Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken dish known for its sweet and savory marinade featuring pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. This flavorful recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated and grilled to juicy perfection, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic tropical taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce balances sweetness with savory and tangy flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade for basting. Place the chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to deeply infuse the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking. This ensures a nice sear and slightly charred exterior.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Place chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and slightly charred, brushing with the reserved marinade during the final few minutes to boost flavor and moisture.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving to add freshness and crunch.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- This recipe also works well with chicken breasts or drumsticks for variety.
- Serve with steamed rice, grilled pineapple, or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
