Description
A simple, budget-friendly Hawaiian-inspired chicken dish featuring a homemade sweet and savory glaze made from pantry staples like soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. Perfect for grilling or baking, this recipe yields tender, flavorful chicken that is ideal for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (Japanese-style recommended)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and water. Whisk vigorously until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
- Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the glaze over the chicken, reserving the other half for basting. Massage the marinade into the chicken to coat evenly.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. Do not exceed 4 hours to prevent the meat from breaking down.
- Preheat your cooking surface: If grilling, heat to medium-high. If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and place a baking sheet inside to heat up.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place thighs on the grill or baking sheet and cook for about 10 minutes on the first side until char marks appear.
- Flip the chicken. Brush generously with the reserved glaze. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, flipping and basting every few minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is sticky and dark amber.
- Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Slice or serve whole, drizzled with any remaining pan glaze.
Notes
Do not use the raw marinade as a sauce unless boiled for 2-3 minutes to kill bacteria. Fresh ginger is essential for authentic flavor; avoid powdered ginger if possible. Chicken thighs are recommended over breasts for juiciness. If using an air fryer, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Protein: 25
Keywords: Huli Huli chicken, Hawaiian chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, sweet glaze chicken, grilled chicken, meal prep chicken, budget-friendly recipes, soy sauce glaze