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This Huli Huli Chicken has become our summer grilling sensation, bringing authentic Hawaiian flavors to backyard cookouts. The perfect balance of sweet pineapple, savory soy, and tangy vinegar creates that unmistakable island flavor that transports you straight to a luau.
I first made this dish after returning from a trip to Maui where roadside Huli Huli chicken stands had us stopping the car every few miles. After perfecting this recipe, it's now requested at every summer gathering we host.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Ensure juicy results every time
- Brown sugar: Creates the perfect caramelization when grilled
- Ketchup: Adds tang and helps thicken the sauce
- Light soy sauce: Provides savory depth without overpowering
- Pineapple juice: Tenderizes the meat while adding natural sweetness
- Ginger paste: Infuses aromatic warmth throughout
- Garlic paste: Creates a flavor foundation you cannot skip
- Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with brightness
- Cumin: Adds an unexpected earthy note that complements the sweet elements
- Black pepper: Provides subtle heat that builds with each bite
- Paprika: Contributes subtle smokiness and beautiful color
- Fresh pineapple rings: Caramelize beautifully on the grill
- Green onions: Add fresh contrast and visual appeal
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse chicken thighs thoroughly under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. This ensures proper browning and helps the marinade adhere better to the meat.
- Mix the Marinade:
- Combine brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, apple cider vinegar, cumin, black pepper, and paprika in a large bowl. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture looks uniform. The aroma should be a balance of sweet, savory and tangy notes.
- Reserve Sauce Portion:
- Remove half a cup of the marinade mixture before adding the chicken. Set this aside in a small container and refrigerate. This will be your finishing sauce that never touches raw chicken, ensuring food safety.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Submerge chicken thighs completely in the remaining marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated by turning them several times. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight produces the best flavor penetration.
- Prepare the Grill:
- Heat your grill to medium high heat around 400°F. Take time to thoroughly clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. This temperature allows for perfect caramelization without burning.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Place marinated chicken on the preheated grill, allowing excess marinade to drip off first. Let cook undisturbed for 10 minutes to develop good grill marks and caramelization. Flip once and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Grill the Pineapple:
- When chicken is halfway done, add pineapple rings to the grill. Cook until golden grill marks appear, about 2 minutes per side. The natural sugars will caramelize beautifully, intensifying the sweetness.
- Finish with Reserved Sauce:
- Brush the reserved marinade generously over the cooked chicken. For an extra layer of flavor and glossy finish, place under broiler for 2 minutes or heat sauce in saucepan until slightly thickened before brushing over chicken.
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The secret to this recipe's incredible depth lies in the balance of the marinade. I spent months testing different ratios until finding this perfect combination. My husband says he can identify my Huli Huli chicken blindfolded now because of its distinctive sweet-tangy-savory profile.
The History Behind Huli Huli Chicken
The term "huli" means "turn" in Hawaiian, referring to the traditional cooking method where chicken was turned repeatedly between two grills. Ernest Morgado, a Hawaiian businessman, created the original recipe in 1955 for a farmers' gathering. The dish became so popular that he began selling it commercially at fundraisers, with people lining up for hours. Our version maintains the authentic flavor profile while making it accessible for home cooks without requiring the double-grill setup.
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Serving Suggestions
This Huli Huli Chicken pairs beautifully with coconut rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. For a complete Hawaiian plate lunch experience, add a scoop of macaroni salad and some quick-pickled vegetables on the side. The colorful presentation mimics what you'd find at authentic Hawaiian restaurants. For larger gatherings, I often serve this buffet-style with warm Hawaiian sweet rolls for making mini sandwiches.
Make It Your Own
While this recipe is authentic in flavor, you can customize it to suit your preferences. For extra heat, add Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade. If you prefer a sweeter profile, increase the brown sugar or add a tablespoon of honey. Chicken breasts work well too, though reduce the grilling time to prevent drying out. The marinade also works beautifully with pork tenderloin or firm tofu for vegetarian guests.
Storage Solutions
The cooked chicken maintains its flavor beautifully when refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors actually continue developing, making this perfect for meal prep. To reheat without drying out, add a splash of water to a skillet, add the chicken, and cover while warming on medium-low heat. This creates steam that preserves the moisture while heating thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian BBQ dish featuring chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce with ingredients like pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, then grilled for a smoky finish.
- → What kind of chicken is best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are commonly used for Huli Huli Chicken, but other cuts like leg quarters or drumsticks can also be cooked with adjusted times.
- → Can I substitute fresh pineapple juice?
Yes, fresh pineapple juice works perfectly as a substitute for canned juice, adding even more natural flavor to the marinade.
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
It's recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor absorption.
- → How should I serve Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.