Description
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Thighs are juicy, tropical, and simple to make. Try this bold-flavored favorite for your next BBQ!
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade:
6 pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 12 pieces)
2 cups low-sodium soy sauce
8 cups water
1 can (13.5 oz) of full-fat coconut milk
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
6 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Pineapple Barbecue Sauce:
2 1/4 cups pineapple juice
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons Sriracha or your favorite chili sauce
Garnish:
3 green onions, thinly sliced (green and white parts)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, coconut milk, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 8 hours.
- Make the Pineapple Barbecue Sauce: Combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and Sriracha in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer until thickened, about 25 minutes. Cool and set aside.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat all burners on high for 15 minutes, then clean and oil the grates. Reduce heat to medium-low (around 325°F).
- Grill the Chicken: Place chicken on the grill, skin-side up. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, until internal temperature hits 120°F. Flip the chicken and grill with the skin side down for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170-175°F.
- Glaze and Serve: Move the grilled chicken to a serving platter. Generously brush with half of the pineapple glaze, sprinkle with green onions, and present with the remaining sauce on the side.
Notes
Marinate for at least 1 hour for best flavor.
Use a meat thermometer for accurate results.
Sauce thickens as it cools — prepare it ahead if needed
- Prep Time: 20 minutes + Time: 1 hour marinating
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 32g