Hawaiian Bros Honolulu Chicken Recipe – Delicious & Perfect Taste

Hawaiian Bros Honolulu Chicken recipe a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy grilled chicken dish that comes from the popular Hawaiian Bros restaurant chain.

The chicken is marinated in a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and vinegar, then cooked until juicy with caramelized edges. It’s usually served over white rice with their creamy macaroni salad, giving that true Hawaiian plate lunch experience.

This week I wanted to bring those island flavors into my own kitchen. After spending way too much time scrolling Reddit food threads, I kept seeing people rave about the Hawaiian Bros Honolulu Chicken.

That’s when I decided to try making my own copycat version. But I didn’t want to guess—I actually called up a friend who works at the restaurant to get hints about the dish.

With those little secrets, I tried it out in my kitchen, and let me tell you—it turned out crazy good.

What Does Hawaiian Bros Honolulu Chicken Taste Like

The taste of Hawaiian Bros Honolulu Chicken is sweet, salty, and unforgettable. Soy sauce gives it a strong salty flavor, while brown sugar melts in and adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness. Ketchup and a splash of vinegar keep the sauce tangy, but not too heavy.

Fresh ginger and garlic add a bright, zesty kick. When the chicken cooks, the edges turn golden with a little char. That smoky caramel mixes with the sticky sauce, making each bite full of flavor.

The chicken stays juicy and tender, every bite rich and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that makes you reach for seconds before you even notice.

What is in Hawaiian Bros Honolulu Chicken (Ingredients)

• 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (3–3.5 lbs) – I use thighs because they stay juicy, tender, and soak up all the sauce better than chicken breasts.
• ¾ cup soy sauce – This adds the salty base that makes the chicken flavorful and helps balance the sweetness from sugar and ketchup.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar – Brown sugar melts into the sauce, giving a warm, caramel-like sweetness that balances the soy sauce perfectly.
• ⅓ cup chicken broth – Adds a bit of liquid to thin the sauce while giving a mild, savory depth of flavor.
• ¾ cup ketchup – Ketchup makes the sauce rich, tangy, and slightly sweet, giving the chicken that classic Hawaiian flavor everyone loves.
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar – Adds a light tang to brighten the sauce and balance the sweet flavors without overpowering.
• 2 ½ tablespoons fresh ginger, minced – Fresh ginger gives a warm, zesty spice that lifts the overall flavor and keeps it fresh.
• 6 cloves garlic, crushed or minced – Garlic brings a bold, savory punch that pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty sauce.
• Rice or macaroni salad (optional) – These sides complete the classic Hawaiian Bros plate, soaking up sauce and adding a creamy or simple base.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• A large mixing bowl
• A whisk or spoon for mixing marinade
• A sharp knife and cutting board
• Plastic wrap or resealable bag
• Large skillet, griddle, or cast iron pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Small saucepan (if you make the glaze)

How To Make Hawaiian Bros Honolulu Chicken

Step 1: Make the marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, packed brown sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, red wine vinegar, minced ginger, and crushed garlic. Stir or whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. The sauce should be thick, sweet, and savory.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken

Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into large bite-sized chunks. Add the chicken to the bowl of marinade and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap (or transfer everything to a resealable plastic bag).

Place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours, but for the best flavor, let it sit overnight.

Step 3: Reserve a little sauce (optional)

Before adding the raw chicken to the marinade, scoop out 2–3 tablespoons of the sauce into a small container. Keep this in the fridge—you’ll use it later as a finishing glaze after cooking. Do not reuse marinade that has touched raw chicken.

Step 4: Cook the chicken

Heat a flat-top griddle, large cast iron skillet, or two regular skillets on medium-high heat. Add a generous amount of oil (enough to coat the surface). Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken in batches, spreading it out so the pieces sear rather than steam.

Cook, stirring and flipping occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has caramelized, slightly charred edges—about 8–10 minutes total, depending on the size of the pieces.

Step 5: Finish with glaze

If you reserved a little marinade before adding raw chicken, pour it into a small saucepan and bring it to a quick boil for 1–2 minutes. This kills bacteria and thickens the sauce. Drizzle the cooked chicken lightly with this glaze before serving for an extra punch of flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the chicken hot over steamed white rice or fried rice. To complete the true Hawaiian Bros-style plate, add a scoop of creamy macaroni salad on the side.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Hawaiian Bros Honolulu Chicken Ever

• Marinate overnight for bold flavor – Letting the chicken sit in the sauce overnight makes every bite richer, sweeter, and full of island flavor.
• Use chicken thighs, not breasts – Thighs stay tender and juicy, absorbing the marinade better than leaner chicken breasts, for maximum flavor.
• Cook in batches – Cooking a few pieces at a time ensures the chicken sears nicely instead of steaming and getting soggy.
• Keep the heat medium-high – This helps the chicken develop caramelized, slightly charred edges that add smoky, rich flavor.
• Don’t skip fresh ginger – Fresh ginger gives a zesty, warm kick that lifts the sauce and brightens the chicken perfectly.
• Serve with rice and macaroni salad – These sides soak up the sauce and create the full Hawaiian Bros plate-style experience.

Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with This Honolulu Chicken Recipe

Steamed White Rice – Fluffy rice soaks up every bit of the sweet and savory sauce, making each bite soft, comforting, and perfectly balanced.

Fried Rice – I toss leftover rice in a hot pan with a little oil and seasoning, creating a simple, flavorful base for the chicken.

Macaroni Salad – Creamy, cool, and slightly tangy, this salad adds a soft texture that balances the warm, sticky, caramelized chicken.

Grilled Pineapple – Sweet and juicy pineapple caramelizes on the grill, adding a fresh fruity pop that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.

Roasted Veggies – Simple roasted vegetables add color, freshness, and a little crunch, keeping the meal light while complementing the rich chicken flavor.

Perfect For

Weeknight Dinners – This chicken cooks fast after marinating, making it perfect when you want something tasty and filling without spending hours in the kitchen.

Quick Family Meals – It’s easy to make more if you have extra mouths to feed, and everyone loves the sweet and savory flavor.

Casual Lunches – Serve over rice or noodles for a hearty midday meal that feels special but takes little effort.

Simple Entertaining – If friends drop by, this chicken impresses without complicated steps, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the company.

Meal Prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it great for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but I recommend thighs because they stay juicy. Chicken breast can get dry fast, so if you use it, don’t overcook. Keep pieces a little bigger so they hold moisture.

How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 4 hours, but overnight is best. The longer it sits in the marinade, the deeper the flavor goes into the chicken. I always plan ahead for better taste.

Can I grill this chicken instead of pan cooking?
Absolutely. Grilling gives it smoky edges that taste amazing. Just oil the grates well so the chicken doesn’t stick, and cook over medium-high heat until done.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Cut a piece open; it should not be pink inside. You can also check with a thermometer—165°F is safe. I usually just check by sight and texture.

Can I serve this without rice?
Of course. It tastes good with noodles, in a wrap, or even on a salad. I still like it best with rice though—it soaks up the sauce like nothing else.

I hope you try this Hawaiian Bros Honolulu Chicken copycat soon—it’s juicy, sweet, and sticky, just like the island version. Cook it, serve with rice or macaroni salad, and enjoy!

Share how yours turned out, and don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more how to make Hawaiian style Honolulu Chicken recipes.