Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled dish known for its deliciously sweet and tangy marinade made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. This flavorful chicken recipe is perfect for summer grilling, featuring a smoky char and garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 ½ to 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or bone-in chicken pieces
Marinade
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or pieces in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat to ensure even cooking and a good sear without burning.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the excess liquid for basting. Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade to keep the meat moist and enhance flavor. Grill until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice charred appearance.
- Rest and Serve: Discard any remaining marinade that was not used for basting. Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- If you don’t have access to a grill, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes as an alternative method.
- For an authentic smoky flavor, grill over charcoal rather than gas.
- Grilled pineapple slices pair wonderfully as a side dish with this chicken.
