Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Huli Huli Chicken is a traditional Hawaiian grilled chicken dish marinated in a flavorful blend of brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and spices. This sweet and savory recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs that are grilled to perfection and finished with a sticky glaze, perfect for summer barbecues or any casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¾ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup pineapple juice
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Chicken
- 4–5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, minced ginger, and garlic in a bowl until well combined. Optionally, set aside about ⅓ cup of the marinade in an airtight container and refrigerate for basting later.
- Trim Chicken: If desired, trim excess fat from the chicken thighs using kitchen shears. Leaving some fat on adds flavor and moisture during cooking.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large Ziploc bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 6-8 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Reduce the heat slightly and lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs onto the grill and close the lid. Cook for approximately 5 minutes per side or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165℉ (74℃).
- Baste with Reserved Marinade: Reduce the grill heat to low and baste each side of the chicken with the reserved marinade glaze. Cook for an additional 1 minute per side to create a sticky, flavorful coating.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for about 5 minutes to redistribute juices, then serve hot.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful.
- If you don’t have pineapple juice, use orange juice as an alternative.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to prevent dryness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure food safety and perfect doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (about 150g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian grilled chicken, marinade recipe, sweet and savory chicken, barbecue chicken recipe
Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/huli-huli-chicken-recipe/
