Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken dish featuring juicy boneless thighs marinated in a savory-sweet blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. Grilled to perfection and served with a tangy reduced sauce, this dish captures tropical flavors perfect for summer cookouts or any day you crave island-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Optional for Sauce and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Pineapple rings for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil until well combined to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Reserve 1/3 cup of the marinade in a separate container and refrigerate. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to develop.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot before cooking to achieve good sear and grill marks.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken has distinct grill marks and is cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken grills, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. For a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry, then stir it into the boiling marinade. Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken thighs and drizzle with the reduced sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and grilled pineapple rings if desired, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, macaroni salad, or grilled vegetables for a full Hawaiian-inspired meal.
- Using chicken thighs is recommended for their juiciness and flavor; however, chicken breasts can be used as an alternative.
- Marinating the chicken overnight ensures the most intense and delicious flavor infusion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
