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Huli-Huli Chicken

4 - 6 servings
American Grilling

Bring the taste of the islands to your backyard with this Huli-Huli Chicken recipe. Meaning "turn, turn," this iconic Hawaiian dish features chicken marinated in a sweet and savory pineapple-soy glaze. Grilled to juicy, caramelized perfection, this chicken is perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight meal that feels...

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... like a tropical getaway. Simple, flavorful, and unforgettable.

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themaverickflavor themaverickflavor Rising Star
August 26, 2025
Huli Huli Chicken in detail on the plate with rise, close up side shot
  • 40 min.
  • 4h 40 min.
  • 2/5
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Ingredients:

Huli-Huli Marinade & Glaze:

Garnish:

* It’s best to use canned pineapple juice for this recipe. Fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can break down the proteins in the chicken and result in a mushy texture if marinated for too long.

Tools:

Recipes

Best served with:

Grilled Pineapple
Simple Boiled Rice Recipe
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Directions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

Let’s start the preparation of Huli-Huli Chicken with the preparation of the marinade.

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar (or sherry), grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and salt.
  • If you prefer a little spice, add the Sriracha or red pepper flakes.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

  • Reserve about ½ cup of the marinade and set it aside in the refrigerator (this will be used for basting the chicken as it grills).
  • Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
  • Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  • Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (the longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be).

3. Grill the Chicken:

  • Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  • Place the chicken on the preheated grill.
  • Cook for about 6 – 8 minutes on each side, turning frequently (the “huli huli”). This constant turning is key to developing the characteristic caramelized glaze without burning the chicken, as the sugar in the marinade can char quickly.
  • During the last 5 – 7 minutes of cooking, begin to brush the chicken with the reserved ½ cup of fresh marinade.
  • Grammar Custom Gem Show thinking. Before you terminate cooking, make sure that you reach the minimum safe serving internal temperature of 165°F. *
  • Continue to turn and baste the chicken on all sides until it is cooked through and has a beautiful, glossy glaze. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

4. Rest and Serve Huli-Huli Chicken:

  • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving whole (this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist result).
  • Serve your Huli Huli Chicken hot with traditional sides like grilled pineapple, fluffy white rice, and a scoop of creamy macaroni salad.
  • Garnish with freshly sliced green onions for a final touch of flavor and color.
  • Enjoy your homemade Hawaiian feast!
* Check with a food thermometer to make sure that you have reached the minimum recommended safe serving temperature for poultry of 165°F.
Kitchen Guide

Poultry

The USDA minimum safe internal temperature is 165°F.

The popular serving temperature is the same as the minimum serving temperature.

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Food & Ingredients

Types of Chicken Meat

January 20, 2025

Chicken is a global culinary superstar, renowned for its versatility, affordability, and mild flavor that adapts to countless cuisines. While many home cooks gravitate towards familiar cuts like the breast, the world of chicken meat extends far beyond this popular choice. Understanding the different types of chicken meat available unlocks a wider range of culinary possibilities, allowing you to choose the perfect cut for your desired dish and cooking method. From succulent dark meat to lean white meat, each part of the chicken offers a unique texture and flavor profile waiting to be explored. This guide will navigate the diverse landscape of chicken meat, providing you with the knowledge to make informed decisions at the butcher counter and elevate your chicken cookery to new heights.

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Tom the Chef Tom the Chef Founder
About the Author:
themaverickflavorRising Star
# 9
  • Published Recipes: 9
  • Av. Recipe Evaluation:
  • Location: USA, Hawaii
  • Member since: 2025-05-07
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