Kilauea Chicken: The Perfect Sweet & Spicy Hawaiian Delight!
At Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, the Kilauea Chicken stands out as a dish that combines sweet and spicy flavours with a grilled finish, offering a perfect balance. Made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger, the marinade adds an intense and savoury flavour to the succulent, marinated chicken thighs. After a few hours of soaking, the chicken is grilled to perfection, and the marinade caramelizes into a tantalizing glaze, bringing out its complete flavour profile. A sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds on top provides a touch of freshness and texture, making every bite delightful. When paired with grilled pineapple or steamed rice, the Kilauea Chicken delivers a truly authentic Hawaiian experience. Whether you prefer a low-carb option or enjoy a heartier dish, this meal captures the essence of Hawaiian culinary tradition while satisfying any craving. The combination of savoury notes and sweet accents makes it a dish that will elevate your grilling game, perfect for a memorable meal with the taste of Aloha.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Kilauea Chicken brings the taste of Hawaii to your plate with its bold flavours and exciting kick. The marinade combines grilled chicken, garlic, ginger, and orange to create a perfect balance between sweet and spictasteror. At the same time, the volcanic heat of the Kilauea name hints at the spice level. The juicy texture and char on the chicken make every bite satisfying. Paired with mac salad and rice, it becomes a delightful dish you’ll love. Hawaiian Bros. restaurant made this signature dish popular, capturing the essence of the islands with every bite. Kilauea Chicken will satisfy your cravings, whether you enjoy it for the flavour profile or the savoury balance.
Ingredients for Kilauea Chicken
Chicken and Marinade Base:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (can substitute with 4 pieces chicken breasts)
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Adding a Kick and Final Touches:
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Celtic sea salt
Grilling and garnishing:
- 1 cup aged soy sauce
- 1 cup honey
- sliced green onions
- sesame seeds
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the marinade:
To make the marinade, combine a bowl of soy sauce, honey, Sriracha sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, olive oil, Celtic sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are well blended. Add chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or marinate overnight for a richer flavour.
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Optionally, baste the chicken with the remaining marinade for extra flavour.
Garnish and Serve:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a platter and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with white rice, grilled pineapple, and Hawaiian macaroni salad. For a touch of tropical elements, set the mood with Hawaiian music and decorate with vibrant table settings or tropical flowers.
Storing Leftovers:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Final Thoughts
Kilauea Chicken is a flavour-packed Hawaiian dish that perfectly balances sweet, savoury, and spicy elements. Whether you grill it traditionally or cook it using other methods, this dish delivers an authentic taste of the islands. Pairing it with classic Hawaiian sides like steamed rice, grilled pineapple, or mac salad enhances the experience, making it perfect for family dinners, BBQs, or meal prep.
With its versatile marinade, adjustable spice levels, and easy preparation, Kilauea Chicken is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves bold tropical flavours. Whether recreating the Hawaiian Brofavourite or trying it for the first time, this dish will become a staple in your kitchen. So fire up the grill, enjoy the taste of Aloha, and savour every bite!
FAQs About Kilauea Chicken
Q1: What Makes Kilauea Chicken Unique?
Ans: Kilauea Chicken stands out because it is sweet, spicy, and savoury. It was created with a pineapple-soy sauce marinade infused with SriraSrirachalic. The SriraSriracha grilling process caramelizes the flavours, giving the chicken a charred, smoky taste that captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine.
Q2: How Long Should I Marinate Kilauea Chicken?
Ans: For the best flavour, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but for a richer taste, let it sit overnight in the fridge. This allows the ingredients to absorb, making the chicken juicier and more flavorful.
Q3: Can I Cook Kilauea Chicken Without a Grill?
Ans: Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can cook it on a stovetop in a skillet, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or even use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes.
Q4: What Are the Best Side Dishes for Kilauea Chicken?
Ans: Traditional Hawaiian sides include steamed rice, grilled pineapple, and macaroni salad. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a tropical fruit salad for a refreshing twist.
Q5: How Spicy is Kilauea Chicken?
Ans: The spice level is iSrirachate due to the sriraSrirachahe marinade, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less. For extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add chilli paste. To make it mild sriracha or omit the SriraSrirach, a How can I store and reheat leftovers?
Ans: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Q7: Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Ans: Yes! While chicken thighs provide more juiciness and flavour, you can substitute them with chicken breasts. Pound the breasts evenly before marinating to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
Kilauea Chicken recpie
Equipment
- Grill (medium-high heat)
- Grill grates (to prevent sticking)
- Bowl (for mixing the marinade)
- Whisk (for blending the marinade ingredients)
- Platter (for serving the chicken)
- Airtight container (for storing leftovers)
Ingredients
- Chicken and Marinade Base
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (can substitute with 4 pieces chicken breasts)
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- Adding a Kick and Final Touches
- 1 tbs sriracha sauce
- 2 tbs lime juice
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1 tsp Celtic sea salt
- Grilling and Garnishing
- 1 cup aged soy sauce
- 1 cup honey
- sliced green onions
- sesame seeds
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbs green onions chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade
- Combine soy sauce, honey, sriracha sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, olive oil, Celtic sea salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Whisk until the ingredients are well blended.
- Add chicken thighs or chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or marinate overnight for a richer flavor.
- Grill the Chicken
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Optionally, baste the chicken with the remaining marinade for extra flavor.
- Garnish and Serve
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a platter and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve with white rice, grilled pineapple, and Hawaiian macaroni salad.
- For a touch of tropical elements, set the mood with Hawaiian music and decorate with vibrant table settings or tropical flowers.
- Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Notes
It can be served with sides like grilled pineapple, white rice, and Hawaiian macaroni salad.
A fun touch can be added with tropical elements like Hawaiian music and vibrant table settings for a more authentic experience.
