Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Introduction

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired dish that’s packed with tropical flavors. The chicken is marinated in a rich, sweet glaze made of pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar, then grilled to perfection. The result is juicy, tender chicken with a slightly smoky char and a tangy-sweet finish.

I remember the first time I made this for a family BBQ, and the aroma of the chicken sizzling on the grill had everyone gathering around in anticipation. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, giving the chicken that perfect balance of sweetness and savory depth. Whether you’re cooking it up for a summer barbecue, dinner party, or a fun weeknight meal, this recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the islands.

The beauty of this dish is how easy it is to prepare, yet it feels like a special treat with its tropical flavors and smoky grill marks. Serve it with rice, grilled veggies, or a refreshing salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and full of vibrant, island-inspired goodness.

Perfect for:

• Summer BBQs
• Family gatherings
• Dinner parties
• Tropical-inspired meals
• Chicken lovers

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Here’s why Grilled Huli Huli Chicken will become a favorite:

• Tropical Flavors: The marinade combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory depth of soy sauce and a hint of ginger, creating a balanced and flavorful dish.
• Juicy and Tender Chicken: The marinade helps to tenderize the chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful while grilling.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to prepare, with minimal ingredients and an easy grilling process.
• Perfect for Grilling: The sweet glaze creates a beautiful caramelization on the chicken, giving it a smoky, charred flavor that’s perfect for grilling.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether served with rice, veggies, or a side salad, this dish can be paired with many sides to create a complete meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Grilled Huli Huli Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
• 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the marinade)
• 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish, optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Pineapple Juice: The sweetness and acidity from pineapple juice balance the savory soy sauce in the marinade and tenderize the chicken, infusing it with tropical flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a deep umami flavor that enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar helps create a caramelized glaze on the chicken while complementing the tanginess of the pineapple juice.
• Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic provide aromatic, spicy depth to the marinade.
• Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the taste of the chicken.
• Cornstarch: If you prefer a thicker glaze, cornstarch can be used to thicken the marinade, giving it a more syrupy consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken:

Prepare the Marinade:

1. Mix the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Thicken the Marinade (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this to the marinade and whisk until combined. This will help the marinade thicken as it cooks.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.

Grill the Chicken:

4. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-200°C).
5. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade for glazing) and place it on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side for chicken thighs, or 5-7 minutes per side for chicken breasts, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is charred and cooked through.
6. Baste with Marinade: During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, brush the reserved marinade onto the chicken, allowing it to caramelize slightly and form a sticky glaze.

Garnish and Serve:

7. Garnish: Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.
8. Serve: Serve the grilled chicken with your choice of sides such as steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

How to Serve Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• With Steamed Rice: Serve the chicken with a bowl of steamed jasmine or white rice to soak up the delicious glaze.
• With Grilled Vegetables: Pair the chicken with grilled pineapple, bell peppers, and onions for a full tropical meal.
• With a Side Salad: A crisp salad with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette complements the savory and sweet flavors of the chicken.
• For Sandwiches or Wraps: Slice the grilled chicken and serve it in a sandwich or wrap with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of the glaze.

Additional Tips for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is perfect every time:

• Marinate for Longer Flavor: For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken for 4-8 hours or overnight. This allows the chicken to absorb more of the marinade’s flavors.
• Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and moisture. If using boneless, skinless breasts, reduce the grilling time slightly.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
• Don’t Skip Basting: Basting the chicken with the marinade in the last few minutes of grilling adds a glossy, flavorful glaze that enhances the dish.
• Grill with Care: If your grill has hot spots, rotate the chicken to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent burning the glaze.
• Make Extra Glaze: If you like extra glaze for serving, simply double the marinade recipe and set aside half to use for brushing the chicken and for dipping.

Recipe Variations for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Here are 10 variations you can try for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken:

• Spicy Huli Huli Chicken: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
• Huli Huli Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into chunks and thread them onto skewers for a fun and bite-sized version of this dish.
• Huli Huli Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks: For a more rustic version, use bone-in chicken drumsticks or thighs for the grill.
• Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Salad: Slice the grilled chicken and toss it in a salad with mixed greens, mango, and avocado for a refreshing tropical salad.
• Huli Huli Chicken Sandwich: Serve the grilled chicken on a toasted bun with coleslaw, grilled pineapple, and a drizzle of the glaze for a delicious sandwich.
• Coconut Huli Huli Chicken: Add 1/2 cup of coconut milk to the marinade for a creamy twist on the classic recipe.
• Lemon Huli Huli Chicken: Replace pineapple juice with fresh lemon juice for a tangy, citrusy variation.
• Baked Huli Huli Chicken: Bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, basting with the marinade halfway through for a non-grilled version.
• Huli Huli Chicken with Teriyaki Sauce: Use teriyaki sauce in place of soy sauce for a sweeter, more Asian-inspired glaze.
• Huli Huli Chicken with Ginger Lime: Add the zest and juice of a lime to the marinade for a citrusy zing that complements the ginger and pineapple.

Freezing and Storage for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken (before grilling) for up to 3 months. Simply place the chicken and marinade in a resealable bag and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.
• Storage: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the grill or in the microwave.

Special Equipment for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Here are some special equipment items that make preparing your Grilled Huli Huli Chicken easier:

• Grill or Grill Pan: A charcoal or gas grill works best for achieving the smoky flavor. If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan can give similar results.
• Basting Brush: A basting brush is essential for applying the marinade during grilling to achieve that beautiful glaze.
• Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer ensures that the chicken is perfectly cooked through, preventing undercooking or overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. However, bone-in chicken tends to be juicier and more flavorful when grilled.
2. Can I make this recipe without a grill?
   Yes, you can bake or pan-fry the chicken. Bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or pan-fry it in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side.
3. Can I freeze the marinade?
   Yes, you can freeze the marinade for future use. Make a batch, freeze it in a resealable bag, and thaw it when needed.
4. Can I use other fruits in the marinade?
   Yes, you can experiment with other fruits such as mango, papaya, or orange juice for different flavors in the marinade.
5. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
   You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.

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Conclusion

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a vibrant, tropical dish that captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, which typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. When grilled, the chicken becomes tender, juicy, and infused with those irresistible tropical flavors.

Perfect for a summer barbecue or a backyard cookout, this dish offers a delicious way to add some island flair to your meals. You can serve it with traditional sides like rice, grilled vegetables, or even a refreshing tropical fruit salad to complete the meal.

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, offering an easy yet impressive way to enjoy the tastes of Hawaii in your own home. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit every time.

I’d love to see how your Grilled Huli Huli Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy grilling!