Huli Huli Chicken
Tender grilled chicken thighs smothered in a sweet and tangy pineapple-ginger glaze. This Hawaiian barbecue classic brings the taste of the islands right to your backyard grill.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Marinade
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, packed brown sugar, ketchup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and rice vinegar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- c.Measure out and pour 1 cup of this mixture into a separate small bowl or jar. Cover and refrigerate this portion; it will be used as the basting sauce later. This is crucial for food safety.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a non-reactive shallow dish.
- c.Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag, pressing out any excess air, or cover the dish.
- d.Massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
- e.Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight (up to 24 hours) for the best flavor.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Grill
- b.About 30 minutes before cooking, prepare your grill for two-zone cooking (one side with direct medium-high heat, one side with indirect heat). Aim for a temperature of around 400°F (200°C) on the direct heat side.
- c.Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a wire brush.
- d.Just before adding the chicken, use tongs to wipe the grates with a paper towel lightly dipped in vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Grill the Chicken
- b.Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
- c.Place the chicken thighs on the direct heat side of the grill. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until you have nice grill marks.
- d.Move the chicken to the indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for another 10-12 minutes, flipping once.
- e.During the last 5 minutes of cooking, begin basting the chicken with the reserved 1 cup of sauce. Baste, flip, and baste the other side to build up a sticky, delicious glaze.
- f.The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at its thickest point.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean cutting board or platter.
- c.Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist result.
- d.Garnish with thinly sliced green onions before serving. Serve hot with traditional sides like macaroni salad and steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- 2Do not marinate for more than 24 hours, as the enzymes in the pineapple juice can make the chicken texture mushy.
- 3The sugar in the glaze can burn quickly. Using a two-zone grill setup is key to cooking the chicken through without charring the outside.
- 4Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. It's the most reliable way to ensure perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken.
- 5Grill some fresh pineapple rings and sliced red onions alongside the chicken for a fantastic side dish.
- 6This recipe also works well with chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time over indirect heat to avoid drying them out.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Huli Huli Chicken
Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Baked Huli Huli ChickenBaked Huli Huli Chicken
No grill? Bake the chicken on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, basting during the last 5-10 minutes.
Huli Huli Chicken SkewersHuli Huli Chicken Skewers
Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and marinate as directed. Thread onto skewers with chunks of fresh pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion before grilling.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, crucial for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and maintaining overall body strength.
Rich in B Vitamins
Chicken thighs provide essential B vitamins like Niacin (B3) and Pyridoxine (B6), which help convert food into energy, support brain health, and aid in the formation of red blood cells.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties from Ginger
The fresh ginger in the marinade contains gingerol, a bioactive compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help reduce oxidative stress and combat inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Huli Huli Chicken (about 2 pieces) contains approximately 450-510 calories. The final count can vary based on the exact size of the chicken thighs and the amount of glaze that adheres to the chicken.