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Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken – Sweet, Smoky, and Island-Inspired

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  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes (+marinating time)
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is sweet, smoky, and bursting with island flavor! Marinated in a pineapple-soy glaze and grilled to juicy perfection, it’s a tropical twist on barbecue that’s sure to transport your taste buds to paradise. #HuliHuliChicken #HawaiianBBQ


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening sauce)
  • Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
  2. Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade for basting later. Pour the rest into a large zip-top bag or container with the chicken. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the grates.
  4. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade, until chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char.
  5. Optional: Simmer reserved marinade with cornstarch slurry (if using) until thickened for drizzling.
  6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice, grilled pineapple, or macaroni salad.

Notes

  • For authentic flavor, cook over charcoal or wood chips for added smokiness.
  • Can also be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, basting halfway through.
  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for even juicier results—just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg