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Huli Huli chicken grill served on a white plate with grilled pineapple and scallion garnish

Huli Huli Chicken Grill

This Huli Huli chicken grill recipe combines bold Hawaiian flavors with a tangy, sweet glaze and smoky grilled pineapple for a perfect balance. A must-try for an easy and healthy barbecue!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 2/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup dry sherry
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 5 cloves garlic, finely minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (8-9 small thighs)
  • Canola oil, for grilling
  • 6 fresh cored pineapple rings (1-inch thick)
  • Optional: Thinly sliced scallions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, sherry, vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Add chicken thighs to a large zip-top bag and pour in 2 cups of the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, reserving 1 cup of marinade for glazing.
  • Preheat the grill: Remove chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to grilling. Preheat your grill to medium (350°F–400°F). Pat chicken dry with paper towels and discard the marinade in the bag.
  • Grill the chicken: Oil the grill grates lightly. Place chicken on the grill and cook covered for 3 minutes on each side until grill marks form. Flip every 2 minutes, continuing to cook until the chicken's internal temperature hits 135°F.
  • Glaze and finish cooking: Brush the reserved marinade on the chicken and continue flipping every 1-2 minutes. Cook until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F-175°F. Remove to a platter and let rest for 10 minutes.
  • Grill the pineapple: Increase grill temperature to medium-high (400°F–450°F). Place pineapple rings on the oiled grates and cook for 4 minutes, flipping once, until caramelized and bearing light grill marks. Serve alongside chicken, garnished with scallions.