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Kilauea Chicken Recipe

Kilauea Chicken Recipe

A sweet, savory, and mildly spicy Hawaiian-style grilled chicken made with a rich pineapple-soy marinade that caramelizes into a sticky, glossy glaze.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Hawaiian-American
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

Amount Unit Name Notes
2 lbs Boneless chicken thighs Trim excess fat
¾ cup Pineapple juice Use canned, not fresh
½ cup Soy sauce Low sodium preferred
½ cup Ketchup Adds sweetness
¼ cup Brown sugar Light or dark
2 tbsp Rice vinegar Adds tang
1 tbsp Sriracha Adjust to taste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Adds depth
1 tbsp Sesame oil Toasted preferred
1½ tbsp Fresh ginger Minced
1½ tbsp Fresh garlic Minced
1 tsp Chili flakes Optional
— — Green onions For garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl For marinade
  • Whisk To mix ingredients
  • Resealable bag or dish For marinating
  • Grill or skillet For cooking
  • Tongs For flipping
  • Small saucepan Optional glaze
  • Meat thermometer Check doneness

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sriracha, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes until smooth.
    Kilauea Chicken Recipe
  2. Reserve about ⅓ cup of the marinade and refrigerate it for later basting.
    Kilauea Chicken Recipe
  3. Place chicken in a resealable bag or dish and pour remaining marinade over it. Coat well, seal, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
    Kilauea Chicken Recipe
  4. Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.
    Kilauea Chicken Recipe
  5. Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill or skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until lightly charred.
    Kilauea Chicken Recipe
  6. Begin basting with reserved marinade, flipping and basting every minute to build a sticky glaze.
    Kilauea Chicken Recipe
  7. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
    Kilauea Chicken Recipe
  8. Remove from heat and let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
    Kilauea Chicken Recipe
  9. Optional: Simmer reserved marinade in a saucepan for 3–4 minutes until thick, then brush over chicken.
    Kilauea Chicken Recipe

Notes

  • Always use canned or bottled pineapple juice to prevent mushy texture.
  • Marinating overnight gives the best flavor and tenderness.
  • Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the sugar in the marinade.
  • Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.