Here’s a delightful look into making Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken, a dish that embodies the sweet, tangy flavors of Hawaiian cuisine, delivering a tropical treat right from your grill to your plate.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
Why Make This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Huli Huli Chicken is a fantastic way to bring a taste of Hawaii to your backyard barbecue. The word "Huli" means "to turn" in Hawaiian, which perfectly captures the process of grilling this chicken. It’s marinated in a sweet and savory blend, creating tender, juicy meat that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up and how it brings the taste of summer to any meal, no matter the season.
How to Make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Step 1: Preparation
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Step 2: Mixing
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but for best flavor, let it sit overnight.
Step 3: Cooking
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, making sure to reserve the marinade for basting. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, basting with the reserved marinade occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, with beautiful grill marks.
Step 4: Finishing
Once grilled, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving for a touch of freshness.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Green onions for garnish
How to Serve Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Serve Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken with steamed rice or coconut rice for a traditional touch. You can also pair it with grilled vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for a beautiful contrast. For a full Hawaiian-themed dinner, consider offering a side of mac salad or tropical fruit.
How to Store Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Leftover Huli Huli Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the cooked chicken. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently.
Expert Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
- For even more flavor, consider marinating for up to 24 hours.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or chopped fresh chilies to the marinade.
- Make sure your grill is preheated well to achieve the best sear.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture if you prefer.
- Baste the chicken during grilling to help retain its juiciness and add layers of flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Pineapple Chicken Skewers: Use the same marinade for chicken and vegetables. Skewer them, alternating between bite-sized chicken and pineapple chunks, then grill.
- Huli Huli Shrimp: Substitute shrimp for chicken. The shorter cooking time makes it perfect for a quick meal.
- Tropical Bowl: Serve shredded Huli Huli Chicken over a bed of quinoa or brown rice with avocado, diced mango, and sesame seeds for a refreshing bowl meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep an eye on the cooking time as they will cook faster than thighs.
- Can I make this marinade ahead of time? Absolutely! The marinade can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
- What can I substitute for pineapple juice? Orange juice or a combination of apple juice with a splash of vinegar can work as a substitute.
- Is it necessary to rest the chicken after grilling? Yes, resting helps the juices redistribute, leading to more tender chicken.
- What should I serve with Huli Huli Chicken? Pair it with coconut rice, grilled veggies, or a light salad for a balanced and delicious meal.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is an easy and flavorful dish that will transport your taste buds to the islands with every bite. The combination of sweet and savory flavors paired with juicy grilled chicken creates a perfect summer meal or a delightful addition to your weeknight rotation. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and bring a slice of Hawaii to your dinner table!
Print
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A delightful Hawaiian dish featuring grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and savory blend, perfect for a backyard barbecue.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but for best flavor, let it sit overnight.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, making sure to reserve the marinade for basting. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, basting with the reserved marinade occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, with beautiful grill marks.
- Once grilled, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Marinate for up to 24 hours for even better flavor. Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
