Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken recipe featuring juicy boneless chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and fresh ginger. This flavorful dish is perfectly charred on the grill and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a tropical touch, ideal for a summer cookout or an island-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
Marinade
- 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 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and smoked paprika if using. This mixture forms the flavorful base for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Reserve 1/3 cup of the marinade for basting later. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to cook the chicken evenly and impart a nice char.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the used marinade. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side. While grilling, baste occasionally with the reserved marinade to lock in moisture and enhance flavor until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a platter and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving to add a fresh crunch and visual appeal.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of just 2 hours.
- You can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
- Alternatively, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with the reserved marinade for similar results.
