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Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken
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Bring the vibrant, authentic flavors of Hawaii to your backyard with this easy-to-follow Huli Huli Chicken recipe. Featuring a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy marinade made from simple pantry staples, this grilled chicken delivers juicy, tender meat with a mouthwatering caramelized glaze and smoky char marks. Ideal for both novice and seasoned grillers, this dish is perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, and entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks (about 3-4 pounds)

Marinade

  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, ketchup, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well mixed.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a gallon-sized resealable bag or large container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F. Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking and prepare for grilling.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting. Place the chicken on the grill, skin side down, and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is beautifully caramelized.
  5. Rest and Serve: Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces to keep the meat moist and crisp the skin beautifully during grilling.
  • Marinate overnight for deeper flavor and more tender chicken.
  • Reserve some marinade for basting to build layers of caramelized flavor as you cook.
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.
  • Let the chicken rest after grilling to lock in the juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian chicken, grilled chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, summer cookout recipe, barbecue chicken

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/huli-huli-chicken/