Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken) Recipe

If you’re craving a taste of the tropics, look no further than this Huli Huli Chicken recipe! This dish is bursting with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a backyard BBQ with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  1. The marinade is the star of the show, featuring a delicious blend of pineapple juice, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
  2. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead.
  3. Whether you use chicken thighs or breast, this dish is versatile and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Chicken thighs (or breast): Boneless thighs are best for caramelization, but breast works well too.
  • Vegetable oil
  • Marinade: Pineapple juice (canned), ginger, garlic, tomato ketchup, soy sauce, sherry, brown sugar, Sriracha, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil.
  • Garnishes (optional): Sliced green onion, grilled pineapple slices.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Mix the marinade ingredients and set aside a portion for basting.
  2. Coat the chicken with the remaining marinade and let it marinate for 2-4 hours.
  3. Preheat the grill or skillet, then cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes per side, basting with the reserved marinade.
  4. Rest the chicken for a few minutes before serving, garnished with green onion if desired.

Helpful Tips:

  • Use canned pineapple juice for the marinade to avoid over-tenderizing the chicken.
  • Grate fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor, but jar paste will work in a pinch.
  • Shaoxing wine adds a special touch to the marinade, but mirin or low-sodium chicken stock can be substituted.
  • For a complete meal, serve with pineapple fried rice using canned pineapple pieces.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

  1. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
  2. Brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful grill marks.
  3. Baste the chicken frequently during cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this Huli Huli Chicken with coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Serve with a tropical drink like a piña colada or a fruity mocktail for the full Hawaiian experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use fresh pineapple juice instead of canned?
    It’s best to stick with canned pineapple juice to avoid over-tenderizing the chicken.
  2. Can I grill the chicken indoors if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
    Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or a skillet to achieve similar results.
  3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.

Conclusion:

Next time you’re in the mood for a taste of the islands, give this Huli Huli Chicken recipe a try. With its delicious marinade, juicy chicken, and tropical flavors, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy and aloha!

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Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken) Recipe

Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken) Recipe

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious Hawaiian dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of pineapple juice, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and more. Grilled to perfection, this tropical chicken is sure to be a hit at your next BBQ!


Ingredients

Units Scale

 

  • 1.5 kg / 3 lb chicken thighs (or breast)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Marinade:
  • 3/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 1/2 tbsp ginger, freshly grated
  • 1 1/2 tbsp garlic, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup sherry or Chinese cooking wine
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • Garnishes, optional:
  • Sliced green onion
  • Pineapple slices, grilled

Instructions

  1. Marinade: Mix marinade ingredients, reserving 3/4 cup for basting. Marinate chicken for 24-48 hours.
  2. Cooking: Brush grill with oil, cook chicken on medium-high heat for 10 minutes, basting with reserved marinade.
  3. Transfer chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use canned pineapple juice for best results.
  • Fresh ginger and garlic add a special flavor to the dish.
  • Sherry or Chinese cooking wine is a recommended ingredient for extra depth of flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
  • Sugar: Varies
  • Sodium: Varies
  • Fat: Varies
  • Saturated Fat: Varies
  • Unsaturated Fat: Varies
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: Varies
  • Fiber: Varies
  • Protein: Varies
  • Cholesterol: Varies