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Easy Fire-Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Fire up the grill for this Easy Fire-Grilled Hawaiian Chicken! Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a sweet and savory ginger garlic soy sauce blend, then grilled to smoky perfection. Each bite is packed with tropical flavors, making it perfect for summer cookouts or a quick weeknight dinner. Serve it with rice, grilled veggies, or fresh pineapple for a meal that brings island vibes to your table!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Marinate Time1 day
Total Time1 day 30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Thighs, Hawaiian Grilled Chicken, Marinated Hawaiian Chicken Thighs
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 501kcal

Equipment

  • Gas or Charcoal Grill
  • Oven (alternative cooking method)
  • Air Fryer (alternative cooking method)

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless)(trim any fat)

Hawaiian Marinate Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup Soy Sauce
  • ¾ cup Ketchup
  • ½ cup Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger (minced)
  • 8 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • cup Avocado Oil (or Olive Oil)

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (¾ cup), ketchup (¾ cup), brown sugar (½ cup), minced ginger (1 tablespoon), minced garlic (8 cloves), and avocado oil (⅓ cup) until fully combined. Place the chicken thighs (3 lbs) in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for the best flavor.
  • Prepare the Sauce: Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the marinade and set it aside. Pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. This will be used for basting the chicken and as a serving sauce.
  • Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with the simmered marinade for extra flavor. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket and place the marinated chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Air fry for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches 165°F. In the last few minutes, brush the chicken with the simmered marinade for added flavor.
  • Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. In the last 5 minutes of baking, baste the chicken with the simmered marinade for extra moisture and flavor. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a caramelized finish.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve this Hawaiian-style grilled chicken with steamed rice, grilled pineapple, or a fresh tropical salad. Drizzle with extra sauce for even more flavor!

Nutrition

Calories: 501kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 2100mg | Potassium: 747mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 209IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 3mg