Description
This Grilled Huli Huli Chicken recipe features juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, sherry, ginger, and garlic, then grilled to perfection. The marinade doubles as a basting sauce to enhance the savory-sweet glaze, making it a classic Hawaiian-inspired dish perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 6 Tbsp ketchup
- 6 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2½ Tbsp sherry or chicken broth
- ½ tsp dried ginger
- 1½ tsp minced garlic
Chicken
- 12 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2.5 pounds)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, sherry (or chicken broth), dried ginger, and minced garlic. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are fully blended. Reserve ½ cup of this mixture separately for basting the chicken later. Cover the rest and refrigerate.
- Marinate the chicken: Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated. Place them in a gallon-size ziplock bag or a covered dish and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. During the last 5 minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade to create a glossy, flavorful glaze. Confirm the chicken is thoroughly cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to maximize flavor absorption.
- If you don’t have sherry, chicken broth is a suitable substitute.
- Make sure to baste only during the last 5 minutes to avoid burning the sugars in the marinade.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe internal cooking temperature.
- This chicken pairs well with steamed rice and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
