Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian dish known for its sweet and savory glaze. This simple grilled chicken recipe combines a flavorful marinade with a caramelized finish, perfect for summer cookouts or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice to create the marinade. Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or container and pour the marinade over it. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 2: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and has a caramelized glaze.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill or add wood chips to your gas grill.
- Try adding minced garlic or ginger to the marinade for more depth.
- Serve with grilled pineapple slices or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the meat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used; just adjust grilling time to prevent overcooking.
Is it safe to baste with the marinade?
Yes, but only baste with marinade that has been boiled for a few minutes to kill bacteria, or reserve some before adding raw chicken for basting.
PrintHuli Huli Chicken Recipe
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken dish known for its sweet and savory flavor, achieved by marinating the chicken in a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice, then grilling it to a delicious glaze. This recipe is perfect for summertime barbecues or any occasion that calls for a tropical-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 to 4 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
Marinade
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup pineapple juice, preferably fresh
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice. Stir well until the brown sugar has dissolved completely to create a sweet and savory marinade base.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large sealable plastic bag or non-reactive container and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375-400°F (190-204°C), preparing for direct grilling.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting. Grill the chicken pieces skin-side down first for about 6-8 minutes, then turn and baste with the reserved marinade. Continue grilling while frequently basting, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and has a glossy, caramelized glaze, about 15-20 minutes total depending on thickness.
- Rest and serve: Let the grilled Huli Huli chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple juice for the best flavor; canned juice can be used as a substitute but may alter sweetness.
- Marinating overnight yields a more flavorful chicken.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can also be prepared under a broiler or on a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Always discard used marinade that has come in contact with raw chicken unless boiled first to use as a sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice and grilled vegetables or a tropical fruit salsa for a complete Hawaiian meal experience.
Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Pineapple Chicken, BBQ Chicken
