Huli Huli Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that brings the taste of Hawaii right to your dinner table. The aroma of marinated chicken sizzling on the grill is enough to make anyone weak at the knees, and let’s be real—who can resist that?
Picture this: You’re hosting a backyard barbecue, and the sun is setting, casting a golden glow over everything. As you flip those juicy chicken pieces, your friends are drawn in by the tantalizing scents wafting through the air. It’s moments like these that make life deliciously memorable.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Huli Huli Chicken is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend get-togethers
- The flavor profile combines sweetness with a hint of smokiness, pleasing everyone from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts
- Its vibrant colors not only add visual appeal but make it a showstopper on any plate
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for grilling, baking, or even stir-frying
Ingredients for Huli Huli Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are ideal for their juicy texture and rich flavor; they also hold up well during cooking.
Fresh Ginger: Use fresh ginger for a zesty kick; it adds depth to the marinade and enhances the overall flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic packs a punch; opt for firm cloves to ensure maximum flavor in your marinade.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works best; it allows you to control saltiness while still delivering umami goodness.
Pineapple Juice: This adds natural sweetness and acidity, helping tenderize the chicken while infusing tropical flavors.
For the Sauce:
Brown Sugar: This sweetener caramelizes beautifully on the grill, adding a lovely glaze to your chicken.
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way in adding an authentic Asian flair to your dish; it’s aromatic and rich in flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Mix well until sugar dissolves. Add chicken thighs into the marinade and toss them around until they’re fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the fridge for at least one hour (or overnight if you’re feeling ambitious).
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill
Get your grill ready! Preheat it to medium-high heat—around 375°F (190°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until those coals are glowing red before you start cooking.
Step 3: Prepare for Grilling
Remove the chicken from the marinade (but don’t throw that marinade away just yet!). Place it on a plate while you get your grill grates nice and hot. You can brush them lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill Away
Place chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about six to seven minutes per side. Use tongs to turn them over—no one wants burnt fingers! Brush with reserved marinade during grilling for extra flavor (just be careful not to cross-contaminate).
Step 5: Check for Doneness
Make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer. That way you can be confident it’s cooked through without drying out.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer grilled chicken onto serving plates and drizzle with any remaining sauce from grilling. Pair with rice or grilled veggies for an unforgettable meal!
Now that you’ve learned how to make this mouthwatering Huli Huli Chicken recipe, gather your friends around because they won’t want to miss out on this culinary adventure!
You Must Know
- This amazing Huli Huli Chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first for that delicious golden crust, then cook your sides while letting the flavors meld in the marinade. This way, everything finishes at once, ensuring a delightful dining experience that leaves no one waiting impatiently at the table.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pineapple juice with orange juice for a citrusy twist, or add some chili flakes for a spicy kick. You could even throw in some chopped herbs like cilantro or green onions to elevate those flavors and add a fresh touch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or give it a quick sauté in a skillet until heated through, preserving that juicy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When grilling, give your chicken space on the grill; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking
- Always let your chicken rest after cooking; this keeps it juicy and flavorful
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor—24 hours is ideal if you have time!
It was during a summer BBQ that I discovered just how much everyone loved my Huli Huli Chicken—there were no leftovers! Friends were practically licking their plates clean and asking when I’d host another cookout.
FAQs :
What is Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken is a traditional Hawaiian dish known for its sweet and savory flavor profile. The name “Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, which refers to the method of cooking the chicken on a grill, turning it frequently to achieve even cooking and caramelization. The marinade usually includes soy sauce, pineapple juice, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar, creating a delicious glaze that enhances the chicken’s natural flavors. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or family gatherings.
How do you make Huli Huli Chicken?
To make Huli Huli Chicken, start by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for at least an hour. Grill the chicken over medium heat while frequently turning it to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors from the marinade. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Serve with rice and grilled vegetables for a complete meal that showcases the delightful Hawaiian flavors.
Can I use other proteins for Huli Huli?
Yes! While traditional recipes typically use chicken, you can also prepare Huli Huli with pork or tofu as alternatives. If using pork, choose cuts like tenderloin or ribs for optimal flavor. For tofu, ensure you press it well to remove excess moisture before marinating. Regardless of your choice of protein, follow the same marinating and grilling process to enjoy the delicious taste of this Hawaiian-inspired dish.
What should I serve with Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside coconut rice or jasmine rice to complement the sweet flavors of the chicken. Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini add color and nutrition to your plate. You might also enjoy a fresh green salad or coleslaw to balance out the meal with some crunch. These sides create a complete dining experience bursting with tropical flavors.
Conclusion for Huli Huli Chicken :
Huli Huli Chicken offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory tastes that transport you straight to Hawaii. By using simple ingredients like soy sauce and pineapple juice in your marinade, you can create a dish that’s easy to prepare yet full of flavor. Whether you’re grilling for a family gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table. Embrace these tropical flavors today and elevate your next meal with this delicious Hawaiian classic!
Huli Huli Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a tantalizing Hawaiian dish that marries sweet and savory flavors, perfect for your next backyard barbecue. This juicy, marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, creating a mouthwatering glaze that will impress family and friends alike. With its vibrant colors and irresistible aroma, Huli Huli Chicken transforms any meal into a tropical getaway!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight).
- 2. Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (375°F / 190°C).
- 3. Prepare for Grilling: Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade). Brush grill grates with oil.
- 4. Grill Chicken: Cook chicken on the grill for 6-7 minutes per side. Baste with reserved marinade while grilling.
- 5. Check Doneness: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- 6. Serve: Transfer to plates, drizzle with remaining sauce from grilling, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
