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Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 103 reviews

Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and garlic, then grilled to perfection while being basted with the flavorful marinade. This recipe brings the tropical flavors of Hawaii right to your backyard grill with a simple, delicious method.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Marinade

  • 3 to 4 pounds chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and minced garlic. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved, creating a balanced sweet and savory marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat, preparing it for direct grilling of the chicken.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting. Place the chicken pieces on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is nicely charred.
  5. Baste While Grilling: Regularly brush the reserved marinade over the chicken while grilling to enhance the flavor and keep the meat moist and caramelized.
  6. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices and maximize flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken is marinated for a minimum of 2 hours for best flavor; overnight marination is ideal.
  • To avoid cross-contamination, do not baste with the marinade that has touched raw chicken unless it is boiled first.
  • Serve with steamed rice and grilled vegetables for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal.
  • You can use boneless or bone-in chicken according to preference.

Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian chicken recipe, grilled chicken, sweet and savory chicken, pineapple chicken marinade