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Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken: A Flavorful Journey to Hawaiian BBQ Bliss

Enjoy Huli Huli Chicken, a gluten-free Hawaiian dish featuring grilled chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory pineapple glaze.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 skewers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Provides moisture and flavor; best for grilling due to higher fat content.
  • 1 cup Unsweetened Pineapple Juice Acts as the base for the marinade, adding sweetness and helping tenderize chicken.
  • 0.5 cup Brown Sugar Essential for a sticky glaze; caramelizes during cooking for depth of flavor.
  • 1 cup Soy Sauce Offers umami and saltiness; substitute tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • 0.25 cup Ketchup Adds acidity and texture, helping to thicken the glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Ginger (grated) Adds a spicy and aromatic note.
  • 3 cloves Fresh Garlic (minced) Enhances flavor complexity with its fragrant quality.
  • 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil Contributes a nutty depth, enhancing flavor while ensuring the marinade adheres well.
For Serving
  • 4 servings Steamed White Rice Serves as a lovely base for the skewers, complementing the sticky sauce beautifully.
  • 3 tablespoons Green Onions (sliced) Adds a fresh touch and vibrant color as a garnish.
  • 2 tablespoons White Sesame Seeds (toasted) Introduces a crunchy texture and nutty flavor for garnish.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Mixing bowl
  • saucepan
  • Meat Thermometer
  • skewers

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of unsweetened pineapple juice, 1 cup of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), ½ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Reserve 1 cup for basting later.
  2. Place 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
  3. In a saucepan, pour the reserved marinade and heat over medium heat. Allow it to come to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally for about 8-10 minutes until thickened.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, oil the grates, and thread the marinated chicken onto soaked skewers. Grill for about 12-15 minutes, turning every 3 minutes and basting with the reduced glaze.
  5. Transfer the skewers to a serving platter over a bed of steaming white rice. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the chicken and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewersCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 1100mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Opt for boneless skinless chicken thighs for moisture and flavor. Marinate overnight for best results. Soak wooden skewers before grilling to prevent burning.

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