Easy Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Thigh Recipe (Dairy-Free)
This Easy Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Thigh Recipe is one of those simple dinners that feels perfect for summer. Sweet, savory, juicy, and packed with flavor, this chicken is made with a super easy homemade marinade using simple pantry ingredients.
As a food allergy mom, I love that this recipe is naturally dairy-free and does not require any special substitutions. Just simple ingredients, easy prep, and a dinner the whole family actually gets excited about.
My boys love this one, especially when we grill it during the summer and serve it with rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad. If you can marinate it overnight, even better.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy family dinner
- Naturally dairy-free
- Perfect for summer grilling
- Sweet + savory flavor
- Great for meal prep
- Kid-approved
- Simple pantry ingredients
Equipment
- 1 gallon ziplock bag OR large bowl
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Grill OR skillet
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 pack skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep The Chicken
Add your chicken thighs to a large ziplock bag or large bowl.
Set aside.
Step 2: Make The Marinade
In a separate bowl, add:
- brown sugar
- soy sauce
- ketchup
- pineapple juice
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- black pepper
Whisk everything together until well combined.
Taste the marinade and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Marinate
Pour the marinade over the chicken.
Use clean hands or tongs to make sure all of the chicken is coated really well.
Seal the bag or cover the bowl and place in the fridge.
Marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor.
How To Cook
Grill Method (Best for Summer)
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill until fully cooked, flipping as needed.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Stovetop Method
Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Cook the chicken thighs until fully cooked through, flipping as needed.
Again, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What To Serve With Hawaiian Chicken
This goes so well with:
- white rice
- grilled pineapple
- roasted veggies
- cucumber salad
- macaroni salad
- corn on the cob
Tips
- Overnight marinating gives the best flavor
- Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful
- Do not skip the pineapple juice if you have it (it gives this chicken that classic Hawaiian-inspired sweet) flavor No pineapple juice? Add a few tablespoons of honey to the marinade instead for sweetness
- Great for meal prep lunches Grill for the best summer flavor
- Naturally dairy-free
