Why Make This Recipe
Huli Huli Chicken is a beloved dish that brings the taste of Hawaii straight to your kitchen. Its sweet and savory glaze, combined with the smoky flavor from grilling, makes it perfect for summer barbecues or casual family dinners. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and will impress your friends and family with its delicious flavors.
How to Make Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Making Huli Huli Chicken involves marinating the chicken to absorb the flavors and then grilling it to perfection. Follow these simple steps to create a mouth-watering dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 lb chicken thighs (boneless and skinless for easier grilling)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed for consistent caramelization)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 2/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 6 garlic cloves (freshly minced)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional for a hint of heat)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- Vegetable oil (for greasing the grill)
- 1 large pineapple (cut into 1-inch thick rounds)
- 1/2 cup green onions (chopped for garnish)
Directions:
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In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix together the brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, sriracha (if using), and toasted sesame oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves and all ingredients blend well.
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Reserve 1/2 cup of this marinade in a small bowl to use later as a glaze. This step prevents raw chicken contamination.
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Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Seal and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
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About 20 to 30 minutes before grilling, take the chicken out of the fridge to reach room temperature. This helps cook the chicken evenly.
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400–425°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
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While the grill heats up, prepare the pineapple by cutting it into 1-inch thick rounds.
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Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill and sear them undisturbed for about 6 minutes. This creates good color and flavor.
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Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes.
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Flip the chicken again and brush with the reserved glaze. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, flip again, brush with glaze, and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This should take about 15 to 16 minutes in total.
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Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to keep it moist.
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Grill the pineapple rounds for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are caramelized.
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Serve the chicken with the grilled pineapple and top with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
How to Serve Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is best served warm, alongside the grilled pineapple. It pairs well with rice or a fresh salad. The vibrant colors and flavors make it a great centerpiece for any gathering.
How to Store Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
To store leftover Huli Huli Chicken, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
- For more flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Experiment with different fruits, like mango or peaches, for grilling alongside the chicken.
Variation
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust the cooking time to ensure they don’t dry out. Another variation is to make it in the oven instead of grilling by baking at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use other parts of the chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even whole chickens, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook Huli Huli Chicken in the oven or on a stovetop grill pan. Bake at 375°F or cook on medium heat in a pan.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and grill it when ready to serve. It also tastes great reheated.
