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

Scale

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