Description
Sizzling Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Grilled pineapple-glazed chicken promises a delicious journey through island-inspired cuisine that will transport you to tropical paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4–5 pounds (1.8–2.3 kg) boneless skinless chicken thighs
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) light soy sauce
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pineapple juice (canned)
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) ginger paste or minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) garlic paste or minced garlic
Spices and Garnish:
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 pineapple or 1 can of pineapple rings (drained)
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) sliced green onions
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, minced ginger, crushed garlic, vinegar, cumin, black pepper, and paprika in a mixing bowl.
- Transfer chicken thighs into a sealed container or large marinating dish, thoroughly coat with the prepared sauce, and refrigerate for 120 minutes to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Heat outdoor grill to 375-400°F, ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Position marinated chicken on the grill, cooking 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops a caramelized, golden-brown crust.
- While chicken cooks, place pineapple rings directly on grill, rotating after 1-2 minutes to achieve beautiful char marks and enhance natural sweetness.
- Remove chicken and pineapple from grill, letting meat rest for 3-4 minutes to redistribute internal juices.
- Plate the grilled chicken, crown with charred pineapple rings, and sprinkle freshly sliced green onions for a burst of color and zesty flavor.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for maximum flavor absorption, aiming for at least 4-6 hours or overnight for deeper taste profile.
- Adjust marinade sweetness by reducing brown sugar for low-sugar diets or substituting with honey or maple syrup for alternative sweeteners.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and easier preparation, ensuring consistent heat distribution and preventing dryness.
- Create a gluten-free version by replacing soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, maintaining the authentic Hawaiian-inspired flavor without wheat ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg