Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
A flavorful Hawaiian-style grilled chicken marinated in a sticky glaze of soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (Use low-sodium soy to avoid an overly salty glaze.)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (Pack the brown sugar into the measuring cup for accurate sweetness.)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (For a smokier flavor, swap half the ketchup for tomato paste and add a pinch of smoked paprika.)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (This adds brightness; white vinegar is a substitute.)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh garlic makes a big difference.)
- 1 tsp ginger, minced (Fresh ginger adds warmth; for convenience, use powdered ginger.)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (Use toasted sesame oil for a nutty finish.)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (Fresh cracked pepper adds brightness.)
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces chicken thighs (Bone-in, skin-on thighs for the juiciest result.)
- Green onions for garnish (Slice on the diagonal for a prettier plate.)
Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Stir until the sugar mostly dissolves and the mixture looks glossy. Taste the marinade and adjust if needed.
- Place the chicken in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Grilling the Chicken
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375 to 400 °F).
- Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
- Pat the thighs lightly with paper towels if the marinade is very wet.
- Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling.
Notes
For a tangier twist, mix in a tablespoon of pineapple juice. For a smoky flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika to the marinade. If you want a slightly more tropical finish, brush a thin layer of pineapple juice mixed with a teaspoon of brown sugar during the last minute of grilling.