Huli Huli Chicken
Huli Huli Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a taste of Hawaii into your home kitchen. This flavorful recipe is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. If you’re looking for a savory, sweet, and tangy chicken meal, look no further than Huli Huli Chicken!
Why Make This Recipe
Huli Huli Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Originating from Hawaiian barbecue culture, this dish features tender chicken marinated in a scrumptious blend of flavors that showcases the best of tropical cooking. The unique combination of sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce creates a marinade that makes the chicken tender and juicy. Perfect for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or meal prep, Huli Huli Chicken will transport you to sunny shores with every bite.
Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe offers a wonderful opportunity to enhance your culinary skills. Plus, it’s customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your personal taste preferences while still maintaining the essence of this traditional Hawaiian dish.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken
Let’s dive into the process of creating this mouth-watering Huli Huli Chicken. This recipe is straightforward and enjoyable to prepare, making it ideal for both experienced cooks and beginners.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup fresh pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or a gluten-free alternative)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for later. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- In a small saucepan, heat the reserved marinade over medium heat, bringing it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove it from heat.
- Once the chicken is cooked, brush it with the heated marinade while on the grill for an extra boost of flavor.
- Serve the grilled Huli Huli Chicken warm, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy it with steamed rice or a fresh salad!
Pro Tips for Success with Huli Huli Chicken
- Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, let your chicken marinate overnight. The flavors will penetrate deeply, making the chicken more flavorful and tender.
- Use Boneless Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe as they tend to remain juicy and packed with flavor. If you prefer, you can also use chicken breasts, but be mindful to not overcook them.
- Ensure Proper Grill Temperature: A medium-grill temperature works best for cooking the chicken evenly without burning. If the grill is too hot, the outside may brown too quickly while the inside remains raw.
- Baste Carefully: When brushing on the heated marinade, be cautious not to cross-contaminate raw chicken with the marinade used earlier. Always heat the marinade before using it again.
- Experiment with Additions: Feel free to add sriracha or hot sauce for a spicy kick when preparing the marinade.
Flavor Variations for Huli Huli Chicken
- Teriyaki Twist: Add a tablespoon of teriyaki sauce into the marinade for a richer flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for a spicy version that can fire up your flavor preferences.
- Coconut Essence: Add a splash of coconut milk to the marinade for a creamy texture and tropical flair.
- Citrus Brightness: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lime into the marinade for an added citrus punch.
- Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into the marinade to give it an extra aromatic quality.
Serving Suggestions for Huli Huli Chicken
Huli Huli Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Traditional Side: Serve it with steamed white rice or coconut rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Tropical Salad: Create a colorful salad with mixed greens, diced pineapple, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to complement the chicken.
- Wrap It Up: Use the chicken in wraps alongside fresh vegetables for a quick and easy meal option.
- Tasty Skewers: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers with pineapple chunks and bell peppers for a fun appetizer or party dish.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Huli Huli Chicken
If you find yourself with leftovers or want to prepare the chicken in advance, here’s how to properly store it:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to enjoy them hot.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked marinated chicken in a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Cooked Huli Huli Chicken can also be frozen for up to 3 months, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQ About Huli Huli Chicken
What does “Huli Huli” mean?
“Huli Huli” translates to “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the traditional method of turning the chicken on the grill to cook it evenly. This technique creates a delicious char and helps the marinade infuse the meat.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be aware that they may require a bit less cooking time and are more susceptible to drying out, so watch them closely while on the grill.
Is Huli Huli Chicken spicy?
This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can customize the marinade by adding spices like sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to give it a kick. Adjust the heat level to suit your taste preferences.
Can I use this marinade for other proteins?
Absolutely! The Huli Huli marinade works well with other proteins such as pork or tofu. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly based on the protein you choose.
What can I serve with Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, salads, or grilled vegetables. You can also create wraps or sandwiches with the chicken as a filling, providing plenty of tasty options to complement the meal.
Final Thoughts
Huli Huli Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful taste of Hawaiian culture and a fantastic dish for any occasion. With its sweet and savory flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t hesitate to enjoy this delicious recipe at your next gathering, and watch as everyone raves over it! The warm, tropical flavors will transport you, making every bite a mini-vacation. Happy cooking!
Print
Huli Huli Chicken
- Total Time: 76 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful Hawaiian dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for barbecues and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup fresh pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or a gluten-free alternative)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined.
- Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or ideally overnight.
- Preheat the grill over medium heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 75°C).
- In a small saucepan, heat the reserved marinade over medium heat, cooking for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Brush the grilled chicken with heated marinade before serving.
- Serve warm garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, alongside steamed rice or salad.
Notes
For best flavor, marinate overnight. Use boneless thighs for juiciness; ensure proper grill temperature for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian