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Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

4.7 from 109 reviews

This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and ginger, then grilled to perfection. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish offers an authentic Hawaiian flavor ideal for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners.

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.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough for cooking the chicken evenly and quickly.
  4. Remove Chicken: Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess drip off to avoid flare-ups on the grill.
  5. Grill Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  6. Baste (Optional): Feel free to brush the chicken with leftover marinade during the last few minutes of grilling to enhance the flavor and keep the meat moist.
  7. Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute for a tender bite.
  8. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using) over the chicken before serving to add freshness and a hint of nuttiness.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor and more tender meat.
  • Always discard leftover marinade that has come in contact with raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken under a broiler for similar results.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C).
  • For extra smoky flavor, add wood chips to your grill during cooking.

Keywords: Huli Huli chicken, Hawaiian chicken, grilled chicken thighs, pineapple chicken marinade, summer recipes, barbecue chicken