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Authentic Huli Huli Chicken

Authentic Huli Huli Chicken

Make genuine Huli Huli Chicken using a traditional sweet and savory pineapple glaze, grilled until perfectly charred.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 4 hours
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Hawaiian
Servings 4 pieces
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill
  • bowl
  • Resealable Bag

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks recommended)
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup pineapple chunks (for basting)

Instructions
 

  • Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk until the sugar dissolves to create the marinade/glaze.
  • Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for basting later.
  • Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  • Prepare your grill for medium heat (about 350°F). If using charcoal, use hardwood for authentic flavor.
  • Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
  • Grill the chicken over medium heat. Turn the chicken frequently (this is the ‘Huli Huli’ or ‘turn turn’ action) every 3 to 5 minutes to prevent burning.
  • After the first 10 minutes of grilling, begin basting the chicken with the reserved fresh marinade every time you turn it.
  • Continue grilling and basting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken has a deep, sticky glaze, about 20 to 25 minutes total cooking time.
  • During the last 5 minutes, place pineapple chunks directly on the grill grates to caramelize slightly.
  • Serve the chicken immediately with the grilled pineapple chunks.

Notes

For the most authentic flavor, use a charcoal grill and add a few wood chips soaked in water during grilling. If you do not have a grill, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 35 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, then broil for the last 2 minutes to achieve char. The glaze thickens as it cooks; watch carefully during the last few turns to prevent the sugar from burning.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 650mgFiber: 1gSugar: 28g
Keyword Authentic Recipes, BBQ Chicken, grilled chicken, Huli Huli Chicken, low fat, Pineapple Glaze
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