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Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

A close-up of a juicy chicken drumstick coated in a thick, dark, caramelized glaze, characteristic of Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.

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A recipe for classic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken featuring a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky glaze, traditionally cooked over an open flame.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks, bone-in, skin-on
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup reserved marinade for basting

Instructions

  1. Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and sriracha in a bowl. Whisk until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or non-reactive dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for basting and serving.
  3. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Lightly oil the grates.
  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
  6. Grill the chicken over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes (this is the ‘huli’ or turning).
  7. After the first 15 minutes of grilling, begin basting the chicken frequently with the reserved fresh marinade.
  8. Continue grilling and basting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze is thick and slightly charred, about 30-35 minutes total cook time.
  9. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

  • For best results, use a gas or charcoal grill to achieve the smoky flavor.
  • If you do not have a grill, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 40 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, and finish under the broiler for 2 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
  • Serve with grilled pineapple rings for an authentic touch.

Nutrition