Miley This easy Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe is loaded with soy sauce, brown sugar, a touch of pineapple sweetness, ginger, garlic, and tons of sticky flavor. It’s so versatile and can be used on the grill, in the oven, and so much more!
I’m a HUGE fan of those sweet, savory, sticky island flavors and this homemade Hawaiian BBQ chicken is all of those in one! It’s the perfect addition to any meal.
PSST – get creative! This chicken isn’t just for dinner plates! Use it in a rice bowl, as a filling for tacos, or slice it over a fresh crunchy salad
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers big flavor with simple steps.
Sweet savory balance: Brown sugar and soy sauce work together smoothly.
Tender chicken: Thighs stay juicy and soft during cooking.
Bold sauce: Ketchup and ginger build a thick glaze.
Easy prep: One pan keeps cleanup simple.
Family friendly: The flavor stays approachable and comforting.
Meal friendly: Leftovers stay tasty the next day.
Ingredients
For the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken:
- 2 to 5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ¾ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- 2 ½ teaspoons fresh ginger grated
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Step by Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Chicken thighs are trimmed and gently patted dry. This helps the sauce coat evenly and cook smoothly. Everything is placed into a large bowl so mixing stays easy.
2. Mix the Sauce
Soy sauce, chicken broth, ginger, garlic, ketchup, and brown sugar are added to a bowl. The mixture is stirred until the sugar dissolves and the sauce looks thick and smooth.
3. Coat the Chicken
The sauce is poured over the chicken. Each piece gets fully covered by turning gently until the surface looks glossy and evenly coated.
4. Start Cooking
Chicken and sauce are added to a large skillet over medium heat. Gentle simmering begins as the sauce warms and loosens slightly.
5. Thicken the Sauce
As cooking continues, the sauce reduces and thickens naturally. Chicken is turned occasionally so the glaze builds evenly on all sides.
6. Finish and Rest
Once the chicken reaches a tender texture and the sauce looks sticky, heat is lowered. A short rest allows the glaze to settle before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken fits perfectly with simple sides. Steamed rice soaks up the extra sauce beautifully. Grilled pineapple adds brightness and texture. I like serving it with roasted vegetables or a crisp slaw to balance the sweetness. The chicken also works well sliced and served in bowls with rice and fresh greens.
Tips and Variations
- Use thighs for best texture.
- Simmer slowly for deeper flavor.
- Add chili flakes for light heat.
- Brush extra sauce near the end.
- Store leftovers tightly covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chicken breasts be used?
Yes though thighs stay more tender.
How long does it take to cook?
About thirty minutes depending on size.
Does the sauce thicken on its own?
Yes brown sugar helps it reduce naturally.
Can this be baked?
Yes baking works well with frequent basting.
How long do leftovers last?
Up to three days when chilled properly.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken feels comforting bold and familiar all at once. Sweet sauce sticky texture and tender chicken make this dish hard to resist. I love how it brings big flavor without complicated steps. Once it lands on the table, plates usually come back clean.
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken:
- 2 to 5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ¾ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- 2 ½ teaspoons fresh ginger grated
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Chicken thighs are trimmed and gently patted dry. This helps the sauce coat evenly and cook smoothly. Everything is placed into a large bowl so mixing stays easy.
- Mix the Sauce: Soy sauce, chicken broth, ginger, garlic, ketchup, and brown sugar are added to a bowl. The mixture is stirred until the sugar dissolves and the sauce looks thick and smooth.
- Coat the Chicken: The sauce is poured over the chicken. Each piece gets fully covered by turning gently until the surface looks glossy and evenly coated.
- Start Cooking: Chicken and sauce are added to a large skillet over medium heat. Gentle simmering begins as the sauce warms and loosens slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce: As cooking continues, the sauce reduces and thickens naturally. Chicken is turned occasionally so the glaze builds evenly on all sides.
- Finish and Rest: Once the chicken reaches a tender texture and the sauce looks sticky, heat is lowered. A short rest allows the glaze to settle before serving.
