Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken recipe featuring a flavorful marinade made from ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and a blend of spices. This sweet and savory dish is grilled to perfection for a caramelized, juicy finish that’s perfect for summer cookouts or any casual meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces or 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight to deepen the flavors. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat. Prepare for indirect grilling by arranging the coals or burners so that you have a cooler side for slower cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade in the bag or dish. Place the chicken over indirect heat on the grill. Grill the chicken for approximately 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally and basting frequently with the reserved marinade to build up a flavorful glaze and keep the chicken moist.
- Finish with Direct Heat: For the last few minutes, move the chicken pieces over direct heat to develop a slight char, enhancing the smoky flavor and texture. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired before serving.
Notes
- For extra caramelization, brush additional reserved marinade on the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling.
- If you do not have access to a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 35-40 minutes until fully cooked.
- Bone-in chicken pieces offer more flavor, while boneless skinless thighs cook faster and remain juicy.
