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Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 150 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375-400°F (190-204°C), preparing for direct grilling.
  4. 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.
  5. 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