Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
A beloved Hawaiian BBQ classic featuring chicken marinated in a sweet-savory blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, then grilled to perfection. This authentic recipe brings the tropical flavors of the islands to your backyard grill.
Equipment
- Grill gas or charcoal grill capable of medium-high heat
- Mixing Bowls for marinade preparation
- Meat thermometer for checking doneness
- Basting Brush for applying marinade while grilling
- Storage Containers for marinating and storing reserved sauce
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup pineapple juice fresh or canned
- 1/2 cup soy sauce preferably low sodium
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger grated
- 4 cloves garlic minced
Chicken
- 3 pounds chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for grilling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic until sugar dissolves.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of marinade for basting and refrigerate in a separate container.
- Place chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or container and pour remaining marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator 20 minutes before grilling. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
- Oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, discarding the used marinade. Pat chicken pieces lightly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush chicken with reserved marinade several times, turning frequently to develop caramelization.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best results, marinate chicken overnight. Never use marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken for basting - always reserve a portion before adding to meat. For extra authentic flavor, grill some fresh pineapple slices alongside the chicken.