Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Chicken thighs: Bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor and juiciness.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth to the marinade.

Brown sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a caramelized glaze.

Ketchup: Adds tanginess and a rich red color to the marinade.

Rice vinegar: Gives a subtle acidity that balances the sweetness.

Garlic: Minced for a pungent, aromatic flavor.

Ginger: Grated to add a warm, spicy note.

Pineapple juice: Contributes sweetness and a tropical twist.

When preparing chicken thighs for grilling, ensure the marinade penetrates deeply by making small cuts in the chicken before marinating. This allows the flavors of the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice to infuse more thoroughly, resulting in a more flavorful and tender Huli Huli Chicken.

• Chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks have a similar cooking time and flavor profile, making them a good alternative.

• Soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar umami flavor.

• Brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a slight floral note, though it may slightly alter the texture.

• Ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste and a bit of vinegar: This combination mimics the tangy and sweet flavor of ketchup.

• Rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can provide a comparable tang.

• Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though fresh garlic is more aromatic.

• Ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in place of fresh ginger, though it is more concentrated, so use less.

• Pineapple juice - Substitute with orange juice: Orange juice provides a similar sweetness and acidity, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to freeze the huli huli chicken, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

• When ready to enjoy your frozen huli huli chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the chicken.

• Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also reheat it on the grill or in a skillet for a few minutes on each side, adding a bit of the reserved marinade to keep it moist and flavorful.

• For a quick meal, shred the leftover huli huli chicken and use it in salads, sandwiches, or tacos. The sweet and savory flavors will add a delightful twist to your dishes.

• If you have extra marinade, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Use it as a sauce or glaze for other meats or vegetables.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the chicken with another piece of foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps maintain the glaze and keeps the meat juicy.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the chicken in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method gives the chicken a nice, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. This is the quickest method but may not preserve the texture as well as other methods.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Wrap the chicken in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Grill for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until heated thoroughly. This method helps retain the smoky flavor and grill marks.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is heated through and the skin is crispy. This method is great for maintaining the crispiness of the skin.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and pineapple juice.

• Resealable plastic bag: Ideal for marinating the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade.

• Shallow dish: An alternative to the resealable plastic bag for marinating the chicken.

• Grill: Preheat this to medium-high heat for cooking the chicken.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the chicken on the grill and ensuring even cooking.

• Basting brush: Use this to apply the reserved marinade to the chicken while grilling.

• Meat thermometer: Useful for checking that the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for preparing the garlic and ginger.

• Knife: Essential for mincing the garlic and grating the ginger.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, and pineapple juice.

• Grater: Use this to grate the ginger finely.

Marinate ahead: Prepare the marinade the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use a resealable bag: Marinate the chicken in a resealable plastic bag for easy cleanup and even coating.

Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill while you prepare the chicken to save time.

Batch cooking: Grill extra chicken thighs and store leftovers for quick meals later in the week.

Ready ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process.