There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Delicious Hawaiian Grilled Chicken wafting through the air on a sunny afternoon. Picture this: tender, marinated chicken sizzling on the grill, with hints of pineapple and soy sauce creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that makes your taste buds dance. The sweet and savory notes combine beautifully, while the smoky char adds depth to each bite. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.
Thinking back to my first attempt at making this dish, I remember my friends gathered around the grill, eagerly awaiting those delectable morsels. It was a beautiful summer day, and we could hardly contain our excitement as the tantalizing aroma filled the air. We laughed, joked, and anticipated biting into juicy chicken that would transport us straight to Hawaii—without the need for sunscreen!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious Hawaiian grilled chicken is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend barbecues
- With its vibrant colors and tropical flavors, it’s a showstopper on any table
- You can customize the marinade based on your preferences or what you have available
- It’s versatile enough for grilling, baking, or pan-searing so you can enjoy it year-round!
I still remember my friends’ faces lighting up with joy as they took their first bites of this chicken.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 breasts; adjust according to your guest list for optimal enjoyment.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves to ensure a punchy flavor that enhances the marinade perfectly.
- Pineapple Juice: Use 100% juice for natural sweetness and acidity that tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while adding rich umami flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Helps caramelize the chicken during grilling, giving it that irresistible glaze we all love.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime elevates the marinade with a zesty brightness that balances sweetness.
- Ground Ginger: This spice adds warmth and depth; just a little goes a long way in this marinade!
- Green Onions: For garnish and added crunch; they also bring a fresh pop of color to your plate.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Gather Your Ingredients
Start by assembling all your ingredients on your countertop. It’s much easier when everything is within arm’s reach—plus it gives you an excuse to admire your culinary arsenal.
Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, lime juice, and ground ginger until well combined. Take a moment to savor that tropical fragrance wafting up as you mix!
Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over them and seal tightly. Let them soak in all that goodness for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours if you’re feeling fancy).
Preheat Your Grill
While your chicken marinates, fire up your grill to medium-high heat—about 375°F (190°C). If you’re using charcoal, let those coals turn white hot before laying down the grill grates.
Grill Time
Remove the chicken from the marinade (but don’t toss it yet). Place them on the hot grill. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes until beautifully charred and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
Garnish & Serve
Once ready, transfer your grilled chicken to a platter. Drizzle with remaining marinade that has been cooked down into a glaze (safety first!). Garnish with sliced green onions for an extra pop of color—it’s like dressing up your dinner!
Now sit back and relish in glory as you serve this Delicious Hawaiian Grilled Chicken at your next gathering or casual weeknight dinner! Your family will be begging for seconds—and maybe even thirds! For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
You Must Know
- This delicious Hawaiian grilled chicken marinade infuses flavor and tenderness, making your meal unforgettable
- The vibrant combination of pineapple and soy sauce creates a tropical aroma, while the sizzling sound on the grill makes your mouth water
- Perfect for summer barbecues or any gathering!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least two hours to soak in flavors. Grill over medium-high heat, flipping occasionally until cooked through—about 6-8 minutes per side should do it!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap pineapple juice with orange juice for a citrus twist. Add chopped jalapeños if you like it spicy, or sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro for a refreshing finish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, ensuring it’s warmed through without drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Marinate overnight for maximum flavor infusion
- Ensure your grill is preheated properly for those perfect grill marks!
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender
Making this delicious Hawaiian grilled chicken always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone just happily devours everything. It’s like a mini-vacation on a plate, and who doesn’t want that?
FAQ
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least two hours, but overnight is even better.
Can I use other meats with this marinade?
Yes! This marinade works great with pork chops or shrimp as well.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and tastes even better after flavors meld together.
Hawaiian Grilled Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Hawaiian Grilled Chicken, marinated in a luscious blend of pineapple juice and soy sauce. This dish combines sweet and savory notes with a smoky char from the grill, making it perfect for gatherings or casual dinners. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe transports your taste buds straight to paradise!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, lime juice, and ginger.
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish; pour half of the marinade over them. Seal and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and grill for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C).
- Drizzle cooked chicken with reserved marinade that has been reduced into a glaze and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For enhanced flavor, marinate overnight. Swap pineapple juice with orange juice for a citrus twist or add chopped jalapeños for heat.