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Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

4.6 from 51 reviews

Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken recipe featuring a sweet and savory marinade made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice. The chicken is marinated to absorb the rich flavors and then grilled to perfection, resulting in a deliciously glazed and juicy dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts or a taste of the islands any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 4 to 6 chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup pineapple juice, preferably fresh

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice. Stir the mixture until the brown sugar is completely dissolved to create a balanced sweet and savory marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight to maximize flavor absorption.
  3. Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F. Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with the reserved marinade to build a sticky glaze and keep the chicken moist.
  5. Check for Doneness: Grill until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The skin should be caramelized and slightly charred with a beautiful glossy glaze.
  6. Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Huli Huli Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh pineapple salsa for a tropical meal.

Notes

  • For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavor.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the reserved marinade until it reduces and thickens before brushing on the chicken during the final grilling stages.
  • Use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for juicier, more flavorful meat.
  • To avoid flare-ups on the grill, trim excess fat from the chicken.
  • This recipe can be adapted for broiling or oven grilling if an outdoor grill is unavailable.

Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian chicken, grilled chicken, pineapple chicken, soy sauce chicken, barbecue chicken, summer grilling