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Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

4.5 from 62 reviews

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!

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Check Doneness: The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part. Use a meat thermometer to verify.
  6. 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