Name: Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 2 large garlic cloves, minced; ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup ketchup; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ¼ cup cool water (for slurry); 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; Vegetable oil (for greasing the grill or pan)

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Introduction

Huli Huli Chicken is a beloved Hawaiian dish featuring tender chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and savory sauce. Its rich flavors and smoky grilled aroma make it perfect for backyard barbecues and family dinners alike.

The image shows close-up grilled chicken pieces with a shiny, caramelized orange-brown glaze and scattered black char marks, giving a juicy and slightly crispy texture. The surface of the chicken is uneven and textured, showing clear grill lines. The chicken pieces fill the frame, resting closely together with hints of caramelized sauce pooling between them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 large garlic cloves, minced
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup ketchup
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Vegetable oil (for greasing the grill or pan)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the marinade by heating sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 2: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and smoked paprika. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with ¼ cup cool water to make a slurry, then add it to the saucepan. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer the sauce until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Reserve ½ cup of the sauce for basting. Transfer the remaining sauce to a large bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the cooled sauce. Toss to coat and marinate in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
Step 6: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
Step 8: Brush the chicken with half of the reserved sauce, flip, and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes.
Step 9: Flip the chicken again, baste with the remaining sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 10: Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer to a platter. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill or add wood chips to a gas grill.
Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but watch cooking times to avoid drying out.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a little longer before marinating.
Serve with steamed rice and grilled pineapple for a classic Hawaiian touch.
Marinate the chicken overnight for more intense flavor.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture. The sauce can be refrigerated separately for up to a week and warmed before basting or serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of grilled chicken pieces with a shiny, sticky layer of thick orange-brown sauce that has dark char marks on each piece. The chicken looks juicy with a mix of smooth, glazed areas and crispy, blackened spots from the grill. The whole frame is filled with these richly colored chicken pieces, showing their textures up close on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook Huli Huli Chicken indoors?

Yes, you can grill the chicken using a grill pan or cook it in a broiler. Be sure to baste regularly with the reserved sauce for the best flavor.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 4 hours?

While 4 hours lets the flavors fully penetrate, even 30 minutes of marinating will add good flavor. For best results, plan ahead and marinate longer if possible.