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Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 12 reviews

  • Author: Eliza
  • Total Time: 50 minutes plus marinating time
  • Yield: 5 servings

Description

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a deliciously sweet and tangy grilled chicken dish marinated in a vibrant blend of pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and spices. Perfectly caramelized pineapple rings and tender chicken thighs are basted with a sticky glaze, creating a flavorful meal that pairs wonderfully with white rice and sliced green onions. This dish captures the tropical essence of Hawaii and is ideal for grilling or cooking on an indoor griddle.


Ingredients

Marinade and Chicken

  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • ½ tbsp minced ginger
  • 2 tsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp sriracha
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs

Additional

  • 1 small pineapple, sliced into rings
  • Sliced green onions (for serving)
  • White rice (for serving)


Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade and Marinate Chicken: In a large, non-reactive bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sriracha, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
  2. Grill Pineapple Rings: Preheat your grill for indirect cooking. Place pineapple rings on the grill and cook them for a few minutes on each side until they develop caramelized grill marks. Once caramelized, move the pineapple rings to the cooler edges of the grill to keep warm.
  3. Grill Chicken Thighs: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill in batches if necessary. Baste frequently with the leftover marinade while cooking. Grill each piece for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze.
  4. Serve: Arrange the grilled chicken thighs and caramelized pineapple rings on plates. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve alongside freshly cooked white rice.
  5. Alternative Indoor Cooking Method: If grilling outdoors isn't an option, heat a large lined skillet or griddle pan over medium-high heat. Cook the pineapple rings until caramelized, then keep them warm. Next, cook the chicken thighs in batches on the skillet, basting often with the marinade, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and sticky, about 15 minutes per piece. Serve as described.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
  • When grilling, use indirect heat to avoid burning the sugars in the marinade.
  • If using the indoor griddle method, ensure the pan is adequately heated to get caramelization without sticking.
  • Sriracha can be adjusted to taste depending on your spice preference.
  • Serve with steamed white rice for a traditional pairing, or substitute with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian