If you’ve been longing for that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, the Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This iconic Hawaiian dish bursts with vibrant taste thanks to a marinade that marries pineapple juice, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, all coming together to create a caramelized glaze that grips the juicy, tender chicken thighs. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or pan-roasting inside, this recipe delivers irresistible depth and a touch of tropics in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to nailing this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, from the sweet tang of pineapple juice to the warm spice of fresh ginger, ensuring your dish is vibrant and truly memorable.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds): Choose thighs for juicy, flavorful meat that grills beautifully and stays tender.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: Adds the salty umami backbone that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Sweetens and helps produce that irresistible caramelization on the skin.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Brings a tangy richness and adds depth to the marinade.
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice: Provides tropical sweetness and tenderizes the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a subtle acidity to cut through the sweetness and brighten flavors.
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger: Offers a fragrant spiciness essential for authentic Hawaiian taste.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses savory warmth throughout each bite.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A nutty aroma that enhances the overall complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to balance the sweet elements.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish: These fresh garnishes provide crunch, color, and an inviting finish.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This combination is your magic ticket to that signature sweet and savory Hawaiian glaze.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight works even better. This resting time lets all those vibrant flavors soak deep into the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and full of character.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high, setting the stage for beautifully caramelized chicken. If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan or your oven’s broiler can do the trick too, just keep an eye on things to avoid burning.
Step 4: Grill and Basque the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade but keep the marinade nearby. Grill the thighs for 6 to 8 minutes per side, frequently brushing them with the reserved marinade. This not only adds extra flavor but also helps build up that mouthwatering glaze. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is deeply caramelized and crispy.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Let your grilled chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This pause allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in moist, tender bites that will make you swoon with every forkful.
How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes here. Sprinkling sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over your Huli Huli Chicken Recipe adds freshness, a bit of crunch, and an irresistible visual appeal that elevates the dish from great to spectacular.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with classic Hawaiian sides like steamed white rice or coconut rice, which soak up the extra sauce beautifully. Add some grilled or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or pineapple chunks for a colorful, balanced plate that offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Huli Huli Chicken Recipe over a bed of fresh greens or slice it for a savory salad topping. You can also shred the chicken for sandwiches or wraps, drizzling a little leftover glaze over the top for juicy, flavor-packed bites that are perfect for casual get-togethers or packed lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day meals or quick snacks.
Freezing
If you want to save your chicken for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the pieces tightly or use freezer-safe containers, and your chicken will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave on medium power to avoid drying it out. To revive the glaze’s shine and flavor, brush a little extra marinade or sauce on the chicken before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts will work, but bone-in, skin-on thighs stay juicier and develop that wonderful crispy skin and smoky flavor.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
Overnight marinating is ideal to deepen the flavor, but if you’re short on time, 2 hours is the minimum to get tasty results.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! The marinade can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, making your cooking process even smoother.
What if I don’t have a grill; can I bake this instead?
Definitely. Baking at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through and basting a few times, works well to mimic some of that caramelization and keeps the chicken juicy.
Is Huli Huli Chicken spicy?
This classic recipe isn’t spicy but more sweet and savory. If you like heat, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
Final Thoughts
This Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that brings sunshine to your table with every juicy, caramelized bite. Effortlessly combining simple ingredients into a memorable meal, it’s perfect for family dinners, weekend barbecues, or whenever you want to transport yourself to the islands without leaving home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming of your next Huli Huli chicken night!
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Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken dish known for its sweet and savory flavor profile. Marinated in a delicious blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and spices, this chicken is grilled to perfection with a caramelized glaze, making it a mouthwatering main course perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, making sure all pieces are fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor penetration.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting. Grill the chicken thighs for 6 to 8 minutes per side, frequently brushing with the reserved marinade. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is beautifully caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Traditionally, Huli Huli chicken is grilled over wood fires for a smoky flavor, but a stovetop grill pan or oven broiler can be effective alternatives.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and grilled vegetables to make a complete, satisfying meal.
- Marinating overnight yields deeper flavor, but a minimum of 2 hours is sufficient to impart the essential taste.
