If you’re looking for a dish that screams tropical flavors and is perfect for any occasion, then Huli Huli Chicken is the answer. This Hawaiian grilled chicken is juicy, flavorful, and easy to make, making it a favorite among both chefs and home cooks alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a sweet and savory marinade that infuses the chicken with delicious flavors.
- With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a mouthwatering meal ready to go.
- Huli Huli Chicken is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own, with rice, or in sandwiches, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy grilling.
- Pineapple juice: Adds sweetness and acidity.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness.
- Brown sugar: Provides sweetness and caramelization.
- Ketchup: Adds depth of flavor and a hint of tanginess.
- Rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness with acidity.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a zesty kick.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor.
- Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
For Serving:
- Green onion: Adds freshness as a garnish.
- Cooked white rice: Perfect for serving the chicken over.
- Grilled pineapple slices: Optional for a tropical touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper to make the marinade.
- Add chicken to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill chicken until cooked through.
- Serve chicken over cooked rice, garnish with green onions, and grilled pineapple slices if desired.
Helpful Tips:
- Marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature.
- Swap out chicken thighs for a leaner option with chicken breasts.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a smokier flavor, grill the chicken over charcoal.
- Baste the chicken with additional marinade while grilling for extra flavor.
- Slice the chicken before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Huli Huli Chicken with steamed white rice, a side of macaroni salad, and a refreshing tropical drink like a pineapple coconut smoothie.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, being careful not to overcook and dry out the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
- Yes, a grill pan works well for indoor cooking.
- Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of thighs or breasts?
- Yes, drumsticks can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
- Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months.
- Can I use fresh pineapple juice instead of canned?
- Fresh pineapple juice can be used for a more vibrant flavor.
Conclusion:
Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will transport your taste buds to the tropical flavors of Hawaii. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of paradise right in your own home. Don’t forget to share your feedback and spread the aloha spirit with your friends and family!
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Huli Huli Chicken: Delicious Hawaiian Grilled Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Enjoy the tropical flavors of Hawaii with this Huli Huli Chicken recipe. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat that pairs perfectly with rice and grilled pineapple slices.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice
- Grilled pineapple slices (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Add chicken to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Serve: Slice the chicken, garnish with green onions, and serve with cooked white rice and grilled pineapple slices.
Notes
- For extra flavor, baste the chicken with the marinade while grilling.
- You can also use chicken drumsticks or wings for this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg