Huli Huli Chicken is a tasty Hawaiian dish that’s both sweet and tangy, featuring juicy chicken marinated in a delicious mix of soy sauce, garlic, and pineapple juice. Yum!
Grilling the chicken gives it a nice smoky flavor, and trust me, your family will ask for seconds! I love serving it with rice to soak up the yummy sauce! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect here because they’re juicy and full of flavor. You can substitute with chicken breasts, but thighs remain juicier, especially when grilled.
Soy Sauce: This is key to the marinade, adding saltiness and umami. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce is also a great choice if you’re watching your salt intake.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar helps balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds sweetness. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar with a bit of molasses or honey as a substitute.
Pineapple Juice: This adds a fruity twist that complements the chicken. You can replace it with orange juice or apple juice if you need to. Just remember that the flavor will change slightly!
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are important for flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder (1/4 tsp each) and ground ginger (1/2 tsp), but fresh is always better if you can manage it!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from the Marinade?
The marinade is essential for the flavor of Huli Huli chicken, so pay attention to this step. First, make sure you mix the marinade well in the bowl. Whisk until the sugar dissolves so that each piece of chicken gets evenly coated.
- Seal your chicken and marinade in a bag or bowl. The longer you let it sit in the fridge, the better! Aim for at least 4-6 hours or even overnight.
- While marinating, flip the bag occasionally to ensure every piece is soaked in those wonderful flavors.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling is key too—this helps retain the juices for moist, tender bites.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and at least 1 hour for marinating. For the best flavor, try to marinate the chicken for 4 to 6 hours or even overnight. Cooking on the grill takes about 15 minutes. So, in total, plan for a few hours to let those flavors develop!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves. This sweet and savory mixture will be your delicious marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour your marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated. If using a bag, seal it tightly, and if it’s in a dish, cover it. Pop it in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour. For the juiciest chicken, let it marinate for 4 to 6 hours or overnight if you can!
3. Prepare to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and arrange it on the grill. Don’t forget to keep the marinade—you can brush it onto the chicken while it cooks for extra flavor!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Grill the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and have those attractive char marks. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the chicken into pieces and serve it up on a plate. Garnish it with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a lovely presentation. Huli Huli Chicken goes wonderfully with steamed rice or a fresh side salad. Enjoy your flavorful creation!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that bone-in chicken might need a bit longer to cook through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and adjust the grilling time as needed, typically about 10-12 minutes per side.
What Can I Substitute for Pineapple Juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice on hand, you can use orange juice or even apple juice as a substitute. This will slightly change the flavor, but it will still be delicious! Just maintain the same quantity as in the recipe.
How Can I Store Leftover Huli Huli Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Adding a splash of fresh pineapple juice can help revive some moisture.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir or shake before using. Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor even further!
