Description
Juicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken features tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, then grilled to perfection with continuous basting to create a sticky, caramelized glaze. This authentic island dish brings the taste of Hawaii to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: fresh pineapple rings, grilled
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Reserve the other half of the marinade for basting.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For a deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
- Fire up your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a grill, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the used portion. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp up.
- Flip the chicken and continue grilling. While the chicken cooks, brush it with the reserved marinade frequently.
- Continue flipping and basting for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- If desired, grill fresh pineapple rings alongside the chicken.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a platter and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve with the grilled pineapple.
Notes
- Marinating overnight not only enhances the flavor but also makes the chicken incredibly tender.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C).
- The sauce caramelizes during cooking, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with coconut rice or a fresh green salad.
- Grilling fresh pineapple rings alongside the chicken adds a delightful burst of sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 145mg