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Huli Huli Chicken: A Flavorful, Easy-to-Make Recipe
Youssef Hb

Huli Huli Chicken: A Flavorful, Easy-to-Make Recipe

A tender, glazed Hawaiian chicken dish with tangy pineapple and soy sauce, perfect for backyard gatherings. Skinned thighs and drumsticks ensure juiciness, while the homemade sauce delivers restaurant-caliber flavor in 60 minutes of active cooking time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken thighs or drumsticks (2 pounds, skinned or unskinned)
  • 100% pure unsweetened pineapple juice (1 cup)
  • Soy sauce (½ cup, Kikkoman or tamari for gluten-free)
  • Brown sugar (⅓ cup, light or dark)
  • 3 cloves garlic (or 1 tsp ground ginger as substitute)
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger as substitute)
  • Ketchup (2 tbsp, gluten-free option)
  • Sesame oil (1 tbsp, keep 1 tsp for garnish)
  • Black pepper (1 tsp, freshly ground)
  • Green onions (2 stalks, chopped, substitute with chives if needed)
  • Sesame seeds (to garnish, white or black)

Method
 

  1. Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, ketchup, sesame oil, and black pepper in a large bowl
  2. Marinate chicken thighs and drumsticks for 20+ hours in the refrigerator
  3. Cook chicken in a large skillet over medium heat for 45 minutes to caramelize glaze evenly, turning occasionally and brush with extra glaze if desired during last 10 minutes of cooking
  4. Transfer to serving platter, garnish with sesame oil, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds
  5. Store leftovers in airtight container (chicken will keep for up to 3-4 days in fridge or 1-2 months in freezer)

Notes

For best flavor, use 100% pure pineapple juice without added sugar
Tamari provides a gluten-free option while maintaining umami flavor
Pickled garlic adds extra punch if regular garlic isn't available
Broil in an oven for 5-10 minutes to finish glaze if using a large batch
Grill fresh pineapple slices alongside chicken for 5-7 minutes per side for complementary side dish