Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken recipe featuring a sweet and savory marinade made from soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and a blend of spices. Marinated chicken breasts are grilled to perfection and brushed with a thickened glaze for a flavorful and juicy dish perfect for any barbecue or family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, and sesame oil. Whisk together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground black pepper, then whisk again until fully incorporated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours, to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, preparing it for cooking the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Simmer the Reserved Marinade: While the chicken grills, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to reduce and thicken slightly for about 5 minutes, creating a flavorful glaze.
- Rest and Glaze: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Brush the thickened marinade glaze generously over the chicken breasts before serving to add extra flavor and shine.
- Serve: Serve the Huli Huli Chicken hot, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds to enhance both presentation and taste.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but longer marinating (up to 4 hours) will deepen the flavor.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- You can garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh pineapple chunks for added texture and taste.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler can be used as alternatives.
- Simmering the reserved marinade eliminates raw chicken exposure, making it safe to brush onto cooked chicken.
