Ingredients
– 1.5 kg (3 lb) chicken thighs or breast for the main star
– 1 tbsp vegetable oil for brushing the grill or skillet
– 3/4 cup canned or bottled unsweetened pineapple juice (not fresh) for the sweet tanginess
– 1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated ginger for a zesty, warming kick
– 1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated garlic for depth and aroma
– 1/2 cup tomato ketchup (or tomato sauce) for a rich, savory base
– 1/2 cup soy sauce for umami and saltiness
– 1/4 cup sherry, Chinese cooking wine, or Mirin (non-alcoholic substitute: chicken stock) for complexity and depth
– 1/4 cup brown sugar for caramel notes and sticky glaze
– 1 tbsp Sriracha (optional, for added spice) for heat
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar or cider vinegar for a sharp tang
– 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil for a nutty finish
– Sliced green onion as a fresh garnish
– Grilled pineapple slices as optional tropical sweetness
Instructions
1-First Step: Gather and Mix the Marinade: Start by pulling together all your ingredients for the marinade to set the stage for your Huli Huli chicken. In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup canned pineapple juice, 1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated ginger, 1 1/2 tbsp freshly gratedΠΠΈΠ΄ garlic, 1/2 cup tomato ketchup, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup sherry or a substitute, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp Sriracha if you want spice, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil. For vegan adaptations, swap soy sauce for a gluten-free version to keep things plant-friendly. Mix well until everything blends smoothly this takes about 2 minutes and ensures your Hawaiian chicken gets that perfect sweet and tangy base.
2-Second Step: Marinate the Chicken: Take your 1.5 kg chicken thighs or breasts and place them in a glass or ceramic container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s coated evenly, and reserve 3/4 cup for basting later. If you’re adapting for dietary needs, like a low-calorie option, use less brown sugar here. Cover and let it sit in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or up to 24 to 48 hours for deeper flavor longer marinating time works great for food enthusiasts wanting that authentic Hawaiian chicken taste.
3-Third Step: Preheat Your Cooking Surface: Heat up your grill to medium-high and brush it with 1 tbsp vegetable oil, or warm a skillet on the stove at the same heat. This step ensures your grilled chicken doesn’t stick and gets those nice char marks. If you’re cooking indoors without a grill, this is a good spot to switch to oven-finishing for even heat, which can help with moisture for diet-conscious individuals.
4-Fourth Step: Cook the Chicken: Drain the excess marinade from the chicken and place it on the grill neutrop or skillet. Cook the first side for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. For those preferring leaner cuts, adjust the time slightly for chicken breasts to avoid overcooking. This Hawaiian chicken method builds flavor while keeping things juicy and adaptable.
5-Fifth Step: Baste and Finish Cooking: Now, baste the chicken generously with the reserved marinade, flip it, and cook for 1 minute repeat this every minute for about 10 minutes total. Use a thermometer to check for 75Β°C for thighs or 65Β°C for breasts, ensuring food safety. If you’re making Huli Huli sauce variations, you can add more spiceιθζΊζ here for a personalized touch. This step creates that sticky glaze that’s the hallmark of sweet and tangy chicken.
6-Final Step: Rest and Serve: Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 3 minutes to lock in juices. Add garnishes like sliced green onion or grilled pineapple slices for a tropical finish. Pair with sides like pineapple fried rice for a complete meal, and for more serving ideas, check out our tropical side dishes page. This grilled chicken recipe is versatile for any occasion, from family dinners to celebrations.
Last Step:
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π Use canned or bottled pineapple juice to avoid over-tenderizing caused by enzymes in fresh juice.
π Boneless chicken thighs offer better caramelization, but breasts work well too.
π₯ Always use reserved marinade for basting to build flavor safely without cross-contamination.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 24 hours
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling or Pan-searing with basting
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh or equivalent
- Calories: 377 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 912 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 49 g
- Cholesterol: 238 mg
