Delicious Huli Huli Chicken

This succulent Huli Huli Chicken brings Hawaiian flavor straight to your backyard grill. The sweet and savory marinade caramelizes beautifully on the chicken thighs, creating an irresistible glaze that will transport you straight to the islands with each bite.

I first made this Huli Huli Chicken for a backyard luau party, and it was such a hit that it's now requested at every family gathering. The name "Huli Huli" means "turn turn" in Hawaiian, referring to the traditional rotating cooking method that ensures perfect caramelization.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs choose thighs over breast meat for more flavor and juiciness that stands up to grilling
• Soy sauce provides the umami base for the marinade look for low sodium if watching salt intake
• Brown sugar creates that signature caramelization and balances the savory elements
• Ketchup adds tanginess and helps thicken the glaze
• Pineapple juice tenderizes the meat while adding authentic Hawaiian sweetness use fresh if possible
• Fresh ginger provides essential warmth and zing grate it just before using for maximum flavor
• Garlic amplifies the savory notes always use fresh cloves not pre minced
• Rice vinegar adds brightness to balance the sweet elements
• Olive oil helps carry flavors and prevents sticking on the grill
• Green onions add fresh contrast to the rich glazed chicken
• Grilled pineapple slices completes the Hawaiian experience with caramelized sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Marinade

Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and olive oil in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar completely dissolves. The marinade should have a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. This mixture works triple duty as a marinade, basting sauce, and finishing glaze.

Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure each piece is well coated by massaging the bag or turning the pieces in the dish. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight delivers the best flavor penetration. Turn the chicken halfway through marinating time if possible.

Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium high heat around 375°F to 400°F. Clean and oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking. If using a charcoal grill, set up a two zone fire with coals on one side for temperature control. Pour the marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil for 2 minutes to create a safe basting sauce.

Grill to Perfection

Place chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side. Baste frequently with the boiled marinade to build up layers of glaze. Watch carefully as the sugar content can burn quickly. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the outside has a beautiful caramelized appearance with grill marks.

Serve and Garnish

Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish generously with chopped green onions and serve alongside grilled pineapple slices. The contrast of the charred sweet pineapple with the glazed chicken creates a perfect harmony of flavors.

Bookmark

The pineapple juice in this recipe is my secret weapon. Not only does it add authentic Hawaiian flavor, but it contains bromelain, an enzyme that naturally tenderizes meat. My grandmother taught me this trick after living in Hawaii for several years, and it makes all the difference between good and spectacular Huli Huli Chicken.

Make It Authentic

Traditional Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken was invented in the 1950s by Ernest Morgado, who cooked chicken between two grills that were flipped, or "huli'd." To honor this technique, you can recreate it at home by turning your chicken frequently rather than just once. This constant rotation creates an even caramelization and prevents burning of the sugar in the marinade. The dish became so popular in Hawaii that roadside stands selling Huli Huli Chicken became a common sight across the islands.

Perfect Pairings

This chicken begs to be served with traditional Hawaiian sides. Coconut rice makes an excellent base to soak up the delicious sauce, while a simple macaroni salad provides the authentic plate lunch experience. For a complete Hawaiian feast, add some quick pickled vegetables for acidity to cut through the richness of the chicken. A tropical cocktail like a Mai Tai or a simple punch made with the same pineapple juice used in the marinade ties everything together beautifully.

Storage and Leftovers

Huli Huli Chicken stores remarkably well, making it perfect for meal prep. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the glaze continues to permeate the meat. For best results when reheating, add a splash of pineapple juice to prevent drying out. Chop cold leftovers for an amazing addition to fried rice or wrap them in lettuce cups with some mango salsa for a light lunch option the next day.

Recipe FAQs

→ What does 'Huli Huli' mean?

'Huli Huli' means 'turn turn' in Hawaiian, referring to the traditional cooking method where chicken is turned repeatedly while being grilled between two racks over an open fire.

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Reduce cooking time and watch carefully to ensure they remain juicy. For best results, pound them to even thickness before marinating.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight (8-12 hours). This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat and creates more tender, flavorful results.

→ Is it safe to use the marinade for basting?

You can safely use the marinade for basting as long as you're continuing to cook the chicken afterward. If you prefer, you can also set aside a portion of the sauce before adding raw chicken, using one portion for marinating and the reserved portion for basting.

→ What sides pair well with Huli Huli Chicken?

Traditional Hawaiian sides like macaroni salad, sticky rice, or grilled vegetables work beautifully. The grilled pineapple mentioned in the instructions makes an excellent accompaniment, and a simple green salad with a citrus dressing complements the flavors nicely.

→ Can I make this dish without a grill?

Absolutely. You can prepare this chicken in an oven broiler or in a grill pan on the stove. For oven preparation, broil on high about 6 inches from the heat source, turning and basting every 5 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.