Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a beloved Hawaiian dish featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a sweet and savory blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and spices. Marinated for optimal flavor and grilled to juicy perfection, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and umami notes. Serve with rice and grilled pineapple for an authentic island meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
- Grilled pineapple slices (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Place chicken in a resealable bag and pour half the marinade over it. Reserve the other half for basting.
- Refrigerate chicken for at least 1 hour or ideally overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard used marinade.
- Grill chicken 6–7 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let chicken rest 3–5 minutes, then slice and serve over cooked white rice. Garnish with green onions and grilled pineapple slices if desired.
Notes
Chicken thighs are juicier, but breasts work as a leaner alternative. Substitute apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar or honey for brown sugar as needed. Make ahead by marinating chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If chicken sticks to the grill, ensure grates are well-oiled. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 6 oz chicken plus sauce)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg