Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
This authentic Hawaiian grilled chicken features a sweet-savory pineapple-soy marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. The "huli" (turn) cooking method creates incredibly juicy, flavor-packed chicken that's perfect for summer cookouts.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 cup canned pineapple juice
- ½ cup light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- Fresh pineapple rings for serving
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Vegetable oil for grilling
Instructions
- In large bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients (brown sugar through black pepper)
- Reserve ½ cup marinade in separate container (for basting)
- Place chicken in remaining marinade, coat evenly, and refrigerate 4+ hours (overnight best)
- Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F) and oil grates
- Grill chicken 6 minutes undisturbed on first side
- Flip, baste with reserved marinade, cook 5 minutes
- Continue flipping and basting every 2 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F (~15 min total)
- Grill pineapple rings 2 minutes per side while chicken rests
- Garnish with green onions and serve immediately
Notes
MUST use canned pineapple juice (fresh makes chicken mushy)
• Bone-in thighs need 5-7 extra minutes cooking time
• For oven version: Bake at 375°F for 25 mins, then broil with pineapple 2-3 mins
• Leftovers make amazing tacos or rice bowls! Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 826 | Carbs: 41g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 50g
• Bone-in thighs need 5-7 extra minutes cooking time
• For oven version: Bake at 375°F for 25 mins, then broil with pineapple 2-3 mins
• Leftovers make amazing tacos or rice bowls! Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 826 | Carbs: 41g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 50g