Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This easy Grilled Huli Huli Chicken recipe is a summertime favorite! Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a sweet and tangy Hawaiian BBQ sauce, then grilled to juicy perfection using the traditional “huli huli” method.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- 1 small knob fresh ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for serving)
- Chopped green onions (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a sealable plastic bag or large dish, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Reserve ½ cup of this marinade for basting during cooking.
- Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for 20-25 minutes, turning and basting with the reserved marinade every 5 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 5: Remove the chicken from the grill and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and green onions, if using. Serve immediately, optionally with grilled pineapple.
Tips & Variations
- Rub oil onto clean, preheated grill grates before cooking to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- This recipe works well with other cuts like bone-in thighs, breasts, or drumsticks—adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For oven baking, sear chicken pieces in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, then bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes. Brush with reserved sauce and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes.
Storage
Store leftover Huli Huli chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in thighs, breasts, or drumsticks can be used. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If short on time, at least 2 hours will still deliver delicious results.
PrintGrilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
This easy Grilled Huli Huli Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy Hawaiian BBQ-style sauce. The chicken is grilled to perfection using the traditional ‘huli huli’ method, which involves flipping and basting the chicken repeatedly to keep it moist and flavorful. Perfect for summer cookouts and a taste of the islands!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade/Sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- 1 small knob fresh ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For Serving (Optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a sealable plastic bag or large dish, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and minced garlic until well combined. Reserve ½ cup of this marinade for basting while cooking.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. For best flavor, marinate overnight, but at least 2 hours is required.
- Preheat and Prepare the Grill: Oil the grill racks to prevent sticking and heat the grill to medium heat, approximately 350°F to 400°F.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for 20-25 minutes total, flipping the chicken every 5 minutes. Each time you flip, baste generously with the reserved marinade to build layers of glaze and ensure the chicken stays moist.
- Check Doneness: The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part. Use a meat thermometer to verify.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and green onions. Optionally serve with grilled pineapple for a tropical touch.
Notes
- This recipe can also be made with bone-in thighs, breasts, or legs/drumsticks; adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- To prevent sticking, rub a little oil on the clean, preheated grill grates just before cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce.
- Oven Baking Alternative: Preheat oven to 350°F. Sear chicken pieces 2-3 minutes per side in a skillet, then bake covered in a dish for 30 minutes. Brush with reserved sauce and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Keywords: Huli Huli chicken, grilled chicken, Hawaiian BBQ chicken, marinated chicken, summer recipe, barbecue chicken, grilled dinner, easy chicken recipe
