Molokai Chicken: The Savory Island Recipe You’ll Love!

Molokai Chicken: A Sweet & Savory Hawaiian Delight!

If you love comfort foods that are both simple and sensational, this Hawaiian chicken is the perfect recipe to try. With a shoyu-based sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and sweet chilli sauce, the chicken becomes soaked in a rich marinade that gives it a salty-sweet, tangy, and umami-packed flavour. Whether you cook it grilled or on the stovetop, the result is juicy, tender, and full of that exotic island touch. A bit of garlic, lime, and cilantro adds freshness, while a slow simmer ensures the meat turns fall-apart soft. The best part? You can prep ahead for an easy weeknight dinner with zero cleanup hassle.

This dish is a treat for the family and perfect for entertaining company. Serve it with rice, wraps, sandwiches, and tacos for a versatile meal that fits any occasion. The quick and friendly cooking process lets you whisk together the sauce in minutes, making it a local oasis of flavour. Whether making it for a weeknight meal or a backyard gathering, this dish will elevate your cooking game with its tropical taste.

What Makes Molokai Chicken a Must-Try Island Dish?

A Mouthwatering Dish for Friends & Family:

When preparing Molokai Chicken, the goal is to create a mouthwatering experience that brings friends and family together. This Hawaiian recipe blends sweet, spicy, and smoky elements thanks to a rich marinade featuring pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. The aroma alone will impress your guests as the chicken caramelizes on the grill.

Versatile & Perfect for Any Gathering:

Whether you prefer chicken thighs pork or want to swap in beef or shrimp, the versatility of this dish makes it a must-have at any gathering. It pairs beautifully with rice and salads or served in wraps, quesadillas, or sandwiches for a well-rounded meal.

Easy to Prepare & Meal Prep Friendly:

One of the best things about this dish is its easy preparation. You can make a big batch in advance, divide it into containers, and freeze it for a make-ahead meal that’s perfect for busy nights.

Quick Reheating & Bold Flavors:

A quick reheat creates a meal bursting with flavours. Whether cooked on a stovetop, in a barbecue chicken setup, or using a classic grilling method, every bite delivers an unforgettable, tropical twist.

Balanced Heat with a Dynamic Kick:

The Asian chilli sauce adds just enough heat without overpowering it, making this a dynamic and exciting dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Pineapple Juice for Natural Sweetness – Adds a fresh, sweetened flavour that balances the savoury elements.
• Brown Sugar and molasses help Bind Flavors, creating a rich profile with deep sweetness and a salty contrast.
• Soy Sauce for Umami Depth – Using reduced-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish flavorful without being too salty.
• Organic Ketchup for a Richer Taste—Avoid ketchup with high-fructose corn syrup; instead, opt for organic ketchup, which amplifies the natural flavours.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil for a Smooth Texture adds richness and helps round out the marinade.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and paprika for Depth—These pantry-friendly spices give the dish phenomenal warmth and enhance the overall taste.
• Red Chilies & Peppers for Heat—If your Hawaiian chicken is spicy, these ingredients will provide the proper heat.
• Fish Sauce for a Bold Twist—Though a nontraditional choice, it makes a great substitute for extra umami.
• Pantry Staples for Easy Prep: Most items can be found in any grocery store and are likely already stocked in your kitchen.

HOW TO MAKE HAWAIIAN CHICKEN

Preparing the Marinade:

• In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together Asian sweet chilli sauce, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and spices to create a flavorful marinade.
• This step ensures every bite is packed with flavour.

Marinating the Chicken:

• Place the chicken in a freezer bag, remove excess air, and pour in the marinade.
• Seal the bag and refrigerate for 4-24 hours.
• If you love Hawaiian-style BBQ, pair this chicken with Luau Pig for a complete island feast.

Choosing a Cooking Method

• Grilling: Grill the chicken for a smoky flavour.
• Baking: Bake in the oven on a baking sheet.
• Stovetop: Cook in a skillet for an easy, juicy meal.
• If using an oven, set it to 553°F for quick searing.

Basting for Extra Flavor:

• Use a basting brush to coat the chicken with extra marinade as it cooks.
• If grilling, scrape the grates to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with white rice and macaroni salad for a classic plate lunch experience.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container or freeze them for later.
• For added protein, serve with a side of steak or a protein milk smoothie.

Fun Fact:

• Hawaiian BBQ joints like Dutch Bros serve similar flavours, making this a great homemade alternative.
• A standard portion is about 7 oz of chicken (0.25 lbs), with approximately 910 calories.
• For meal prepping, divide into 50, 24, or 41 portions based on your needs.

