Description
Huli Huli Grilled Chicken is a classic Hawaiian dish featuring tender, juicy chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices. Grilled to perfection, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it ideal for summer barbecues and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), cut into quarters or 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
Marinade
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- â…“ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Reserve ½ cup of the marinade for basting. Pour the remaining marinade into a large zip-top bag or container with the chicken pieces. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the used marinade. Place chicken skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 30–40 minutes, turning occasionally to cook evenly on all sides. During the last 15 minutes, baste the chicken periodically with the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Check for Doneness: Grill until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, cook the chicken over indirect heat with the grill covered.
- Boneless chicken thighs can be used but reduce the cooking time accordingly.
- This marinade is versatile and works well with pork or tofu as alternatives.
