Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ultimate Huli Huli Chicken recipe brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that make Hawaiian cuisine so irresistible. The pineapple juice tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with tropical sweetness, while the soy sauce and garlic add depth and umami richness. What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity – with just a handful of pantry staples, you can create an impressive meal that tastes like it came from a high-end Hawaiian restaurant. The marinade does all the work, ensuring every bite is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized. Plus, it’s versatile enough to work with both chicken thighs and breasts, making it perfect for any preference or occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
- 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
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
- Grilled pineapple slices (optional)
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper until the brown sugar completely dissolves. This creates the signature Huli Huli sauce that gives the chicken its incredible flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour three-quarters of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the remaining quarter for basting. Seal the bag and massage gently to ensure all pieces are well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably 4-6 hours or overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
Step 3: Prepare the Grill Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. If using a gas grill, set up for indirect cooking by turning off one burner after preheating.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken Remove chicken from marinade and discard used marinade. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side for breasts or 8-10 minutes per side for thighs. Baste with reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety.
Step 5: Rest and Serve Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over steamed white rice with grilled pineapple slices if desired.
Helpful Tips
For the best Ultimate Huli Huli Chicken results, don’t skip the marinating time – the longer you marinate, the more flavorful your chicken will be. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will make a difference, but overnight marinating produces the most tender and flavorful results. When grilling, maintain medium heat to prevent the sugars in the marinade from burning while ensuring the chicken cooks through completely. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness rather than relying on cooking time alone, as thickness can vary. For extra caramelization, brush the chicken with reserved marinade during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but never use marinade that has touched raw chicken.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time) Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating)Servings: 4-6 Cuisine: Hawaiian Method: Grilling Difficulty: Easy
Notes
This Ultimate Huli Huli Chicken recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving. You can easily substitute chicken pieces with bone-in thighs or drumsticks, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For those without a grill, this recipe works beautifully in a cast-iron skillet or under the broiler – just watch carefully to prevent burning. The marinade can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. If you prefer a spicier version, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade. Fresh pineapple juice works best, but canned juice is a suitable substitute if that’s what you have on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken with bones? Absolutely! Bone-in chicken pieces work wonderfully with this recipe. Just increase the cooking time to 25-30 minutes total, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar? You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in equal amounts. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this in the oven? Yes! Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes for boneless pieces, basting halfway through. For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
How long should I marinate the chicken? For best results, marinate for 4-6 hours or overnight. The minimum time should be 2 hours, but even 30 minutes will add flavor if you’re in a hurry.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken? Yes! Place chicken and marinade in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before grilling.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Ultimate Huli Huli Chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The chicken tastes great cold in salads or sandwiches, or you can gently reheat it in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of pineapple juice or chicken broth to prevent drying out. The marinade can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week – just remember never to reuse marinade that has touched raw chicken.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
This Ultimate Huli Huli Chicken recipe brings the authentic flavors of Hawaii right to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact. The combination of sweet pineapple juice, savory soy sauce, and aromatic ginger creates a marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply want to add some tropical flair to your weeknight dinner rotation, this dish delivers impressive results every time. The beauty of Huli Huli chicken lies in its simplicity – with just a few pantry staples and some patience for marinating, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Fire up that grill and get ready to experience the delicious taste of the islands with every single bite!