How Long Should You Marinate Chicken?

• Marinate for at least 4 hours for the best flavour, ideally 8-12 hours.
• Extend it to 24 hours for a deeper taste, especially for chicken thighs.
• Thin chicken breasts need less time—no more than 8-12 hours to stay tender.

Cooking Methods

How to Grill Chicken Thighs:

1. Preheat the grill to 375-400°F and grease the grates.
2. Cook on medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side.
3. In the last 5 minutes, brush with the reserved marinade.
4. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165-175°F.

How to Bake Hawaiian Chicken in the Oven:

1. Line a baking sheet with foil or spray with oil.
2. Bake at 375°F for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Basting in the last few minutes enhances the taste.
4. Check the internal temperature before serving.

How to Broil Hawaiian Chicken in the Oven:

1. Place chicken on parchment paper and position the oven rack at the top.
2. Broil for 12 minutes per side, observing to avoid burning.
3. If needed, move the rack down slightly to control the heat.

How to Cook Hawaiian Chicken on the Stovetop:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken in batches and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until browned.
3. Turn and cook the other side, then remove from the pan.
4. Great for an indoor option when grilling isn’t available.

How to Cook Hawaiian Chicken in the Crockpot:

1. Add chicken and marinade to the crockpot.
2. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
3. Remove the chicken, transfer to a cutting board, and shred it.
4. Strain the liquid into a saucepan, boil it, then simmer.
5. Mix 2 tablespoons of water with 1 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch and add to the sauce.
6. Stir for 20-30 minutes until thickened.
7. Return shredded chicken to the sauce, toss well, and serve.

Cooking Temperature Guide

What Temperature Do You Cook Chicken Thighs?

• For juicier chicken thighs, cook to 170-175°F.
• Dark meat has more connective tissue that needs time to break down for tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature before slicing.

Can I Eat Chicken If It’s Pink?

• Yes, pink chicken is safe if its internal temperature reaches 165°F for breast meat and 170-175°F for thighs.
• The pink colour comes from myoglobin, a pigmented protein in dark meat.
• Always use a thermometer, as colour alone isn’t a reliable indicator of doneness.

Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Chicken

Pairing Hawaiian chicken with the right sides enhances its flavours:

Fresh Salads:

• Crunchy Asian Salad
• Green Salad
• BLT Pasta Salad

Tropical Flavors:

• Mango Salsa
• Pineapple Salsa
• Tropical Fruit Salad

Creamy Options:

• Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
• Potato Salad
• Creamy Grape Salad

Hearty Sides:

• Cornbread
• Hawaiian Baked Beans
• Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Warm & Roasted Sides

• Coconut Rice, Cilantro Lime Rice, Brown Rice
• Grilled Pineapple, Grilled Corn on the Cob, Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Roasted Carrots, Roasted Mushrooms, Roasted Cauliflower

Unique Pairings:

• Pineapple Cream Cheese Wontons
• Baked Jalapeno Poppers
• Pineapple Cheese Ball
• Pina Colada Fruit Salad, Perfect Fruit Salad, Strawberry Broccoli Salad

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken

• Kabobs – Skewer chicken with grilled pineapple, bell peppers, and onions.
• Wraps – Use flatbread, chicken, veggies, and guacamole.
• Lettuce Wraps – Use bib lettuce, BBQ chicken, avocado crema, and toppings.
• Tacos – Fill tortillas with black beans, cilantro, mango salsa, and lime juice.
• Grain Bowls – Serve with grains, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, sprouts, and dressing.
• Salads – Toss with greens, sweet corn, cashews, and macadamia nuts.
• Stir-Fry – Cook in a skillet and serve over spaghetti squash.
• Sandwiches – Layer on Hawaiian rolls with bacon.
• Quesadillas – Stuff with Monterey Jack cheese.
• Fajitas – Serve with bell peppers and pico de gallo.

How to Store and Reheat Hawaiian Chicken

Storing:

• Keep cooked chicken in the fridge for 3-5 days in a covered container.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Use a nonstick skillet on medium-low heat, flipping occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in 20-second intervals until warmed through.
• Oven: Set to 350°F, cover, and heat for 10 minutes.
• Frozen Chicken: Let thaw before frying or baking.

Making & Freezing Hawaiian Chicken Ahead of Time

• Refrigerate: Marinate chicken and store it in the fridge to cook the next day.
• Freezing Cooked Chicken: Let cool and transfer to an airtight container.
• Freezing Uncooked Chicken: Marinate and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Defrosting: Let thaw in the fridge before cooking.

