Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried Huli Huli Chicken yet, you’re in for a treat! This delightful Hawaiian BBQ dish is a flavor explosion, featuring juicy grilled chicken smothered in a sweet and savory marinade that will have your taste buds dancing. I remember the first time I had this at a family luau; the sun was setting, and the smell of the chicken sizzling on the grill filled the air. Everyone gathered around, plates piled high with rice and fresh salad, and we couldn’t get enough of that mouthwatering chicken! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll feel like you’re on a tropical vacation, no plane ticket required!
Ingredients for Huli Huli Chicken
To whip up this delicious Huli Huli Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless for the juiciest results
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, which adds that savory umami punch
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, for a touch of sweetness
- 1/4 cup ketchup, bringing a tangy flavor that balances the dish
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice, the tropical essence that makes it Hawaiian!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, to infuse some aromatic goodness
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced, for that zesty kick
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil, which adds a lovely nutty flavor
- Green onions, chopped, for a fresh garnish
How to Prepare Huli Huli Chicken
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, grab a mixing bowl and combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. Give it a good whisk until everything is well blended; this marinade is where the magic happens!
Now, take your chicken thighs and place them in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour that gorgeous marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour. But if you can swing it, overnight is even better for maximum flavor!
Once you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side. You’ll know it’s done when it’s nicely charred and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Finally, garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Voila! You’ve got a plate of Huli Huli Chicken that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation – perfect for busy weeknights!
- Bold and flavorful taste that brings a taste of Hawaii to your table
- Juicy, tender chicken that grills to perfection
- Made with wholesome ingredients for a healthier meal option
- Versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with rice, salad, or grilled veggies
- Impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing BBQ favorite
Tips for Success with Huli Huli Chicken
To make sure your Huli Huli Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but if you can let it sit overnight, oh wow, the flavor gets even better! When grilling, keep an eye on the heat; medium-high is ideal to get those beautiful grill marks without burning. Don’t flip the chicken too often—let it sear for those delicious caramelized edges. Serve it with a side of fluffy rice or a crisp salad to balance out the sweetness. And remember, a sprinkle of chopped green onions not only adds color but a fresh crunch too!
Variations of Huli Huli Chicken
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this Huli Huli Chicken! For a spicy kick, try adding some sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can even swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, just be careful not to overcook them! Feeling like a seafood twist? Shrimp works beautifully with this marinade, too. And for a vegetarian version, toss some firm tofu in the marinade and grill until golden. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting and find your own favorite version!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Huli Huli Chicken
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your Huli Huli Chicken, let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat the chicken in the microwave for a quick fix or pop it back on the grill to get that lovely char back. Just make sure it’s heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving!
Nutritional Information for Huli Huli Chicken
When you indulge in this tropical delight, you can feel good about what you’re eating! Each serving of Huli Huli Chicken, which is one chicken thigh, packs approximately 280 calories. You’ll get around 14g of fat, with 3g being saturated. It’s also a great source of protein, offering about 25g per serving! Plus, with 18g of carbohydrates and just 10g of sugar, it’s a balanced meal that won’t weigh you down. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so always check your labels for the most accurate info!
FAQ about Huli Huli Chicken
Got questions about making Huli Huli Chicken? I’ve got you covered! One common question is, “Can I use a different protein?” Absolutely! This marinade works wonderfully with pork or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Another question I often hear is, “What if I don’t have a grill?” No worries! You can cook this in a skillet or under the broiler; just watch it closely to avoid burning. And if you’re looking for a sweeter touch, try adding a bit more pineapple juice or even some crushed pineapple to the marinade. You can always adjust the flavor to suit your taste buds!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this crockpot version of Huli Huli Chicken! You can also explore these cheesy bacon ranch potatoes as a perfect side dish!
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Huli Huli Chicken: 7 Mouthwatering Reasons to Try It
- Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian BBQ dish featuring grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Marinate chicken in the mixture for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- For best results, marinate overnight.
- Serve with rice or salad.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian BBQ, grilled chicken