Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian BBQ dish featuring tender, juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and spices. Grilled to caramelized perfection and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this flavorful chicken is perfect for summer cookouts or any day you crave a taste of the islands.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
Marinade
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and smoked paprika. Set aside ¼ cup of this marinade for basting later.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat. Prepare it for direct grilling.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for 30 to 35 minutes, turning occasionally to cook evenly. During the last 10 minutes, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and promote caramelization.
- Rest and Garnish: Once the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and beautifully caramelized, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For oven baking, roast the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, basting halfway through the cooking time to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Huli Huli Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, grilled pineapple, or a fresh, crisp slaw for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus at least 4 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
