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Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Delilah Cooks

Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Huli Huli chicken recipe is a sweet, smoky, and juicy Hawaiian favorite. Huli Huli chicken recipe brings tropical flavors to your table with simple ingredients.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 410
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 kg chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

Method
 

Cooking Instructions for Huli Huli Chicken
    Prepare the Marinade
    1. Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Whisk everything until the sugar dissolves completely.
    Marinate the Chicken
    1. Place chicken pieces into a large bowl. Pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours for better flavor.
    Reserve Some Sauce
    1. Before adding chicken, save half a cup of marinade. This reserved sauce becomes the glaze during the cooking process later.
    Preheat the Grill
    1. Heat your grill to medium temperature. Clean and lightly oil the grates so the chicken will not stick while cooking.
    Place Chicken on the Grill
    1. Remove chicken from the marinade. Let excess liquid drip away. Arrange the pieces evenly over the grill surface.
    Cook the First Side
    1. Grill the chicken for about eight minutes. Keep the lid closed whenever possible to maintain steady heat and smoky flavor.
    Turn the Chicken
    1. Flip every piece carefully using tongs. Brush the reserved sauce over the top to create a shiny and flavorful glaze.
    Continue Grilling
    1. Cook the second side for another eight minutes. Turn and baste again so the sweet sauce coats every piece evenly.
    Check the Temperature
    1. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 75 degrees Celsius. Proper cooking keeps the meat safe and juicy.
    Rest and Garnish
    1. Remove the chicken from the grill. Let it rest for five minutes. Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

    Notes

    • Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
    • Use fresh ginger instead of powdered ginger.
    • Save extra sauce for serving.
    • Turn the chicken often while grilling.
    • Avoid very high heat.
    • Let the meat rest before cutting.
    • Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
    • Add pineapple slices to the grill.
    • Check internal temperature carefully.
    • Garnish with fresh green onions.