Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe for Smoky Grilled Perfection

Hawaiian grilled huli huli chicken promises a mouthwatering journey through tropical flavors that dance across your palate.

Summer barbecues reach new heights with this sensational island-inspired dish packed with sweet and savory notes.

Backyard gatherings become extraordinary moments when such remarkable recipes take center stage.

Succulent meat infused with robust marinades transforms ordinary meals into memorable feasts that spark conversation and delight.

Passionate home cooks appreciate simple techniques that deliver maximum flavor without complicated preparation processes.

Something magical happens when classic techniques meet bold seasoning profiles that transport senses directly to Pacific paradise.

Why Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Always Delivers

• Flavor Explosion: This Hawaiian-style chicken packs such a killer combo of sweet, tangy, and savory that your whole family will be asking for seconds.
• Super Simple Prep: With just a few ingredients and basic mixing, you can create restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.
• Marinating Magic: Letting the chicken soak overnight means deep, rich flavor that transforms ordinary chicken thighs into something extraordinary for your dinner table.
• Grill-Friendly Meal: Perfect for backyard cookouts, this dish brings tropical vibes to your summer gatherings and makes outdoor cooking a total breeze.

Ingredients Breakdown For Huli Huli Grilled Chicken

• Brown Sugar (½ cup): Adds a deep sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken.
• Ketchup (6 tablespoons): Provides tangy richness and helps bind the sauce.
• Soy Sauce (6 tablespoons): Brings a savory umami flavor to balance the sweetness.
• Sherry Or Chicken Broth (2½ tablespoons): Creates depth and adds subtle complexity to the marinade.

• Dried Ginger (½ teaspoon): Delivers a warm, spicy undertone that complements the chicken.
• Minced Garlic (1½ teaspoons): Adds a robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the entire dish.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (12 pieces, about 2.5 pounds): Provides tender, juicy meat that absorbs the marinade perfectly and grills wonderfully.

Prep Tools for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining marinade ingredients smoothly and creating that perfect blend of flavors for your chicken.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure your Huli Huli chicken turns out balanced and delicious every single time.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending marinade ingredients until they’re completely smooth and well incorporated.
• Large Zip-Top Bag or Shallow Dish: Helps marinate chicken evenly and keeps your refrigerator clean during the overnight flavor infusion.
• Grill: Medium heat creates those beautiful char marks and seals in the chicken’s juicy goodness.
• Basting Brush: Great for applying the reserved marinade and adding an extra layer of flavor during the last few minutes of grilling.
• Tongs: Helps you safely flip chicken thighs and move them around the grill without piercing the meat.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping green onions or cilantro for a fresh garnish.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise cutting of herbs and checking chicken doneness.

How to Make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

A Few Helpful Notes For Huli Huli Chicken

• Mix your sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure every bit of flavor blends perfectly for a delicious coating on the chicken.
• Give the chicken plenty of time to soak up those amazing flavors by letting it rest in the marinade overnight for maximum taste.
• Keep your grill at a steady medium heat to cook the chicken evenly without burning the sweet marinade.
• Brush the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of grilling to create a glossy, caramelized exterior that seals in the juiciness.
• Sprinkle fresh green onions or cilantro on top to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, sweet chicken.

What Fresh Takes Enhance Huli Huli Chicken

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep the chicken safe for gluten-sensitive diets, using the same measurements.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: When grilling isn’t an option, roast the chicken thighs at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, brushing with reserved marinade halfway through cooking.
• Tropical Fruit Infusion: Add pineapple juice (replacing ¼ cup of broth/sherry) for a sweeter Hawaiian-inspired flavor that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce total carbohydrates while maintaining the classic huli huli sauce profile.

Serving Ideas For Huli Huli Chicken

• Serve with Sticky Rice: Grab some white or brown rice and let those juicy chicken pieces nestle right beside it. The marinade will drip perfectly into the grains, creating a flavor explosion.
• Perfect Side Dish Pairing: Toss together a crisp Hawaiian-style coleslaw with shredded cabbage and a tangy dressing. The cool crunch balances the rich, sweet chicken beautifully.
• Tropical Vegetable Complement: Roast some fresh pineapple chunks or bell peppers right on the grill alongside your chicken. These caramelized veggies add a sweet, smoky dimension to your plate.
• Drink Recommendation: Crack open a cold beer or mix a fruity mai tai. The light, refreshing beverage cuts through the chicken’s rich marinade and transports your taste buds straight to the islands.

How To Store Huli Huli Chicken

• Seal the leftover marinade in an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days – perfect for keeping your chicken extra flavorful next time.
• After grilling, wrap your cooked chicken tightly in foil or transfer to a sealed container, where it can hang out in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before reheating.
• When freezing grilled chicken, place pieces in a freezer-safe bag with parchment between layers, which helps prevent sticking and keeps each piece easy to grab.
• Always cool your chicken completely before storing to stop bacterial growth and keep the meat tender and delicious for your next meal.

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Common Inquiries

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Huli Huli Chicken brings Hawaiian sunshine straight to your dinner table with a sweet and tangy marinade that makes weeknight meals feel like a tropical vacation. Tender chicken gets glazed in a delicious blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger that sizzles perfectly on the grill.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 12 boneless skinless chicken thighs

Sauce Base:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons ketchup
• 6 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 ½ tablespoons sherry
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon dried ginger

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Instructions

1. Whisk together ½ cup brown sugar, 6 tablespoons ketchup, 6 tablespoons soy sauce, 2½ tablespoons sherry, ½ teaspoon ginger, and 1½ teaspoons garlic in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Separate and set aside ½ cup of the marinade in a sealed container for later basting. Refrigerate this portion.
3. Place 12 chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag and pour remaining marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for 8-12 hours to absorb flavors deeply.
4. Heat gas or charcoal grill to 375°F, creating a medium-heat zone for even cooking.
5. Remove chicken from marinade and discard the used liquid. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
6. Arrange chicken thighs on grill grates, positioning them to avoid direct flame contact.
7. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Brush reserved marinade over chicken during final 3-4 minutes of grilling for caramelized glaze.
9. Transfer grilled chicken to a clean platter and let rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.
10. Optionally garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for added brightness.

Notes

• Always marinate chicken for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
• When basting, apply the reserved marinade in the last few minutes of grilling to prevent burning and create a glossy finish.
• For a healthier version, swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but reduce grilling time to prevent drying out.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 317 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg