Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken dish featuring a sweet and tangy pineapple soy marinade. This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger, then grilled to perfection and brushed with a thickened sauce for an irresistible glaze. Perfect for summer cookouts or a taste of the islands any time.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in chicken pieces)
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening sauce)
Garnish (Optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Reserve ½ cup of the marinade in a separate container and refrigerate it for later use. Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat to ensure optimal grilling temperature.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: While grilling, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. If desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Glaze the Chicken: Brush the grilled chicken with the thickened sauce during the last few minutes of grilling on each side to create a flavorful glaze.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest briefly. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if using. Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Notes
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled pineapple slices and steamed rice for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal.
- If grilling is not an option, bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider adding wood chips to the grill.
