Huli Huli Chicken

Name: Huli Huli Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: ½ cup ketchup; ½ cup soy sauce; ½ cup dark brown sugar; ¼ cup rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon ginger (grated); 1 tablespoon garlic (grated); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 3 pounds boneless chicken thighs; Vegetable oil (for greasing)

Published: April 8, 2025

by Sabrina

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Huli Huli Chicken is a delightful Hawaiian dish that brings the flavors of the islands right to your grill. This sweet and savory chicken, marinated in a rich sauce, is perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. The unique glaze that forms while grilling elevates the flavor profile, making it a standout meal that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of ketchup, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a mouth-watering glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Versatile Dish: Huli Huli Chicken is great for family dinners, potlucks, or summer cookouts. It pairs well with rice, salad, or grilled veggies.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps for marinating and grilling, you can have this crowd-pleaser ready in no time.
Healthy Option: Made with boneless chicken thighs, it’s a healthier choice packed with protein and can easily be tailored to fit gluten-free diets.
Make Ahead: The marinade can be prepared in advance, allowing for easy meal prep and convenience on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Huli Huli Chicken, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Here are some essential items you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups
Marinade container

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: The key to achieving that perfect char and glaze on your chicken lies in using a good quality grill.
Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily combine all your marinade ingredients without spilling.
Whisk: This tool helps ensure that all ingredients are well blended for an even flavor throughout the marinade.

Ingredients

To create this flavorful Huli Huli Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Marinade

½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
½ cup (120 ml) soy sauce
½ cup (99 g) packed dark brown sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon (16 g) finely grated ginger
1 tablespoon (16 g) finely grated garlic
½ teaspoon (3 g) kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken

3 pounds (1.4 kg) boneless chicken thighs, fat trimmed
Vegetable oil, for greasing the grill
1 tablespoon (3 g) sliced green onions

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together the ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper. Reserve ½ cup of this mixture for basting later and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to a baking dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over them and turn to coat each piece evenly. Cover tightly or seal and transfer to the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill over medium-high heat between 375 to 400ºF (191 to 204ºC). Clean and carefully grease the cooking grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 5 minutes before flipping it over. Baste with your reserved marinade after flipping. Continue cooking covered for another 5 minutes before flipping again. Repeat basting every time you flip until fully cooked.

Step 5: Check Doneness

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of about 165 to 170ºF (74 to 77ºC). If it browns too quickly on one side, move it to an indirect heat area of your grill until done.

Step 6: To Serve

After grilling, cover the chicken with foil to keep warm. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing or serving it. Garnish with sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor!

How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Fresh Tropical Salad

This vibrant salad combines mixed greens, pineapple chunks, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.

Coconut Rice

Serve the chicken over fluffy coconut rice, which adds a creamy texture and enhances the tropical flavor profile.

Grilled Vegetables

Charred seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and corn provide a colorful and healthy accompaniment to your grilled chicken.

Pineapple Salsa

A fresh salsa made with diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice adds a zesty kick that complements the sweet glaze of Huli Huli Chicken.

Garlic Noodles

These buttery garlic noodles create a comforting side dish that balances the bold flavors of the grilled chicken.

Green Onion Garnish

Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for an added crunch and burst of flavor that brightens up the dish.

How to Perfect Huli Huli Chicken

Getting your Huli Huli Chicken just right can elevate your grilling game. Follow these tips for the best results.

Marinate Longer: Letting the chicken marinate for 24 hours enhances its flavor and tenderness.
Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill reaches medium-high heat to achieve those perfect grill marks and avoid sticking.
Use Indirect Heat: If the chicken is browning too quickly, move it to an area of indirect heat to finish cooking without burning.
Baste Often: Basting with reserved marinade adds moisture and depth of flavor throughout the grilling process.
Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer; aim for 165 to 170ºF (74 to 77ºC) for juicy chicken.
Let It Rest: After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing—it helps retain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Huli Huli Chicken

Complement your delicious Huli Huli Chicken with these tasty side dishes. Each option brings something unique to your dining experience.

Coleslaw: A crunchy mix of cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet and savory pairing that goes great with grilled meats.
Quinoa Salad: Packed with nutrients, this salad includes quinoa, black beans, corn, and lime dressing—great for added protein.
Macaroni Salad: A classic Hawaiian side dish creamy with mayo, adding comfort alongside your flavorful chicken.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter makes a delightful addition that’s perfect for summer grilling.
Mango Salsa: This fruity salsa brings sweetness and spice together for an exciting topping or side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Huli Huli Chicken, there are a few common mistakes that can prevent you from achieving that perfect flavor and texture.

Skipping the Marinade Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 3 hours is crucial. If you don’t, the flavors won’t penetrate the meat as deeply, resulting in a less flavorful dish.
Ignoring Grill Temperature: Cooking at too high or low a temperature can lead to burnt outsides and raw insides. Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat for even cooking.
Not Basting Regularly: Basting your chicken with reserved marinade helps create a delicious glaze. Forgetting to baste can lead to dry chicken instead of the juicy, flavorful result you want.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your soy sauce and ketchup can significantly affect the final taste. Choose high-quality brands for the best results.
Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too much chicken on the grill at once can cause uneven cooking. Make sure there’s enough space for heat circulation around each piece.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Huli Huli Chicken

Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
It can be stored for up to 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Huli Huli Chicken

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Cover and microwave on high in 15-30 second increments until hot, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat over medium-low in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian dish known for its sweet and savory marinade made from ingredients like ketchup, soy sauce, and brown sugar. It’s usually grilled, resulting in a flavorful glaze.

How long should I marinate Huli Huli Chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours but no more than 24 hours. This allows ample time for flavors to absorb into the meat.

Can I make Huli Huli Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. This way, you can enjoy this delicious dish without gluten concerns.

What should I serve with Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, grilled vegetables, or tropical fruit salads. Feel free to get creative with your side dishes!

Final Thoughts

Huli Huli Chicken offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that makes it perfect for summer grilling or family dinners. Its versatility means you can easily customize it by adjusting ingredients or pairing it with various sides. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite!

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