Huli Huli Chicken

A delicious Hawaiian barbecue favorite, Huli Huli Chicken is perfect for any gathering. This recipe features juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory mixture, grilled to perfection alongside caramelized pineapple. Whether it’s a family dinner or a summer barbecue, this dish brings tropical flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a flavorful meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful Marinade: The blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice creates a delightful balance of sweet and savory.
• Versatile Cooking Options: You can grill the chicken or bake it in the oven—perfect for all cooking styles.
• Ideal for Gatherings: This recipe serves four, making it great for family dinners or outdoor parties.
• Tropical Twist: The addition of grilled pineapple adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Huli Huli Chicken is straightforward with the right tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or oven
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or oven: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the chicken while enhancing its flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients to create the marinade efficiently.
• Whisk or spoon: Helps in blending the marinade ingredients thoroughly for even flavor distribution.

Ingredients

To make this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:

For the Marinade

• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken

• 4 pieces chicken thighs (Can substitute with drumsticks or breasts.)

For Grilling

• as needed pineapple slices (For grilling.)

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine all marinade ingredients:
1. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
2. Whisk until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish.
2. Pour marinade over chicken ensuring all pieces are coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish; refrigerate for at least two hours (or overnight for best results).

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). If using an oven, preheat to 375°F as well.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

1. Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess marinade.
2. Place chicken on grill grates; cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. In the last few minutes of cooking, add pineapple slices to grill until caramelized.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Huli Huli Chicken with grilled pineapple!

How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you are hosting a barbecue or enjoying a family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serve the chicken over a fluffy bed of white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Pair with an assortment of grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions for added flavor and nutrition.

In Tacos

• Shred the grilled chicken and serve it in soft tortillas topped with fresh salsa and avocado for a fun twist.

With Coleslaw

• A side of crunchy coleslaw adds texture and balances the sweetness of the chicken perfectly.

How to Perfect Huli Huli Chicken

To ensure your Huli Huli Chicken turns out succulent and flavorful, follow these tips for perfection.

• Marinate longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Grill at medium heat: Cooking on medium heat allows the chicken to cook evenly without burning.
• Baste while grilling: Brush some marinade on the chicken while it grills for extra moisture and flavor.
• Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain its juices before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Huli Huli Chicken

Complement your Huli Huli Chicken with these delightful side dishes that enhance the overall dining experience.

1. Coconut Rice: This fragrant rice dish pairs beautifully with the sweet flavors of the chicken. Cook rice with coconut milk for added richness.
2. Grilled Pineapple: Sweet, caramelized pineapple slices add a tropical touch. Grill until golden brown for the best flavor.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a nutritious balance.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter makes for a classic summer side that everyone loves.
5. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad complements the grilled flavors of the chicken while adding comfort to your meal.
6. Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette brings freshness and crunch to your plate.
7. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a deliciously sweet contrast to savory grilled chicken.
8. Macaroni Salad: A chilled macaroni salad adds creaminess and is perfect for outdoor gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Huli Huli Chicken, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the Marinade Time: Not allowing enough time for the chicken to marinate can lead to bland flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
• Using Low-Quality Soy Sauce: Poor-quality soy sauce can affect the overall taste of your dish. Opt for a good brand that enhances the flavor profile.
• Neglecting to Preheat the Grill: Placing chicken on a cold grill can cause uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill before adding the chicken.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Not Basting with Marinade: Forgetting to baste while grilling means missing out on extra flavor and moisture. Brush the chicken with marinade during cooking for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Huli Huli Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Huli Huli Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, basting with a bit of marinade until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Huli Huli Chicken.

What is Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian barbecue dish that features grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! While traditional recipes use chicken, you can also substitute with turkey, beef, or lamb according to your preference.

How do I know when my Huli Huli Chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

What can I serve with Huli Huli Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. The sweetness of the chicken complements many sides beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Huli Huli Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. Its sweet and savory flavors make it suitable for any occasion, from family dinners to summer barbecues. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite spices or experimenting with different marinades!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Huli Huli Chicken

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Huli Huli Chicken is a delightful Hawaiian barbecue dish that brings a taste of the tropics right to your table. This recipe features juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice, then grilled to perfection alongside caramelized pineapple slices. Perfect for summer barbecues or family dinners, Huli Huli Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor that everyone will love.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 4 pieces chicken thighs (or drumsticks/breasts)
• Pineapple slices for grilling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
2. Place chicken in a resealable bag or dish and pour marinade over it. Ensure all pieces are coated. Refrigerate for at least two hours (overnight preferred).
3. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat (375°F).
4. Remove chicken from marinade (discard excess) and grill for about 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. In the last few minutes of cooking, add pineapple slices to the grill until caramelized.
6. Let chicken rest before serving with grilled pineapple.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 105mg