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Fast & Easy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Bite-sized chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory pineapple-soy sauce, then pan-seared and coated in a thick, glossy, sticky glaze.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil canola or vegetable
Marinade & Glaze
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
  • 0.5 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 0.5 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 0.25 cup ketchup
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth or water
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Thickener
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Wok
  • Small Saucepan
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar until sugar is dissolved.
  2. Pour exactly HALF of this marinade into a small saucepan and set aside for the glaze.
  3. Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bag or bowl and pour the remaining half of the marinade over them. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
  4. To make the glaze, bring the reserved marinade in the small saucepan to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thick and glossy. Remove from heat.
  5. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (discard used marinade) and add to the skillet in a single layer.
  6. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to sear, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and charred.
  7. Pour the thickened glaze over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Toss for 1 minute until every piece is heavily coated and sticky.
  8. Remove from heat and serve immediately over hot rice.

Notes

Using chicken thighs yields much juicier results than chicken breasts. Make sure to use low-sodium soy sauce so the final glaze isn't too salty.