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Delicious Huli Huli Chicken on a grill, showcasing its tasty marinade and grilled perfection.

Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken is a marinated grilled chicken dish from Hawaii, featuring a delicious combination of soy sauce, pineapple juice, and ginger for a tropical flavor.
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Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Hawaiian, Polynesian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4-5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar creating a lovely caramel flavor
  • 1/2 cup ketchup adding a tangy richness
  • 1/2 cup light soy sauce contributing umami depth
  • 1/2 cup canned pineapple juice infusing tropical sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste or minced ginger offering fragrant notes
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste or minced garlic for savory complexity
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar balancing flavors beautifully
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin adding earthiness
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper bringing in a slight kick
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika enriching with a subtle smokiness
  • Pineapple rings either from a fresh pineapple or canned slices, drained
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions for a fresh and vibrant garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
  • In a large bowl or a gallon-size Ziploc bag, combine all ingredients except the chicken and pineapple rings to form a marinade.
  • Set aside 1/2 cup of the sauce mixture for serving later.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the remaining marinade, coating each piece evenly.
  • Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Grilling

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F) and lightly oil the grates.
  • Grill the marinated chicken thighs for approximately 10 minutes on each side, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Discard the used marinade.
  • In the last few minutes, add the pineapple rings to the grill until they are golden and slightly charred.
  • Remove both the chicken and pineapple from the grill and brush the heated reserved marinade over the chicken before serving.

Notes

Marinate longer for more flavor and use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken doneness. Grill in batches if necessary for optimal results.
Keyword barbecue chicken, Grilled Chicken, Hawaii recipe, Huli Huli Chicken, Tropical Chicken