Description
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy pineapple-soy sauce blend, then grilled to perfection with a smoky char. This flavorful recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, smoked paprika, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Reserve Marinade for Basting: Set aside one-third cup of the prepared marinade to use later for basting the chicken during grilling.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least two hours or up to overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade to enhance moisture and flavor. Grill until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
- Serve and Garnish: Slice the chicken as desired, then garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Accompany with your choice of rice, grilled pineapple, or a simple green salad.
Notes
- For extra caramelization, brush additional reserved marinade on the chicken during the final minute of grilling.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs; however, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
- This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice, grilled pineapple slices, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