Additional Cooking Tips

• Use Chicken Thighs – Juicier and more forgiving than breasts.
• If Using Breasts – Slice them evenly to absorb the marinade better.
• Let Chicken Rest – After cooking, rest for 5-10 minutes to retain juices.
• Avoid Cold Chicken – Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
• Cook at High Heat – Helps create a golden, crispy exterior.
• Use a Meat Thermometer – Prevents overcooking.
• Clean the Grill – Scrape with a grill brush and oil the grates.
• Be Creative with Leftovers – Use in sandwiches, pasta, grain bowls, or pizza.

Nutritional Information

FAQs About Molokai Chicken

Q: What makes Molokai Chicken different from other Hawaiian chicken dishes?

Ans: Molokai Chicken stands out due to its shoyu-based marinade, which blends soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and sweet chilli sauce. This creates a perfect balance of salty-sweet, tangy, and umami flavours. Unlike traditional Hawaiian BBQ, this dish offers a tropical twist with ingredients like garlic, lime, and cilantro for a fresh and aromatic finish.

Q: How long should I marinate Molokai Chicken for the best flavour?

Ans: Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but ideally 8-12 hours, for optimal flavour. If you use chicken thighs, you can extend the marinating time to 24 hours for deeper flavour absorption. However, marinate chicken breasts for no more than 12 hours to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Q: What are the best cooking methods for Molokai Chicken?

Ans: The best ways to cook Molokai Chicken include:

• Grilling: Medium-high heat (375-400°F) for 6-8 minutes per side.
• Baking: 375°F for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
• Crockpot: Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then shred and mix with thickened sauce.

Q: Can I make Molokai Chicken ahead of time and freeze it?

Ans: Yes! You can marinate and freeze the raw chicken for up to 3 months. If cooked, let it cool and store in an airtight container in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop, oven, or microwave.

Q: What are the best side dishes to serve with Molokai Chicken?

Ans: Molokai Chicken pairs well with:

• Tropical sides: Mango salsa, pineapple salsa, coconut rice
• Creamy options: Hawaiian macaroni salad, potato salad
• Fresh salads: Crunchy Asian salad, green salad
• Hearty sides: Hawaiian baked beans, cornbread, roasted vegetables

Molokai Chicken

Muhammad Asim

This Hawaiian-inspired grilled chicken recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, sweet chili sauce, and aromatic spices, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy. A quick grill seals in the flavors, while a final baste adds a caramelized finish. With minimal prep, a hands-off marination process, and simple grilling instructions, this dish is both effortless and impressive. Serve it with grilled pineapple and cilantro lime rice for a tropical feast. Whether for a backyard BBQ or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 1450 kcal

Equipment

• Grill or stovetop skillet
• mixing bowl or freezer bag
• measuring cups and spoons
• basting brush
• meat thermometer
• Tongs
• Knife
• cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds Boneless skinless chicken thighs
• ½ cup Canned pineapple juice
• ⅓ cup Olive oil
• ⅓ cup Packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup Reduced-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup Ketchup
• ¼ cup Asian sweet chili sauce e.g., Mae Ploy
• 1 tbsp Asian chili sauce
• 1 tbsp Ground ginger
• 1 tbsp Onion powder
• 1 tbsp Garlic powder
• ½ tbsp Paprika
• ½ tbsp Salt
• ½ tbsp Pepper

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Marinade: Whisk all ingredients together in a large bowl or freezer bag. Remove 1/4 cup to use for baking later.
• Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken to the marinade, remove excess air, seal, and turn to coat. Marinate for at least 4 hours (up to 24 hours; for chicken breasts, marinate no more than 12 hours).
• Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F), clean, and grease.
• Grill the Chicken: Place marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165-175°F.
• Baste & Finish: During the last 3 minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade.
• Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Pairs well with fresh grilled pineapple and cilantro lime rice.

Notes

DO NOT use fresh pineapple juice. The bromelain enzyme can make the chicken mushy. Canned pineapple juice is safe to use.
Use chicken thighs for the juiciest, most flavorful result. Chicken thighs are more tender, less prone to overcooking, and reheat well.
Marinate sufficiently to maximize flavor. If using chicken breasts, avoid over-marinating.
Bring chicken to room temperature before cooking (15-30 minutes) for even cooking and better moisture retention.
Clean and grease the grill before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful grill marks.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken without overcooking.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain its juices.
Get creative! Serve this chicken in grain bowls, salads, wraps, sandwiches, or pizza.

Keyword Molokai Chicken