it on the table. Serve it hot alongside fluffy rice or egg noodles to soak up every last scrap of that delicious sauce. This dish is all about comfort with a fruity, fun flair that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate the presentation and flavor, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top. Adding a few pineapple chunks or toasted sesame seeds can bring extra texture and brighten the look. These simple garnishes give the dish a pop of color and a fresh bite that complements the sweet and tangy sauce.
Side Dishes
The Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or buttery egg noodles, which are perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers, for vibrant color and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at your next gathering, try serving the chicken on a bed of coconut rice or even wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves for a fun handheld option. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces, like a tangy pineapple salsa, to add a burst of freshness. These creative presentations make the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe feel like a restaurant-worthy experience in your own home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, any leftovers can be transferred into an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce helps keep the chicken moist, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as tasty.
Freezing
If you want to save the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe for a longer time, it freezes well. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, preferably in portions, and freeze for up to 2 months. When properly thawed, it maintains its great texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until heated through. Avoid high heat which can dry out the chicken. You can add a splash of pineapple juice or water to refresh the sauce’s consistency if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully with this recipe, offering a juicier and richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a bit longer to reach 165°F internal temperature.
Is the sauce spicy?
The sauce has a mild, gentle heat from the chili powder, but it’s balanced with plenty of sweetness from pineapple juice and brown sugar. If you prefer it spicier, feel free to add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this recipe on the grill?
Yes! For a smoky twist, you can grill the chicken breasts and baste them with the pineapple BBQ sauce during cooking. Just be careful to watch for flare-ups since the sauce has sugar that can burn quickly.
What can I substitute for pineapple juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice handy, a mix of orange juice with a splash of white vinegar works well to mimic the sweet and tangy profile essential to the sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, just let it simmer a little longer before pouring it over the chicken, or add a touch more cornstarch mixed with cold water and whisk it in while cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings bright island flavors straight to your dinner table with effortless ease. It’s cozy yet vibrant, sweet yet savory, and perfect for any day you want an exciting meal without fuss. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to recipes — you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy homemade pineapple BBQ sauce. Baked to juicy perfection, this dish combines tropical pineapple juice with classic barbecue flavors, making it a delightful and easy dinner option served best over rice or egg noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
BBQ Sauce
- ¾ cup pineapple juice
- â…“ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and place the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly inside. Set the pan aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Make BBQ Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together pineapple juice, ketchup, butter, cornstarch, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, white vinegar, salt, garlic powder, and chili powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and let it boil for 1 minute to thicken and develop flavors.
- Coat Chicken with Sauce: Pour the freshly made BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking pan, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, indicating the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve: Once baked, serve the Hawaiian BBQ chicken hot over cooked rice or egg noodles for a complete and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165ºF for safe consumption.
- Adjust salt and sugar levels in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- For a thicker sauce, extend boiling time slightly but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Adding chopped pineapple chunks can enhance the tropical flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
