Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

On April 15, 2021

Delicious Huli Huli Chicken! Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a sweet and tangy, ketchup and soy based sauce, then cooked on the grill for an added light char.

 

What is Huli Huli Chicken?

Authentic huli huli chicken is usually made with a whole chicken or larger chicken portions and is cooked on a grill filled with mesquite wood, and it is cooked on splits.

It’s rotated while cooking and basted in a sweet, teriyaki-like, huli huli sauce. It was first created over 70 years ago and has been a popular Hawaiian favorite ever since!

Did you know the word “huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian?

An Easier Recipe

This version is simplified, skipping out on any special equipment and uses pre-cut and trimmed chicken thighs.

It’s marinated to infuse flavor and is basted with some of the reserved marinade for even more flavor.

It’s a delicious chicken recipe that’s set to impress! It doesn’t require much effort yet it has a fantastic flavor!

Huli Huli Chicken Ingredients

  • Ketchup: Preferably use one without corn syrup.
  • Soy sauce: I like to use low-sodium soy sauce but if you like things on the salty side you can use standard soy sauce.
  • Brown sugar: You could use a blend of half brown sugar and half honey if preferred.
  • Rice vinegar: I love the balance of sweet and tangy so I use vinegar in the marinade. You can sub another mild vinegar like apple cider vinegar.
  • Sriracha: Not an authentic ingredient but I love a light kick. You can omit if preferred.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Another ingredient that’s not so traditional in an authentic marinade, but it adds a nice background flavor.
  • Sesame oil: I start with a small amount because this is a pretty potent ingredient, but feel free to add more to taste.
  • Garlic: Stick with fresh garlic.
  • Ginger: Only use fresh ginger.
  • Chicken thighs: I like to use boneless skinless thighs here, they cook faster (and who wants the skin left on if it’s not going to be crispy anyway?).

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken and Marinade

  1. Mix marinade ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sriracha, Worcestershire, sesame oil, garlic and ginger. Remove 1/4 cup of the marinade to a bowl and refrigerate.
  2. Pour marinade over chicken: Place chicken in a medium bowl or gallon size resealable bag. Pour remaining marinade over chicken then toss to coat then press down into marinade. Seal bag if using a bag.
  3. Rest in refrigerator: Transfer to refrigerator and let marinate at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.
  4. Cook and garnish: Cook as noted below then serve warm garnished with green onions if desired.

What’s the best way to grease grill grates?

To grill grates it’s actually not safe to just grease with cooking spray or drizzle with oil, instead:

  • Soak a ball of paper towels with some vegetable oil (just enough to saturate lightly).
  • Hold the balled up paper towel using long tongs.
  • Rub over cleaned grill grates.

How to Cook on the Grill

  1. Prepare grill: Preheat a gas grill over medium heat. Clean and grease grill grates.
  2. Place chicken on grill: Place chicken pieces on grill leaving space around each. Cover with lid.
  3. Cook through, basting occasionally: Turning and basting with reserved 1/4 cup marinade occasionally, until it reaches 165 degrees in center, approximately 15 minutes.
  4. Note: If chicken isn’t browning enough you can increase heat near the end of grilling.

How to Cook in the Oven

  • Heat oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Place chicken on rack on baking sheet: Place marinated chicken on an oven safe, greased cooling rack set over a foil lined 18 by 13-inch baking sheet.
  • Bake to cook through: Cook chicken thighs until they reach 165 degrees in center (about 30 – 35 minutes), basting with the reserved 1/4 cup marinade during last 10 minutes.
  • Note: If needed tent chicken with foil to reduce excess browning or prevent from drying out. If not browned to your liking you can broil briefly near the end of cook time.

Can I Use Chicken Breasts?

Yes. Smaller chicken breasts will work great here too. Just be sure to monitor the temp for doneness (they cook a bit faster). You want to cook just right to 165 degrees in center, otherwise they’ll start to dry out.

What to Serve with Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

  • Macaroni Salad
  • Coleslaw
  • Plain white rice, sticky rice or Coconut Rice
  • Roasted Cabbage
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob or mini grilled peppers
  • Pineapple Cake