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Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 74 reviews

Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices. This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken ideal for serving over rice with optional grilled pineapple slices, perfect for a tropical-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless

Marinade

  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish and Serving

  • 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked white rice (for serving)
  • Grilled pineapple slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper until fully combined to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure proper cooking and beautiful grill marks on the chicken.
  4. Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Grill the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade to keep it moist and flavorful. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  5. Rest and serve: Let the grilled chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes to retain its juices. Slice the chicken and serve it over cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and add optional grilled pineapple slices for an extra tropical touch.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderizes the meat for the best texture.
  • Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to safely cook the chicken.
  • Grilled pineapple slices add a complementary sweetness and enhance the tropical flavor profile of the dish.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a grill pan or broil it in the oven, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian chicken, grilled chicken recipe, pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, summer grilling, tropical chicken