Description
This Huli Huli Chicken recipe brings the flavors of Hawaii to your table with a sweet and savory marinade that caramelizes beautifully on tender chicken thighs. Perfect for a tropical-themed barbecue or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken:
- 1.5 kg / 3 lb chicken thighs (or breast, Note 1)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Marinade:
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice, canned or bottled, unsweetened (Note 2)
- 1 1/2 tbsp ginger, freshly grated (Note 3)
- 1 1/2 tbsp garlic, freshly grated (Note 3)
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup (or Aussie tomato sauce)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sherry or Chinese cooking wine (Note 4)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil, toasted
Garnishes, optional:
- Sliced green onion
- Pineapple slices, grilled for 3 minutes on each side for lines
Instructions
- Marinade: Mix marinade, set aside 3/4 cup (185 ml) for basting. Pour the rest over the chicken in a glass or ceramic container, coat chicken then marinade 24 – 48 hours.
- Cooking: Brush BBQ grills with oil then preheat to medium high, or heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Drain excess marinade from chicken, place on BBQ/skillet. Cook the first side for 2 – 3 minutes until golden, then flip and cook for 2 minutes. Baste generously with reserved marinade, then flip and cook for 1 minute. Repeat this every minute or so for a total cook time of 10 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 75°C/167°F (for thigh) or 65°C / 150°F (for breast). Transfer chicken to a plate, cover with foil and rest for 3 minutes before serving, garnished with green onion if desired.
Notes
- Chicken – boneless thigh is best for lovely caramelization when cooked, but breast works well too.
- Pineapple juice – must use canned or bottled, not fresh, to avoid over-tenderizing the chicken.
- Ginger/garlic grating tip – fresh is best for this recipe.
- Sherry or Chinese cooking wine – a key ingredient for optimal flavor.
- Nutrition per serving, assuming 6 servings. Reduce sodium by using low salt soy and ketchup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
