Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Hawaiian cuisine right to your backyard. This recipe features a sweet and savory marinade that enhances the juicy chicken, making it perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home. With its simple preparation and mouthwatering taste, you’ll find yourself making Grilled Huli Huli Chicken time and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: The marinade comes together in just minutes, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger creates a deliciously unique taste that will impress your guests.
• Versatile Serving Options: This dish pairs well with various sides, making it ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or an outdoor party.
• Healthier Choice: Made with boneless skinless chicken thighs, this recipe is lower in fat while still being satisfying.
• Great for Meal Prep: Marinate your chicken ahead of time for quick grilling on busy days or when entertaining friends.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this amazing dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Ziplock bag
• Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving that authentic smoky flavor and perfect char on the chicken.
• Medium Bowl: Ideal for mixing your marinade thoroughly without any mess.
• Whisk: Helps combine all ingredients of the marinade evenly for maximum flavor infusion.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic

For Garnish

• sliced green onions (for garnish)

How to Make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
2. ½ cup soy sauce
3. ½ cup brown sugar
4. ⅓ cup ketchup
5. ¼ cup chicken broth
6. 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
7. 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic

Make sure all ingredients are combined well.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Reserve 1 cup of the marinade for basting later.
2. Place the remaining marinade and 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs into a ziplock bag.
3. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade.
3. Grill the chicken with the lid closed for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until no longer pink inside.
4. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. During the last 5 minutes of grilling, baste occasionally with reserved marinade.

Step 4: Serve

Once cooked, remove from grill and allow to rest briefly before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Huli Huli Chicken!

How to Serve Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your meal. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a family dinner, the following suggestions will help you create a memorable dining experience.

With Coconut Rice

• Coconut rice pairs beautifully with the sweetness of Grilled Huli Huli Chicken. The creamy texture complements the dish perfectly.

On a Tropical Salad

• Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of mixed greens with tropical fruits like mango and pineapple for a refreshing salad.

In Tacos

• Shred the grilled chicken and serve it in soft tortillas with fresh toppings such as cilantro, avocado, and lime juice for a fun twist.

Alongside Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and corn make for a colorful and healthy accompaniment that adds variety to your plate.

With Coleslaw

• A crunchy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the tender chicken. Opt for a sweet or tangy dressing to match the flavors of the marinade.

As Part of a BBQ Platter

• Include slices of Grilled Huli Huli Chicken on a platter with other grilled meats and sides for an impressive barbecue spread.

How to Perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

To ensure your Grilled Huli Huli Chicken comes out juicy and packed with flavor, follow these tips.

• Marinate Overnight: Letting the chicken marinate overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness, making every bite delicious.
• Preheat Your Grill: Always preheat your grill to medium heat before cooking. This helps achieve even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
• Use Bone-In Chicken: For additional flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs. They stay juicier during grilling compared to boneless cuts.
• Baste While Cooking: Basting with reserved marinade during the last few minutes of grilling adds extra moisture and flavor.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps retain its juices for maximum tenderness.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Huli Huli Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement its sweet and savory flavors.

1. Fried Rice: This classic dish is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the chicken while adding hearty grains to your meal.
2. Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad adds richness and balances out the flavors of the grilled chicken nicely.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide sweetness that matches well with the huli huli marinade.
4. Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is great for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate, adding an extra layer of flavor.
5. Grilled Pineapple Slices: Sweet and smoky grilled pineapple enhances the tropical vibe while complementing the chicken’s flavors.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with fresh veggies offers a nutritious option that pairs well without overpowering the main dish.
7. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings seasonal freshness and crunch; it’s simple yet satisfying alongside grilled meats.
8. Asian Slaw: A crisp Asian slaw with sesame dressing provides crunch and bright flavors that balance out the richness of the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, small mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

• Using the wrong cut of chicken: Opt for boneless skinless chicken thighs for juiciness. If you use breasts, they might dry out during grilling.
• Skipping the marination step: Marinating is essential for flavor. Always let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 3 hours or overnight for the best results.
• Not preheating the grill: Preheating ensures even cooking. Always heat your grill to medium before placing the chicken on it.
• Ignoring internal temperature: Undercooked chicken can be unsafe. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Basting too early: Basting with marinade too soon can lead to flare-ups. Only baste during the last 5 minutes of grilling for best flavor and safety.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store grilled chicken in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), checking frequently until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of oil and warm the chicken, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian dish known for its sweet and savory marinade made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, and other ingredients that create a deliciously tender and flavorful meal.

How long should I marinate Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

For optimal flavor, it’s best to marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours, but overnight is recommended if you have time.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! While this recipe features chicken, you can also try using pork or tofu as alternatives, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

What should I serve with Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can create a full Hawaiian feast by adding sides like macaroni salad or coleslaw.

How do I customize my Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

Feel free to add spices or herbs to the marinade according to your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different types of sweeteners like honey or agave syrup.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe fits any occasion perfectly. Customize it with your favorite sides and enjoy a taste of Hawaii right at home!

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Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

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Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious Hawaiian dish that brings the tropics to your table. This recipe features tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger, creating a mouthwatering flavor that’s perfect for summer barbecues or simple weeknight dinners. With easy preparation and minimal cook time, you can impress your family and friends with this delightful dish any day of the week. Serve it alongside coconut rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal that transports you straight to the islands.

• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, ginger, and garlic.
2. Reserve 1 cup of the marinade for later use. Place the remaining marinade and chicken in a ziplock bag; seal and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard any leftover marinade.
4. Grill chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Baste with reserved marinade during the last five minutes of grilling.
5. Let the chicken rest briefly before slicing. Enjoy!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 140g)
• Calories: 278
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 745mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: For enhanced flavor, marinate overnight. Use bone-in chicken for juicier results. Experiment with different herbs or spices in the marinade for added depth.