L&L Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

Hawaiian BBQ has a special kind of flavor boost. I learned about it from a famous spot called L&L Hawaiian Barbecue.

This restaurant started in Hawaii and became super popular on the mainland. People everywhere love their plates of hot, tasty food.

Their BBQ chicken is a big reason for their success. The chicken is always so tender and covered in a shiny, sweet, and salty sauce. It tastes like a warm, happy meal that makes you feel good.

Now, I am sharing my own copycat L&L Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe with you.

Why You’ll Love This L&L Hawaiian Bbq Chicken

1. Simple ingredients – You don’t need hard-to-find items. Most ingredients are already in your pantry or easy to grab from any grocery store.
2. Quick prep time – The marinade takes less than 10 minutes to put together. Just mix and let it sit.
3. Rich flavor – The marinade soaks deep into the meat. Every bite is full of sweet, salty, and tangy notes.
4. Great for meal prep – You can marinate the chicken ahead of time. Cook it when you’re ready to eat.
5. Budget-friendly – Chicken thighs cost less than other cuts. You get amazing flavor without spending too much.
6. Restaurant-style at home – You get that same glossy, caramelized chicken without leaving your house.

Best Types of Chicken for BBQ

Choosing the right chicken part makes a big difference. You want something that stays moist and can handle the strong flavors of the BBQ sauce.

For this L&L Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe, I always recommend using chicken thighs. Thighs have more fat than chicken breasts.

This fat keeps the meat juicy and tender, even if you cook it a little too long. The dark meat has a richer flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty sauce.

I use boneless thighs with the skin on. The skin gets wonderfully crispy in the pan. You can use skinless thighs if you prefer. Chicken breasts can dry out faster, so thighs are your best bet for a truly great result.

L&L Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs (2 pounds): I use boneless, skin-on chicken thighs because they stay juicy and cook evenly. If you like, you can use skinless thighs too. Thighs are great because they hold the flavor of the sauce.
• Soy Sauce (¼ cup): Soy sauce gives the chicken that deep, savory base flavor. It’s salty, but when mixed with sugar and other sauces, it turns into a rich glaze.
• Mirin (¼ cup): Mirin is a sweet rice wine that adds a light sweetness and shine. It helps make the sauce smooth and balanced.
• Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Brown sugar gives the sauce a caramel touch. It melts into the soy sauce and makes the chicken glossy.
• Rice Wine Vinegar (1 tablespoon): A little bit of vinegar adds a nice tangy note. It balances all the sweetness from the sugar and mirin.
• Ketchup (¼ cup): This is not just for burgers! It adds a soft tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce so it sticks to the chicken.
• Sesame Oil (Splash): Just a small splash goes a long way. It gives the dish a nutty smell and richer taste.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings out a warm, bold flavor. Minced garlic mixes well with the sauce and sticks to the chicken.
• Cooking Oil (1 tablespoon): I use a light oil to sear the chicken. It helps get that golden brown crust on the outside.

Recommended Equipment

1. Mixing Bowl: For making the marinade.
2. Knife and Cutting Board: To mince garlic and prepare chicken.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate flavor balance.
4. Large Pan or Skillet: To cook the chicken evenly.
5. Tongs or Spatula: For turning the chicken without losing the glaze.
6. Plate or Container: For resting the cooked chicken before slicing.

How To Make L&l Hawaiian Bbq Chicken

Step 1 | Make the Marinade

Start by mincing 3 cloves of fresh garlic. Add the garlic to a medium mixing bowl.

Pour in ¼ cup of soy sauce, ¼ cup of mirin, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar, ¼ cup of ketchup, and a splash of sesame oil.

Mix everything together with a spoon until the sugar melts and the sauce looks smooth.

Step 2 | Marinate the Chicken

Place 2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated well. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator.

Let it marinate for at least 2 hours. If you have time, longer is even better. The more it sits, the more flavor it gets.

Step 3 | Heat the Pan

After marinating, heat a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Wait until the oil warms up.

Step 4 | Cook the Chicken

Lay the chicken thighs in the pan skin side down first. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Let them cook for about 7 minutes.

You should see a nice golden brown crust forming. Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for another 7 minutes or until the inside reaches 165°F.

Step 5 | Rest and Serve

Once cooked, take the chicken out and let it rest for a few minutes. This keeps it juicy. Pour any extra sauce over the top. Slice it into strips or serve it whole with rice or salad.

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

Here are a few extra tips to make your chicken the best it can be.

• Don’t Skip the Rest. Letting the chicken rest after cooking is not optional. It allows the juices to settle back into the meat, making every bite moist.
• Get a Good Sear. Make sure your pan is hot before you add the chicken. A hot pan gives you that beautiful, crispy, caramelized crust that is full of flavor.
• Marinate for Longer. Two hours is good, but marinating for longer, even overnight, will make the flavor much stronger and better.
• Check the Temperature. The best way to know if chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. It takes the guesswork out and prevents dry, overcooked chicken.

How to Serve L&L BBQ Chicken

At L&L Hawaiian restaurant, they serve this chicken as a plate lunch with two scoops of white rice and a scoop of creamy macaroni salad.

The rice soaks up all the extra sauce. The macaroni salad adds a cool, creamy contrast.

Other good options include steamed broccoli, grilled pineapple slices, or a fresh cabbage slaw. This dish also works in a rice bowl with vegetables.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Here’s how to plan ahead and store leftovers:

1. Make-Ahead: The chicken can be marinated the night before or early in the day. The longer it marinate (up to 24 hours), the more flavor it absorbs.

2. How to Store: After the chicken cools, place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep extra sauce separately if possible.

3. How to Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce so it doesn’t dry. You can also reheat in the oven (350 °F for about 8–10 minutes) or microwave for short bursts, turning once.

4. Freezing (Optional): If you want to freeze, place cooked chicken in a freezer container or bag. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

L&L Hawaiian Bbq Chicken Recipe FAQs

1. How do I tell when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer and look for 165 °F in the thickest part. Also cut into a thick spot: if juices run clear and no pink remains, it’s done.

2. What makes L&L Hawaiian BBQ Chicken so special?

The secret is in the balance of flavors. The mix of soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and sesame oil gives the chicken a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and smoky.

This recipe recreates that same signature glaze that made L&L famous across the U.S.

3. Can I make this recipe without mirin?

Yes. Replace mirin with a mix of 1 tablespoon sugar and 3 tablespoons of white wine or apple juice. It won’t be exactly the same, but still keeps the flavor sweet and balanced.

4. Why is my chicken tough?

Tough chicken is usually a sign that it was overcooked. Even though thighs are forgiving, they can still dry out if cooked for too long. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to avoid this.

Pull the chicken off the heat as soon as it hits 165°F. Also, letting it rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making it more tender.

5. Can I cook this on an outdoor grill?

Yes, grilling is a fantastic way to cook this chicken! Heat your grill to medium heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grates.

Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, just like in a pan. Grilling will give the chicken a slightly smoky flavor that is really delicious.

6. Can I double this recipe?

You can double ingredients and chicken. Use a larger pan or cook in batches so the pieces don’t crowd the pan. Make sure each piece gets proper heat and sauce coverage.

This L&L Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe gives you a taste of a popular restaurant dish without leaving your house.

The sweet and savory flavors come together in a simple, home-cooked meal.