Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian grilling classic that brings sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors together in perfect harmony. Traditionally cooked over an open flame, this dish features juicy, marinated chicken glazed with a luscious sauce made from soy, pineapple juice, and brown sugar. Whether you’re grilling for a backyard luau or a family dinner, mastering Huli Huli Chicken means unlocking a tropical taste sensation that’s both vibrant and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Huli Huli Chicken
Bold, Balanced Flavor: The unique blend of sweet pineapple and savory soy creates a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Juicy and Tender: Marinating the chicken infuses it with moisture and flavor, resulting in irresistibly tender bites.
Simple Yet Impressive: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can serve up a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual barbecues to festive gatherings, Huli Huli Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Huli Huli Chicken
Get prepped, get excited—these are the ingredients that kick things off:
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These are juicy and flavorful, perfect for grilling. The skin helps keep the meat moist.
Soy sauce: This adds a savory depth to the marinade, balancing the sweetness of other ingredients.
Brown sugar: It caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving the chicken a lovely glaze.
Ketchup: A surprising addition that adds tanginess and a hint of sweetness.
Pineapple juice: This tropical flavor brightens the dish and tenderizes the chicken.
Rice vinegar: It adds a subtle acidity that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Sesame oil: A little goes a long way, imparting a nutty aroma that complements the dish.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a punch of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Fresh ginger: Grated ginger adds warmth and a zesty kick to the marinade.
Black pepper: A staple seasoning that adds a bit of heat.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a spicy kick, these can be adjusted to taste.
Green onions: Sliced for garnish, they add a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
Sesame seeds: These are optional but add a nice visual touch and a bit of crunch.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering Huli Huli Chicken. Follow along, and you’ll be grilling like a pro in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. The goal is to create a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. Make sure everything is well combined; this marinade is the heart of your dish!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, add the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade. Use your hands or a spatula to ensure each piece is fully coated. This step is crucial; the longer you marinate, the more flavor the chicken absorbs. Aim for at least one hour, but if you can let it sit overnight, you’ll be rewarded with even more deliciousness.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While the chicken is soaking up those flavors, it’s time to preheat your grill. Set it to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F. A hot grill is essential for achieving that perfect char and juicy interior. If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down until they’re covered with white ash for optimal cooking.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Once your grill is ready, remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting. Place the chicken on the grill, skin side down, and cook for about 6-8 minutes. Flip the chicken and baste it with the reserved marinade to keep it moist and flavorful. Grill for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy. Once rested, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra flair. Your Huli Huli Chicken is now ready to impress!
Tips for Success
Always marinate the chicken for at least one hour, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
Keep the grill lid closed while cooking to maintain heat and achieve even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; aim for 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
Don’t skip the resting time; it makes a big difference in juiciness.
Experiment with the marinade by adding your favorite spices for a personal touch.
Equipment Needed
Grill: A gas or charcoal grill works well. If you don’t have one, a grill pan can be a great alternative.
Mixing bowl: For whisking the marinade. Any large bowl will do.
Meat thermometer: Essential for checking chicken doneness. A simple kitchen thermometer will suffice.
Brush: For basting the chicken with marinade. A silicone brush is ideal.
Variations of Huli Huli Chicken
Spicy Huli Huli Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
Grilled Huli Huli Tofu: For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with firm tofu. Press and marinate the tofu for a similar flavor experience.
Pineapple Salsa: Top your grilled chicken with a fresh pineapple salsa made from diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice for a tropical twist.
Huli Huli Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into cubes and thread them onto skewers for fun, bite-sized pieces perfect for parties.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Huli Huli Chicken
Grilled Vegetables: Serve with a medley of grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for a colorful plate.
Rice: Pair with jasmine or coconut rice to soak up the delicious marinade.
Refreshing Drinks: Enjoy with a cold Mai Tai or a tropical fruit punch.
Presentation: Serve on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges for a vibrant look.
FAQs about Huli Huli Chicken
As you embark on your Huli Huli Chicken journey, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that can help you along the way:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs are ideal for juiciness, chicken breasts can work too. Just be mindful of cooking times, as they may cook faster.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least one hour. If you can, let it sit overnight. The longer, the better!
What can I serve with Huli Huli Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it with a tropical drink for that Hawaiian vibe.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it to ensure everything is well mixed.
Is Huli Huli Chicken gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute soy sauce with tamari. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without the gluten.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Huli Huli Chicken is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating memories. The sweet and savory flavors transport you to a Hawaiian paradise, even if you’re just in your backyard. Each bite is a celebration, perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. The joy of grilling, the laughter of friends, and the satisfaction of a job well done make this dish truly special. So fire up that grill, embrace the process, and enjoy the delicious rewards. Trust me, once you serve this, it’ll become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious Hawaiian grilled chicken dish marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for summer barbecues.
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting.
Place the chicken on the grill, skin side down, and cook for about 6-8 minutes. Flip the chicken and baste with the reserved marinade.
Continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
Serve with grilled vegetables or over rice for a complete meal.
