Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory mixture of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and aromatic spices. Grilled to perfection and often paired with caramelized pineapple slices, this tropical delight brings a burst of island flavors to your grill with a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and umami.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs or breasts
Marinade
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish and Extras
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Pineapple slices for grilling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl or place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking during grilling.
- Prepare the Chicken for Grilling: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and reserve the remaining marinade for basting while grilling.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook each side for 10-12 minutes, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade to infuse additional flavor and keep the meat moist. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Grill Pineapple Slices (Optional): While the chicken finishes grilling, place pineapple slices on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and slightly charred for extra tropical sweetness.
- Remove and Rest: Once cooked, transfer the chicken off the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat for a tender bite.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the grilled chicken with chopped green onions and serve alongside the grilled pineapple slices if desired, creating a beautifully balanced and delicious meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- Basting the chicken during grilling helps keep it moist and flavorful.
- You can use boneless or bone-in chicken thighs or breasts depending on preference.
- If you do not have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Grilled pineapple adds a wonderful smoky sweetness and pairs perfectly with the marinade flavors.
