Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Tender Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Tender Huli Huli Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 22-26 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Huli Huli Chicken brings Hawaiian grilling magic straight to your backyard barbecue with a tangy-sweet sauce that makes taste buds dance. Tender chicken gets marinated in a delicious blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar before sizzling to perfection over hot coals.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 6 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

Liquids and Sauces:

  • 1 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ½ cup sherry or chicken broth

Seasonings:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh gingerroot
  • 2 tablespoons fresh garlic

Instructions

  1. Whisk 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup ketchup, 1 cup soy sauce, ½ cup sherry, 2 tablespoons minced ginger, and 2 tablespoons minced garlic in a small bowl until completely smooth.
  2. Separate 1⅓ cups of the marinade into a sealed container and refrigerate for later basting.
  3. Pour remaining marinade evenly between two shallow dishes, distributing 12 chicken thighs across them and ensuring every surface gets coated. Refrigerate for 8-12 hours.
  4. Remove chicken from initial marinade and discard that liquid. Preheat grill to 375°F with clean, lightly oiled grates.
  5. Arrange chicken thighs across grill, maintaining medium heat. Close lid and cook 6-8 minutes per side.
  6. Check internal chicken temperature, aiming for 170°F with consistent turning.
  7. During final 5 minutes of grilling, brush reserved marinade across chicken surfaces every 1-2 minutes for enhanced flavor development.

Notes

  • Always use fresh chicken thighs for the most tender and flavorful results.
  • Marinate overnight to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Watch the grill closely when basting to prevent burning from the sugary marinade, as it can caramelize quickly.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and double-check all other ingredients for gluten content.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 437
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg