Go Back
+ servings
Huli Huli Chicken

Savory Huli Huli Chicken: A Tropical Flavor Adventure

Huli Huli Chicken combines sweet and smoky flavors with tender chicken thighs, making it a must-try dish for a tropical escape.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil or olive oil as alternative
  • 2 tablespoons Grated Fresh Ginger or 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced) or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar or coconut sugar/honey
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup or mix tomato paste with sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika or regular paprika with liquid smoke
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or chicken breasts for leaner option
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil or non-stick spray for grill

Equipment

  • Grill
  • medium saucepan
  • large bowl or zip-top bag

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Huli Huli Chicken
  1. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium heat for about 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes. Stir in the remaining marinade ingredients: low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, smoked paprika, and cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly, then set aside to cool.
  2. Once the marinade has cooled, reserve about a quarter for basting later. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, coat 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with the rest of the marinade. Ensure each piece is evenly coated; seal the bag or cover the bowl, then place it in the fridge. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
  3. About 15 minutes before you're ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 375°F to 400°F. While the grill heats, lightly oil the grates with vegetable oil or non-stick spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
  4. Once the grill is heated, place the marinated chicken thighs directly on the grates. Grill for 4-6 minutes on each side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes on a platter. Slice the Huli Huli Chicken and serve with your favorite sides, like steamed rice or grilled vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgSugar: 6gIron: 1mg

Notes

Marinating for 4 hours yields the best results. Experiment with different spices or marinades.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!