Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This easy grilled Huli Huli chicken recipe brings a taste of Hawaii to your backyard. Tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce are grilled to juicy perfection, making it a perfect dish for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- 1 small knob fresh ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional for serving: chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional for serving: chopped green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: In a sealable plastic bag or large dish, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and minced garlic to make the marinade. Reserve ½ cup of this marinade for basting during cooking.
- Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and refrigerate. For best flavor, marinate overnight or at least 2 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium heat and oil the grill racks to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. Each time you flip, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade.
- Step 5: The chicken is done when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 6: Remove from the grill and finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and green onions if desired. Serve with grilled pineapple for a true island experience.
Tips & Variations
- Rub a little oil on the cleaned and preheated grill grates to prevent sticking.
- This recipe works with bone-in thighs, breasts, or drumsticks; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce.
- To bake instead of grill: Sear chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side in a skillet, then bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes. Brush with reserved sauce and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes.
Storage
Store leftover Huli Huli chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, brushing with extra sauce to keep it moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in thighs, breasts, or drumsticks. Just keep in mind that cooking times will vary depending on the cut and size.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If you’re short on time, at least 2 hours will still give good results.
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Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy Grilled Huli Huli Chicken recipe is a Hawaiian BBQ classic perfect for summertime. Tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs are marinated in a flavorful sauce of brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, and garlic, then grilled to juicy, caramelized perfection while being basted with reserved marinade to lock in vibrant flavors. Garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any cookout or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade and Sauce:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- 1 small knob fresh ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For Serving (Optional):
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a sealable plastic bag or a large dish, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and minced garlic until well combined. Reserve ½ cup of this marinade for basting during grilling.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Preheat the Grill: Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking and heat the grill to medium heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes total, turning every 5 minutes. Each time you flip the chicken, baste it generously with the reserved marinade to build layers of flavor and keep the meat moist.
- Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, ensuring it is safe and juicy.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the grill and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and green onions. For an extra touch, serve alongside grilled pineapple or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- This recipe works well with bone-in thighs, breasts, legs, or drumsticks—adjust grilling times according to the cut.
- Before grilling, rub a little oil on clean and preheated grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce.
- Oven Baking Alternative: Sear chicken pieces in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, then bake them covered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Brush with reserved sauce and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, grilled chicken recipe, Hawaiian BBQ chicken, summer grilling, marinated chicken thighs
