If you’re craving a burst of tropical flavor that brings the beach to your backyard, the Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This Hawaiian-inspired dish combines a luscious, tangy marinade with grilled chicken thighs that turn irresistibly juicy and caramelized with every bite. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of zest from fresh ginger and garlic, all coming together in a dish that’s both impressive and so easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family or throwing a summer party, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds and have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, accessible, and each plays a crucial role in layering those vibrant flavors that make this dish unforgettable. From the richness of the soy sauce to the tropical sweetness of pineapple juice, every component brings something special to the table.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that holds up beautifully on the grill.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: Adds the salty backbone and umami depth essential to authentic Huli Huli flavor.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: For natural sweetness that caramelizes during grilling, giving the chicken a beautiful glaze.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Contributes zing and body to the marinade, rounding out the flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice: Brings bright, tropical acidity and a subtle fruity sweetness that makes this recipe sing.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a touch of tartness to balance out the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (grated): Delivers a fresh, slightly spicy zing that enlivens the marinade.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses deep savory notes and a fragrant punch.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Gives a toasty, nutty finish and aroma that’s a hallmark of this dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For subtle heat and seasoning to taste.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Perfect for garnish, adding color, fresh crunch, and extra texture.
How to Make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This marinade is your flavor powerhouse, where sweet, salty, tangy, and aromatic ingredients meld perfectly. Don’t forget to reserve about one-third of this mixture for basting later—it’s crucial for building layers of flavor on the grill.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken thighs into a large zip-top bag or bowl and pour the remaining marinade over them. Seal it tightly or cover the bowl securely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is the gold standard. This marinating time lets the chicken soak up all those tropical Hawaiian vibes for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Step 3: Preheat and prepare the grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a steady temperature that sears the chicken beautifully without drying it out. Having a well-prepared grill ensures those gorgeous grill marks and that smoky char which makes this dish truly special.
Step 4: Grill the chicken
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and place them on the hot grill. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning once. While cooking, baste the chicken occasionally with the reserved marinade to build up a sticky, flavorful glaze. Keep an eye on it to avoid flare-ups, and grill until the internal temperature hits 165°F, ensuring juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
Step 5: Rest and garnish
Once off the grill, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to lock in those juices. Then slice it up and scatter sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top if desired. This finishing touch adds freshness and a pop of color that makes the dish look as amazing as it tastes.
How to Serve Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds add delightful texture and freshness. They also brighten the dish visually, creating an inviting plate that feels true to its Hawaiian roots.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, which soaks up the luscious marinade drippings perfectly. Grilled pineapple slices or a fresh cabbage slaw bring complementary sweetness and crunch that balance the savory, smoky character of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the grilled chicken over a bed of coconut rice or tucked inside warm tortillas for Hawaiian-style wraps. You can also elevate your presentation by stacking slices on a wooden cutting board garnished with fresh herbs and pineapple wedges, making it a centerpiece worthy of any summer gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, place any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will maintain quality for up to two months, so you can enjoy that island-inspired flavor anytime you like.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven to preserve moisture and avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of pineapple juice or reserved marinade while reheating helps revive that luscious glaze and tropical aroma.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them, as breasts tend to dry out faster than thighs. Adjust grilling time accordingly and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. The longer marinating time allows the meat to absorb the sweet, tangy, and savory notes deeply.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. This makes the cooking process smoother, especially when entertaining or during busy days.
Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?
Yes, the Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it great for those who avoid dairy products.
What if I don’t have a grill?
If a grill isn’t available, you can use a grill pan on the stove or broil the chicken in the oven. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning and baste with reserved marinade to keep things juicy.
Final Thoughts
The Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is a true celebration of vibrant, sun-kissed flavors that make every meal feel like a mini vacation. It’s incredibly straightforward, flavorsome, and versatile—perfect for bringing friends and family around the table with a taste of Hawaii. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a whirl; it just might become your new favorite go-to for grilled chicken with a tropical twist.
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Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Grilled Huli Huli Chicken recipe offers a deliciously tangy and sweet Hawaiian-style grilled chicken, perfect for summer cookouts. Marinated with a flavorful blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and aromatic ginger and garlic, it delivers juicy, tender chicken with beautiful grill marks and a luscious glaze.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Reserve 1/3 cup of the marinade for basting. Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or bowl, pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to infuse flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear and proper cooking temperature.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has attractive grill marks.
- Rest and Serve: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Then slice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, grilled pineapple, or fresh cabbage slaw.
- You may substitute chicken breasts for thighs; however, carefully monitor cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- For enhanced flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight.
