Description
This Irresistible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken recipe features juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, ketchup, and spices. Grilled to perfection with a smoky char and basted in its flavorful marinade, it’s an easy and delicious way to bring a tropical taste to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. This mixture creates the signature sweet and tangy Hawaiian flavor for your chicken.
- Marinate the chicken. Reserve 1/3 cup of the marinade for basting later. Pour the remaining marinade into a large resealable plastic bag or container and add the chicken thighs. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the chicken to absorb all the flavors deeply.
- Preheat the grill. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. This sets the stage for achieving those beautiful grill marks and smoky flavor.
- Grill the chicken. Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side. During grilling, baste the chicken occasionally with the reserved marinade to keep it moist and intensify the glaze. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char.
- Rest and garnish. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. This adds a fresh crunch and nutty finish to the dish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but be careful not to overcook them as they dry out faster.
- For an authentic smoky flavor, try grilling over charcoal instead of a gas grill or pan.
- This marinade works great on other proteins such as pork or tofu for a versatile meal option.
