Description
Bring the tropical flavors of Hawaii straight to your kitchen with this Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken recipe. Juicy, marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce that’s bursting with pineapple, ginger, and soy flavors. It’s a backyard BBQ favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients
For the Marinade & Glaze:
½ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
¼ cup brown sugar or honey
2 tbsp ketchup
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water to thicken glaze)
For the Chicken:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in if preferred)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil until fully combined.
Set aside ½ cup of the marinade to make the glaze later.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow dish.
Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
Pour the reserved ½ cup marinade into a small saucepan.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, about 1–2 minutes.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Remove chicken from marinade and pat slightly dry.
Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, basting with the glaze during the last few minutes.
Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is slightly caramelized.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer grilled chicken to a platter.
Brush with extra glaze and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
Marinate Overnight – Deepens flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
Use Thighs – They stay moist and tender on the grill.
Grill Over Medium Heat – Prevents burning the glaze while getting a good char.
Don’t Skip the Glaze – It adds a sticky, glossy finish that makes this dish irresistible.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Hawaiian