Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken from L&L Hawaiian Barbecue features tender grilled chicken glazed with a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, served alongside fluffy steamed rice and tangy macaroni salad, offering a delicious blend of savory and tropical flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Rice cooker or pot with lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Large pot (for macaroni)
- Colander
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Serving plates or trays
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot
- 1 tablespoon grated onion
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
Ensure you use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best tenderness and flavor in the Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken. Fresh pineapple juice is essential to achieve the authentic sweet and tangy glaze that defines this dish. Accurate measurement of soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices like smoked paprika balances the savory and smoky elements of the barbecue sauce. Prepare the elbow macaroni just until tender, avoiding overcooking, to maintain the perfect texture for the tangy macaroni salad. Your homemade Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken from L&L Hawaiian Barbecue copycat menu will capture the delicious blend of smoky, sweet, and tropical flavors true to the original.
Instructions
- Marinate chicken thighs in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, pineapple juice, ketchup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, and smoked paprika for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken thighs on the grill, turning occasionally and basting with marinade, until cooked through and slightly charred.
- While chicken cooks, cook white rice in a rice cooker or pot according to package instructions.
- Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until tender, then drain and cool.
- Mix mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, shredded carrot, grated onion, apple cider vinegar, milk, sugar, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl to make macaroni salad dressing.
- Combine cooled macaroni with the dressing and mix thoroughly.
- Slice grilled chicken into strips.
- Plate servings of steamed rice, macaroni salad, and grilled barbecue chicken.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken from L&L Hawaiian Barbecue copycat recipe replicates the tender grilled chicken glazed in a sweet, smoky barbecue sauce paired with fluffy steamed rice and creamy macaroni salad. If boneless, skinless chicken thighs are unavailable, chicken breasts can be used but may require careful grilling to avoid drying out. Pineapple juice in the marinade adds tropical sweetness, but orange juice or apple juice can serve as a substitute without compromising flavor. When preparing the macaroni salad, any short pasta like rotini or shells can replace elbow macaroni based on your pantry staples. Use a rice cooker or stovetop pot with a tight-fitting lid to ensure perfectly fluffy steamed rice for your meal.
Tips
Ensure chicken thighs are marinated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, making it tender and flavorful. Use a digital thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) to avoid undercooking. When grilling, baste the chicken frequently with the marinade to keep it moist and achieve that signature glaze. For your macaroni salad, cool the pasta completely before mixing with the dressing to prevent it from becoming mushy and to maintain the salad's creamy texture.
Nutritions
Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken provides a rich source of protein from the boneless, skinless chicken thighs essential for muscle repair and maintenance. The marinade includes ingredients like soy sauce and pineapple juice, which contribute antioxidants and small amounts of vitamins, adding a tropical nutrient boost. Serving the chicken with steamed white rice supplies carbohydrates for energy, while the macaroni salad, made with mayonnaise and vegetables like celery and carrot, offers healthy fats along with fiber, vitamins A and C to support your immune system. When enjoying this dish, balance your portion sizes to align with your daily nutritional needs, ensuring a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal.
Storage
Store leftover Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its tender texture and smoky flavor. Keep cooked white rice and macaroni salad in separate airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption and preserve freshness. For best results, reheat the chicken gently on a grill or stovetop to avoid drying out, while serving your rice and macaroni salad cold or at room temperature.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option, though they may require shorter grilling time to avoid drying out. For a smoky twist without a grill, try cooking the chicken in a cast-iron skillet with a bit of smoked paprika and liquid smoke added to the marinade. Swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice to increase fiber content and add a different texture to your meal. Consider adding diced pineapple or mango to the macaroni salad for an extra tropical burst that complements the barbecue flavors perfectly.
Allergies
This Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken recipe contains soy sauce and mayonnaise, which may trigger allergies in individuals sensitive to soy and eggs. The dish also includes sesame oil, a common allergen that can cause reactions ranging from mild to severe. You should always check labels and consult with your doctor if you have known allergies to any of these ingredients.
Why this recipe?
The Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue features tender, marinated chicken glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that captures authentic island flavors. The combination of smoky grilled chicken with a perfect balance of sweetness and umami makes it a standout dish loved by many. You can recreate this popular menu item at home to enjoy a taste of Hawaiian cuisine, saving money while customizing ingredients to suit your preferences. Making the copycat recipe allows you to experience the unique blend of spices and textures that define L&L's signature barbecue.