Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious Hawaiian-inspired dish that combines a sweet and savory marinade with tender, juicy chicken. This easy recipe offers a great balance of flavors, making it perfect for a quick dinner or as part of a special meal. With minimal prep time and just 10 minutes on the grill, you’ll have a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Huli Huli Chicken is a true treat for the taste buds, thanks to its sweet, tangy marinade made with brown sugar, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger. The chicken becomes incredibly juicy and tender as it grills, while the marinade adds depth of flavor that everyone will enjoy. It’s an easy, hassle-free meal that can be prepped ahead of time and grilled to perfection in just minutes. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or hosting a BBQ, this dish will quickly become a favorite!

Ingredients

½ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup ketchup
½ cup soy sauce (preferably reduced sodium)
½ cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
12 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)
Green onions, for garnish
Pineapple slices, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and chicken broth. Stir in the minced ginger root, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

2. Set Aside Marinade:

Set aside 1 cup of the marinade, cover it, and refrigerate to use for basting the chicken during cooking.

3. Marinate the Chicken:

Place the remaining marinade into a large freezer bag with the chicken thighs. Seal the bag and move the chicken around to evenly coat with the marinade. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

4. Grill the Chicken:

Preheat the grill and lightly oil the grates. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade.

Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes on one side. Brush some of the reserved marinade on the chicken, flip it, and cook for another 3 minutes. Repeat this process until the chicken is fully cooked (about 10 minutes total, depending on grill heat). Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Serve:

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and garnish with green onions and pineapple slices. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like rice, stir-fried veggies, or grilled pineapple.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Kcal: 350 kcal per serving

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Leftover Huli Huli chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips

• Do not reuse the marinade that the chicken was in for basting, as it is not safe to consume without cooking.

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached 165°F for boneless thighs or 170°F for drumsticks.

• If you don’t have a grill, you can sear the chicken in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of oil, then bake it in a 375°F oven for 20 minutes.

Variations

• Add Heat: Spice up the marinade by adding a chopped jalapeño or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.

• Grill Vegetables: Grill some bell peppers, onions, or zucchini alongside the chicken for a complete meal.

• Use Chicken Breasts: While thighs are juicy and flavorful, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Adjust cooking time as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs, but they will require a slightly longer cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to check doneness is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165°F for boneless thighs and 170°F for bone-in thighs.

3. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, the marinade can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using.

4. Can I cook this in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade halfway through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Can I add other fruits to the grill?

Yes, grilling pineapple slices adds a wonderful caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken. You can also try grilling peaches or mango slices for a tropical touch.

6. Can I make this with other meats?

Yes, this marinade works well with beef, though the cooking time will vary depending on the type and cut of meat.

7. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Just make sure your grill has enough space for the additional chicken, and adjust the cooking time if needed.

8. Can I use a slow cooker instead of grilling?

Yes, you can cook the marinated chicken in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, but grilling will give it a smoky flavor and perfect char.

9. How do I store the leftover marinade?

The leftover marinade should be discarded if it was used with raw meat. However, if you reserve some separately before adding the chicken, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

10. How can I add extra flavor to the chicken?

Marinating the chicken overnight really helps to infuse the flavors. You can also add a few extra herbs, like cilantro or basil, to the marinade for added fragrance.

Conclusion

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful and fun recipe that brings tropical-inspired sweetness and savory goodness to your dinner table. With its simple marinade and quick grilling method, it’s an easy way to enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home. Perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend BBQ, this Huli Huli Chicken is sure to impress with its juicy texture and unbeatable flavor!

Print