Huli Huli Chicken
Looking for a mouthwatering dish that will steal the spotlight at your next cookout?
This Huli Huli Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a smoky grilled finish that will have everyone coming back for more.
It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress!
For Huli Huli Chicken
- Chicken Thighs – I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result. You can substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Brown Sugar – This is where the sweetness comes from, giving the marinade its rich flavor.
- Ketchup – Adds tanginess and helps thicken the marinade.
- Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce – Provides a savory, umami flavor while keeping the salt content lower.
- Sherry or Chicken Broth – A bit of liquid to balance the flavors and add depth.
- Fresh Ginger – Offers a warm, zesty kick to the marinade.
- Garlic – Essential for a savory and aromatic boost to the marinade.
For Grilling
- Vegetable Oil – For greasing the grill and preventing the chicken from sticking.
Huli Huli Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¾ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup sherry or chicken broth
- 2½ tsp minced fresh ginger
- 1½ tsp minced garlic
- 24 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6 pounds)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, sherry (or chicken broth), ginger, and garlic. Set aside 1 1/3 cups of the mixture for basting, then cover and refrigerate.
- Divide the remaining marinade between two large shallow dishes. Place 12 chicken thighs in each dish, turning them to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight to marinate.
- When ready to cook, drain the chicken and discard the marinade.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat and oil the rack. Grill the chicken, covered, for 6-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade.
- Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes! Marinating the chicken overnight is actually a great way to maximize flavor. The longer it marinates, the better it tastes, so feel free to prep it ahead of time and let the chicken soak in all those delicious flavors.
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Definitely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, chicken breasts can work well too. Just be sure to cook them a bit more carefully to avoid dryness. You may want to butterfly them for even cooking and better marinade absorption.
- How can I avoid burning the marinade on the grill?
The trick is to reserve some of the marinade before using it on the chicken. Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of grilling to avoid burning while still getting that delicious flavor.
- Can I make the marinade in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to a few days in advance. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before using it. This helps save time when you’re ready to cook and enhances the flavors.
- How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 170°F (74°C) to be fully cooked through, ensuring it’s juicy and tender without overcooking.