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Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Discover how easily you can recreate this iconic flavor, making weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings truly special. This recipe simplifies its smoky, sweet, and savory grilled perfection for your own backyard.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 chicken pieces
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 - 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces thighs and drumsticks work best
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce low sodium is fine
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup mirin or dry sherry
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce (optional, for a touch of heat)
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • sliced green onions For Garnish (Optional)
  • toasted sesame seeds For Garnish (Optional)

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Medium Bowl
  • Large resealable bag or shallow dish
  • Basting brush

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin (or sherry), grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha (if using), and black pepper until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
    1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup mirin, 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sriracha, 1 pinch black pepper
  2. Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour about ¾ of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Reserve the remaining ¼ of the marinade for basting later. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the most intense flavor, marinate for 2-4 hours, or even overnight.
    2.5 - 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals for direct heat.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any excess marinade that was in the bag or dish. Place the chicken pieces on the preheated grill grates, skin-side down first if possible.
  5. Grill the chicken for about 10-15 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken generously with the reserved marinade. Flip and baste one more time to ensure even coating.
  6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
    sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds

Notes

Refrigerated leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in a skillet.