Grilled Hawaiian BBQ chicken with tender chicken breasts and thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy pineapple, ginger, and garlic sauce. Perfect for backyard barbecues or easy weeknight dinners, this tropical-inspired dish is served with juicy grilled pineapple slices and steamed white rice for a complete, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

1 cup BBQ sauce
20-ounce can pineapple slices in juice (NOT heavy syrup)
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 heaping teaspoon minced fresh ginger
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 green onions, thinly sliced
3 cups cooked long grain white rice

Instructions

Strain and reserve the juice from the pineapple slices; set aside.
In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce, ½ cup of reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Reserve ½ cup of this marinade for basting. Pour the remaining marinade into a plastic storage bag with the chicken and refrigerate for 2–8 hours.
Preheat the grill. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, basting with the reserved sauce during the last 5 minutes.
Brush both sides of the pineapple slices with vegetable oil and grill for 2 minutes per side, or until softened and lightly charred.
Slice the grilled chicken, garnish with green onions, and serve with the grilled pineapple over steamed rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors in every bite.
Perfect for summer grilling, family dinners, or casual weeknight meals.
Includes a tropical twist with grilled pineapple for added freshness.
Simple ingredients with minimal prep for a flavorful result.

Tips

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to maximize flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
Grill pineapple last to avoid overcooking and to get beautiful grill marks.
Reserve some marinade for basting to keep the chicken juicy.

Variations and Substitutions

Substitute chicken with boneless pork chops or thighs.
Use honey or maple syrup in place of some BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor.
Replace white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro instead of green onions for a different herb flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor and store pineapple slices separately until grilling.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Q: Can I cook this in the oven instead of the grill?
A: Yes, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, and broil pineapple slices for 2–3 minutes per side.

Serving

Serve with steamed white rice or your favorite grain.
Pair with grilled vegetables, a green salad, or a side of coleslaw.
Slice chicken into strips for a fun family-style presentation.

Suggestions

Drizzle extra reserved sauce over chicken and rice for added flavor.
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the chicken for added texture.
Add a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.