Grilled Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

chicken thighs

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: chicken drumsticks

Chicken breast is leaner, while drumsticks are often more affordable.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

Low-sodium soy sauce offers a healthier sodium option.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

Coconut sugar is a more natural sweetener.

Start by making a brine with 7 cups of water, 1/2 cup of salt, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Whisk until combined.

Add 2 cups of ice to the brine mixture.

Spatchcock the whole chicken by cutting out the backbone so it lays flat, then add the chicken to the brine along with the boneless skinless thighs and chicken breast skewers.

Let the chicken brine for about 12 hours.

Prepare the Huli Huli barbecue sauce by combining 1 cup of ketchup, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2/3 cup of low sodium soy sauce, 1/2 cup of pineapple juice, 6 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of finely grated ginger, 2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 2 teaspoons of sriracha sauce, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a pot.

Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it simmer for about 25 minutes. Divide the sauce in half, reserving one half for serving later.

After brining, remove the chicken and pat it down to remove excess salt and moisture.

Preheat the grill to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the chicken on the indirect heat side of the grill.

Close the lid and let the chicken cook for about 45 to 55 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the whole chicken is almost done, add the thighs and chicken breast skewers to the direct heat side of the grill.

Sear the chicken on one side before flipping and immediately adding the barbecue sauce.

Continue to flip and sauce the chicken until fully cooked, ensuring a caramelized exterior develops.

Move the chicken to the indirect heat side of the grill and sauce it again, flipping as necessary to ensure even cooking.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and serve with the reserved barbecue sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens