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Delicious Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Delicious Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Enjoy a mouthwatering Hawaiian classic with this Delicious Huli Huli Chicken recipe. Featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet-savory glaze of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, this grilled chicken recipe brings authentic island flavors to your backyard quickly and easily. Perfectly tender and full of bold tropical zest, it’s ideal for BBQs, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for vibrant, flavorful food.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred for juiciness)

Marinade

  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a balanced sweet-savory base that will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1 to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to soak in deeply and tenderize the meat.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Light your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Proper heat is key to achieving the signature char and smoky notes that make Huli Huli chicken irresistible.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the excess marinade for basting. Grill the chicken about 6 to 7 minutes per side, brushing frequently with the reserved marinade to build a sticky, glossy glaze while sealing in the juices.
  5. Rest and Serve: Once cooked through and nicely charred, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired, then serve hot to enjoy the full burst of flavors.

Notes

  • Proper Marinating Time: Allow 1 to 2 hours for best flavor and tenderness.
  • Even Chicken Pieces: Use similarly sized chicken thighs for uniform cooking.
  • Control the Heat: Medium-high grill temp caramelizes sugars without burning.
  • Baste Often: Helps develop the glossy glaze and keeps chicken moist.
  • Rest Before Serving: Ensures juicy and tender results.

Nutrition

Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian chicken, grilled chicken, pineapple chicken, tropical chicken recipe, summer BBQ recipe