Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful, sweet, and savory dish with a delicious Hawaiian-inspired marinade. The chicken is marinated in a tangy combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar, then grilled to perfection and garnished with fresh pineapple and green onions. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend BBQ, and it pairs wonderfully with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or quinoa.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Huli Huli Chicken is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The marinade infuses the chicken with a bold taste, while grilling gives it a wonderful char. With minimal effort, you’ll have a juicy, flavorful meal that’s guaranteed to impress. Plus, the addition of pineapple adds a tropical, refreshing twist. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

For the Marinade:
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup ketchup
½ cup soy sauce (preferably reduced sodium)
½ cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil

For the Chicken:
12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)

For Garnish:
Green onions, chopped
Pineapple slices

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Marinade:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and chicken broth.

2. Stir in the minced ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

3. Set aside 1 cup of this marinade to use for basting the chicken while it cooks. Cover it and refrigerate.

Marinate the Chicken:

1. Place the remaining marinade into a large freezer bag. Add the chicken thighs and move the chicken around to evenly coat it with the marinade.

2. Seal the bag and refrigerate the chicken to marinate overnight, or for at least 8 hours.

Grill the Chicken:

1. Preheat your grill and lightly oil the grill grates.

2. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the used marinade) and place the chicken on the grill.

3. Grill the chicken for about 3 minutes on one side, then brush with some of the reserved marinade.

4. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes, basting again with the marinade.

5. Repeat this process until the chicken is fully cooked, about 10 minutes in total, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Serve:

1. Garnish the grilled chicken with chopped green onions and pineapple slices.

2. Serve with rice, quinoa, stir-fry veggies, or any sides of your choice.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 people
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Add heat: For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños to the marinade.

• Grill with pineapple: Grill pineapple slices alongside the chicken for an extra smoky, caramelized flavor.

• Use chicken breasts: If you prefer, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs. Just adjust the cook time since chicken breasts cook a little faster.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 8 hours?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for even more flavor, but be careful not to over-marinade as the acid in the marinade may affect the texture of the chicken.

Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as they will cook faster than thighs.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the marinade up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reserve part of it for basting before marinating the chicken.

What’s the best way to know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

What can I serve with this chicken?

This chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. It’s also great with grilled veggies or even on a bun for a tropical chicken sandwich.

Can I cook this on a stovetop instead of grilling?

Yes, you can sear the chicken in a skillet with a tablespoon of oil, then finish cooking it in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or fresh chilies to the marinade to increase the heat.

Conclusion

Huli Huli Chicken is a sweet, tangy, and savory dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a simple marinade and quick grill time, this recipe delivers bold Hawaiian-inspired flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or cooking for your family, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it with your favorite sides for a delicious, well-rounded meal!

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