Imagine biting into juicy, sweet, and smoky chicken that reminds you of sunny days by the beach. That’s what you get with Juicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken! This dish is a true taste of the islands and perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also easy to make! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a great meal that brings everyone together. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills. You’ll love the flavors, and so will they!
How to Make Juicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: fresh pineapple rings, grilled
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended. The aroma of ginger and pineapple juice will transport you straight to the islands!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Reserve the other half of the marinade for basting. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For a deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. Pro Tip: Marinating overnight not only enhances the flavor but also makes the chicken incredibly tender.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a grill, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for a baking option.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the used portion. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully. Flip the chicken and continue grilling.
Step 5: Baste Generously
While the chicken cooks, brush it with the reserved marinade frequently. This step is where the magic happens! The sauce caramelizes, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze. Continue flipping and basting for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Optional: Grill fresh pineapple rings alongside the chicken. The natural sugars caramelize, adding a delightful burst of sweetness to each bite.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a platter and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve with the grilled pineapple for an extra tropical flair. Pair with steamed rice or a crisp green salad, and enjoy the island vibes!
How to Serve Juicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Serve this delicious chicken warm, topped with green onions. Add some grilled pineapple on the side for a sweet touch. It goes great with rice or salad!
How to Store Juicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool down, then store it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving!
Tips to Make Juicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
- For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight.
- Don’t skip the basting step; it makes the glaze stick.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best taste, especially the garlic and ginger.
Variation
If you want a different flavor, you can use other cuts of chicken, like breasts or drumsticks. Enjoy this recipe with different marinades; try a spicy version if you like heat!
Print
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (including marination)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken features tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, then grilled to perfection with continuous basting to create a sticky, caramelized glaze. This authentic island dish brings the taste of Hawaii to your table.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: fresh pineapple rings, grilled
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Reserve the other half of the marinade for basting.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For a deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
- Fire up your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a grill, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the used portion. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp up.
- Flip the chicken and continue grilling. While the chicken cooks, brush it with the reserved marinade frequently.
- Continue flipping and basting for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- If desired, grill fresh pineapple rings alongside the chicken.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a platter and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve with the grilled pineapple.
Notes
- Marinating overnight not only enhances the flavor but also makes the chicken incredibly tender.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C).
- The sauce caramelizes during cooking, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with coconut rice or a fresh green salad.
- Grilling fresh pineapple rings alongside the chicken adds a delightful burst of sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish in the oven?
Yes, you can! Just preheat your oven to 375°F, place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! You can cook it on a stovetop skillet over medium-high heat or bake it in the oven.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as chicken breasts might cook a bit faster than thighs.
Enjoy making your Juicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken! It will surely become a favorite.
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