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Grilled Huli Huli Chicken with Hawaiian marinade on the BBQ grill

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Tender chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant Hawaiian-inspired sauce, perfect for grilling and serving with pineapple.
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Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Hawaiian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the marinade

  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar adds sweetness
  • ½ cup ketchup provides moisture and tang
  • ½ cup light soy sauce enhances saltiness
  • ½ cup canned pineapple juice adds fruitiness
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste or minced ginger contributes warmth
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste or minced garlic adds depth
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar offers acidity
  • ½ teaspoon cumin brings earthiness
  • ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper adds spice
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet) provides color and flavor

For grilling

  • 4-5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs juicy and tender
  • 1 pineapple or 1 can of slices (drained) adds sweetness and texture
  • ½ cup sliced green onions for garnish, adds freshness

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  • In a large bowl or a gallon-size ziplock bag, combine all ingredients except for the chicken. Mix well.
  • Set aside ½ cup of the marinade mixture for serving later.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the remaining marinade and mix well until thoroughly coated.
  • Cover the bowl or seal the ziplock bag and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight.

Grilling

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Lightly brush the grates with oil.
  • Carefully place the marinated chicken on the heated grill. Cook for about 10 minutes without moving.
  • Flip the chicken using tongs and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, around another 10 minutes.
  • When halfway through cooking, add the pineapple rings to the grill until golden on each side.
  • Remove the chicken and pineapple rings from the grill.
  • Brush the reserved marinade over the grilled chicken before serving.

Notes

Marinate overnight for deeper flavor. Avoid overcrowding the grill. Use a meat thermometer for precise cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 40gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 1000mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10g
Keyword grilled chicken, Huli Huli Chicken, Marinated Chicken, Pineapple Chicken
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