Description
This flavorful Grilled Huli Huli Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a tangy and sweet pineapple-ginger sauce, then grilled to perfection and garnished with fresh green onions. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a delicious weeknight dinner, this Hawaiian-inspired dish combines vibrant tropical flavors with simple grilling techniques for a juicy and irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
Marinade
- 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
Garnish
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice, ½ cup soy sauce, ½ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup ketchup, ¼ cup chicken broth, 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger, and 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Reserve 1 cup of the sauce for basting later. Add the remaining sauce and 4 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs to a large ziplock bag. Seal and refrigerate to marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Remove the chicken from the marinade and preheat your grill to medium heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the grill with the lid closed. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste During Grilling: During the last 5 minutes of grilling, baste the chicken occasionally with the reserved marinade to enhance the flavor and keep the chicken moist.
- Serve and Garnish: Once grilled, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for a fresh, crisp finish.
Notes
- Marinating overnight will yield the most flavorful and tender chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid under or overcooking the chicken.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can broil the chicken in the oven but watch closely to avoid burning the marinade.
- Chicken breasts can be used as an alternative but may require shorter grilling time due to lower fat content.
- Reserve the marinade used for basting before adding raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
