Description
Make traditional Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken using a sweet and savory pineapple-based glaze, cooked slowly on the grill until sticky and caramelized.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks recommended)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for basting)
- 1/4 cup reserved marinade (for basting)
Instructions
- Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until the sugar dissolves. This is your marinade.
- Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or non-reactive dish. Pour two-thirds of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the remaining one-third for basting.
- Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Prepare your grill for medium-low heat (about 300-325 degrees Fahrenheit). You want indirect heat if possible.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
- Grill the chicken over medium-low heat, turning frequently (Huli means ‘turn’ in Hawaiian). Cook for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
- In a small saucepan, combine the reserved one-third marinade with the extra 1/4 cup of ketchup. Heat gently until it thickens slightly, creating your basting sauce.
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken generously with the basting sauce every few minutes. Continue turning until the glaze is dark, sticky, and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use chicken pieces with skin and bone, as they stay juicier during long grilling times.
- If you do not have a grill, you can bake this chicken at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes, basting frequently.
- Serve with white rice and a side of fresh pineapple slices.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 40 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece chicken
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 95