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Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 56 reviews

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious and flavorful grilled chicken dish infused with a tropical marinade made from soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and fragrant spices. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this recipe brings the taste of Hawaii to your table. It’s ideal for summer barbecues, casual dinners, or meal prepping, offering a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky profile that delights the palate.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, ketchup, vegetable oil, minced ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and black pepper until well combined to create the flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate.
  3. Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, preparing it for cooking the chicken.
  4. Remove Chicken: Take the chicken out of the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, but leaving enough to baste if desired.
  5. Grill Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
  6. Baste (Optional): During the final minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with any leftover marinade to enhance the glaze and add more flavor.
  7. Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This rest period helps retain juices, making the chicken tender and moist when sliced.
  8. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds over the cooked chicken before serving for a burst of color and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce to make this gluten-free or for a milder flavor.
  • Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs but watch cooking time to prevent drying out.
  • For extra flavor, add herbs like cilantro or basil to the marinade.
  • If you don’t have an outdoor grill, use a grill pan or stovetop grill pan as an alternative.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Grilled pineapple pairs wonderfully as a side, enhancing the tropical taste experience.
  • Ensure grill temperature is medium-high to get good grill marks and prevent drying out.

Keywords: Hawaiian chicken recipe, Huli Huli chicken, grilled chicken Hawaiian style, tropical chicken marinade, barbecue chicken, summer grill recipes, pineapple chicken