Description
A simplified version of the classic Hawaiian BBQ chicken featuring a sweet, smoky, and tangy pineapple-soy marinade. This recipe yields juicy, tender chicken with crispy skin, perfect for grilling or baking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup 100% pure pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Place chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- Remove air from the bag, seal, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- If grilling, oil the grates lightly. Place chicken skin-side down on the grill.
- Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or bake on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 35-45 minutes, basting halfway through.
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes
For best results, marinate overnight. If using the marinade that touched raw chicken, boil it vigorously for 5 minutes before using as a sauce to kill bacteria. Avoid burning the sugar by monitoring heat closely. Chicken breasts can be used but require shorter cooking times to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh per
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Protein: 24
Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian BBQ, grilled chicken, pineapple chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meals, chicken thighs, BBQ sauce