When I think of summer barbecues, Huli Huli Chicken always comes to mind. This Hawaiian delight is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings friends and family together.
The sweet and savory marinade seeps into the chicken, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re looking for a quick solution for a busy day or a dish to impress your loved ones, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
Let’s dive into the world of Huli Huli Chicken and discover how to make this flavorful grilled chicken dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Huli Huli Chicken
Huli Huli Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights and weekend gatherings alike.
It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort.
The sweet and tangy flavors dance on your palate, making every bite a delight.
Plus, it cooks up quickly on the grill, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of friends and family.
Trust me, this dish will become a staple in your summer repertoire!
Ingredients for Huli Huli Chicken
Creating the perfect Huli Huli Chicken starts with gathering the right ingredients.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These are juicy and flavorful, perfect for grilling. The skin helps keep the meat moist.
Soy sauce: This adds a savory depth to the marinade, balancing the sweetness of other ingredients.
Ketchup: A surprising addition that brings a tangy sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Brown sugar: This caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving the chicken a lovely glaze.
Pineapple juice: A key player in achieving that tropical taste, it tenderizes the chicken while adding sweetness.
Rice vinegar: This adds a touch of acidity, brightening the flavors and cutting through the richness.
Vegetable oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and keeps it from sticking to the grill.
Minced garlic and ginger: These aromatics infuse the chicken with a warm, fragrant flavor that’s hard to resist.
Sesame oil: Just a hint of this nutty oil elevates the dish, giving it a unique twist.
Black pepper: A simple seasoning that adds a bit of heat and depth.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick, these can be added to spice things up.
Green onions and sesame seeds: These are for garnish, adding a fresh crunch and visual appeal to your dish.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing.
With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious Huli Huli Chicken that will impress everyone at your next gathering!
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken
Making Huli Huli Chicken is a straightforward process that will have your taste buds dancing.
Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by grabbing a large bowl.
Whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Make sure everything is well combined.
The aroma will already start to transport you to a Hawaiian paradise!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Now, it’s time to coat the chicken thighs in that delicious marinade.
Place the chicken in the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully covered.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
If you have time, letting it marinate overnight will deepen the flavors even more.
Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While the chicken is soaking up all that goodness, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
This is crucial for achieving that perfect char.
If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn until they’re covered with white ash.
For gas grills, simply turn on the burners and close the lid for about 10-15 minutes.
You want a hot grill to sear the chicken beautifully!
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Once your grill is ready, remove the chicken from the marinade.
Let the excess marinade drip off, but don’t toss it just yet; you’ll need it for basting.
Place the chicken on the grill, skin side down, and cook for about 6-7 minutes.
Flip the chicken and baste it with the reserved marinade.
Grill for another 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
The sizzling sound will make your mouth water!
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
This step is essential; it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
Once rested, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
This adds a fresh crunch and a pop of color to your dish.
Now, you’re ready to serve up some delicious Huli Huli Chicken!
Tips for Success
For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if possible.
Keep an eye on the grill temperature; too hot can burn the chicken.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
Don’t skip the resting time; it makes a big difference in juiciness.
Experiment with adding your favorite spices to the marinade for a personal touch.
Equipment Needed
Grill: A gas or charcoal grill works well. If you don’t have one, a grill pan can do the trick.
Large bowl: For mixing the marinade. Any mixing bowl will suffice.
Whisk: To combine the marinade ingredients. A fork can also work in a pinch.
Meat thermometer: To check the chicken’s doneness. If you don’t have one, just cut into the chicken to check for doneness.
Variations
Spicy Huli Huli Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade for an extra kick.
Teriyaki Twist: Substitute soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, thicker glaze.
Vegetarian Option: Use firm tofu or portobello mushrooms marinated in the same sauce for a delicious plant-based alternative.
Grilled Pineapple: Add pineapple slices to the grill alongside the chicken for a sweet, caramelized treat.
Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into the marinade for a fresh flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
Pair Huli Huli Chicken with steamed jasmine rice for a classic combination.
Grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers add color and nutrition.
A refreshing cucumber salad balances the sweetness of the chicken.
Serve with a cold beer or tropical cocktails for a festive touch.
Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.
FAQs about Huli Huli Chicken
What is Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian grilled chicken dish marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. The name “Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the way the chicken is flipped on the grill for even cooking.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for their juiciness, you can use chicken breasts. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as breasts may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least one hour. However, if you can let it sit overnight, the flavors will deepen, making your Huli Huli Chicken even more delicious.
Can I make Huli Huli Chicken in the oven?
Yes! If grilling isn’t an option, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, basting with the marinade halfway through for added flavor.
What should I serve with Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. For drinks, consider serving it with a cold beer or a tropical cocktail to enhance the Hawaiian vibe!
Final Thoughts
Huli Huli Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings joy to the table.
The sweet and savory flavors create a symphony that dances on your taste buds, making every bite a celebration.
Whether you’re grilling for family or friends, this dish fosters connection and laughter.
As the aroma wafts through the air, it invites everyone to gather around, sharing stories and creating memories.
So fire up that grill, embrace the Hawaiian spirit, and let Huli Huli Chicken become a cherished part of your culinary adventures!
Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for summer barbecues.
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for more flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting.
Place the chicken on the grill, skin side down, and cook for about 6-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and baste with the reserved marinade. Grill for another 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
For a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.
Serve with steamed rice and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
