Description
Authentic Hawaiian huli huli chicken features a juicy, sweet-and-smoky flavor thanks to a flavorful marinade made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice. Perfect for grilling, this tropical favorite is ideal for summer cookouts or festive dinners, bringing the spirit of Hawaii straight to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1–2 teaspoons sriracha, fresh chopped cilantro
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice.
- Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from marinade, reserving some for basting.
- Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, basting frequently with reserved marinade.
- Once cooked through and slightly charred, remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes.
- Drizzle with extra sauce if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
- Marinate overnight for best flavor.
- Swap pineapple juice with mango nectar or orange juice for variation.
- To make it spicier, add hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat with a splash of reserved marinade to maintain juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 2+ hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 1/2 lb chicken)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: ~10 g
- Sodium: ~800 mg
- Fat: ~14 g
- Saturated Fat: ~4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: ~35 g
- Cholesterol: ~110 mg