Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + marinating Grill: 15 min.

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Nov. 15, 2023
I got this grilled chicken recipe from a friend while living in Hawaii. It sizzles with the flavors of brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce. Huli means "turn" in Hawaiian. This sweet and savory glaze is fantastic on pork chops, too. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California

Ingredients

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 3/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup sherry or chicken broth
  • 2-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 24 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 6 pounds)

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, mix the first 6 ingredients. Reserve 1-1/3 cups for basting; cover and refrigerate. Divide remaining marinade between 2 large shallow dishes. Add 12 chicken thighs to each; turn to coat. Refrigerate, covered, for 8 hours or overnight.
  2. Drain chicken, discarding marinade.
  3. Grill chicken, covered, on an oiled rack over medium heat for 6-8 minutes on each side or until a thermometer inserted into chicken reads 170°; baste occasionally with reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes.

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Tips

What does huli huli mean in Hawaiian?

Huli means to turn or reverse. Huli Huli Chicken is an appropriate name for the recipe, as it traditionally is turned several times during roasting. Pair this Hawaiian chicken recipe with one of our other favorite Hawaiian recipes.

How do I grill chicken?

Grilling chicken is very easy to do! Make sure you take the time to marinate your chicken to prevent it from being tough, clean the grill grates well and lightly oil the grates right before adding the chicken. Overcooked chicken can be very dry, so use a thermometer during the final minutes of cooking time and remove the chicken from the heat as soon as it reaches 165° degrees. If you don't feel like firing up the grill, sear the chicken in a touch of oil in a skillet or grill pan. Then, transfer to a 375-degree oven for basting and baking.

What's the benefit of grilling chicken thighs?

Chicken thighs have a higher fat content, allowing them to stay juicier and moister while grilling over high heat. Not only that, but they're economical, too. Try out one of these other grilled chicken recipes, too.

Nutrition Facts

2 chicken thighs: 391 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 43g protein.