Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Transport your taste buds to the islands with this Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken. Marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled to caramelized perfection, this dish captures the essence of Hawaiian BBQ. Perfect for cookouts, family dinners, or any time you want a taste of aloha in your own backyard.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet, Savory, Smoky – The marinade delivers irresistible tropical flavor.
Perfectly Grilled – Juicy inside with a beautifully charred glaze outside.
Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples make it easy to prepare.
Great for Gatherings – A guaranteed hit at summer BBQs or luaus.
Meal Prep Friendly – Marinate ahead for easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Marinade:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• ½ cup pineapple juice (100% juice, not from concentrate)
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for depth)
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl or zip-top bag
• Whisk
• Grill or grill pan
• Tongs
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl or large zip-top bag, whisk together all marinade ingredients until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add chicken to the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
Reserve some marinade and bring to a boil in a small saucepan for 5 minutes (for basting).
Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, basting with the reserved marinade and flipping occasionally until cooked through and slightly charred.
Use a thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer grilled chicken to a platter.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Tips for Perfect Huli Huli Chicken
Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicier and absorb marinade better.
Marinate Longer – More time means deeper flavor.
Don’t Skip Basting – It layers on that classic glazed finish.
Use Real Pineapple Juice – Fresh or canned 100% juice gives authentic sweetness.
Cook to Temp – Avoid drying out the chicken by using a meat thermometer.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed White Rice – A Hawaiian classic.
Grilled Pineapple – Sweet and smoky complement.
Macaroni Salad – Creamy, cool, and traditional.
Stir-Fried Veggies – Add crunch and color.
Coconut Rice – A tropical twist that balances savory with sweet.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze marinated uncooked chicken in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet or oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Microwave in short bursts, covered, to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake this instead of grilling?
   Yes—bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, broiling briefly for caramelization.
2. Can I use bone-in chicken?
   Absolutely, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
3. What does “Huli Huli” mean?
   It means “turn turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the traditional method of rotating meat on a spit.
4. Is it very sweet?
   It’s a balanced sweet-savory marinade; you can reduce the sugar slightly if preferred.

Final Thoughts
Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is the perfect blend of tropical flavor and BBQ charm. It’s easy to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to bring island vibes to your table. Whether you grill it outdoors or bake it indoors, every bite is juicy, sticky, and loaded with aloha spirit.

Fire up the grill and enjoy a little taste of paradise tonight!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (+ 4 hours marinating)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 6):
Calories: 340 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 640mg

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