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
Scale
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.
