Huli Huli Chicken

A Taste of Aloha: Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Welcome to the tropical flavors of the Hawaiian islands with this delicious Huli Huli Chicken recipe! If you’re in the mood for juicy, succulent chicken with a delightful sweet and tangy glaze, you’re in the right place. This dish has a rich history, traditionally cooked over an open flame at luaus and is known for its irresistible charred flavor. Did you know that “Huli” means “to turn” in Hawaiian? This name comes from the method where the chicken is turned frequently during cooking to achieve that perfect glaze and smoky flavor.

What makes Huli Huli Chicken so special is its simplicity—it’s quick to prepare and makes for a fantastic family meal any night of the week. It’s as easy as marinading the chicken, throwing it on the grill, and savoring the irresistible aroma that escapes your kitchen. If you love BBQ Chicken, you will adore Huli Huli Chicken for its unique taste and flair. So, let’s dive into this delightful, mouthwatering recipe and bring a bit of the islands to your dining table!

What is Huli Huli Chicken?

Have you ever wondered why this flavorful dish got its quirky name? Well, “Huli Huli Chicken” is a fun and catchy title that surely brings a smile! The term “Huli” refers to the flipping method used while grilling. It’s not just a name; it’s practically an invitation to turn and dance with your food! It’s a bit like saying, “Hey, let’s make mealtime a little less boring and a lot more fun!” Plus, who can resist the classic saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? With Huli Huli Chicken on the menu, hearts are bound to flutter! So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with a dish that brings a taste of Hawaii straight to your table?

Why You’ll Love This Huli Huli Chicken

Let’s talk about why this Huli Huli Chicken should be on your dinner table tonight. First up, the star of the show is undoubtedly the chicken, which becomes irresistibly juicy and tender after being marinated in a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. The second highlight is the cost-saving benefits; why spend a fortune on take-out when you can whip up this gourmet-feeling dish at home for a fraction of the price? Plus, the delightful sauce can be customized. You can add some pineapple chunks, sesame seeds, or even chopped green onions to elevate its flavor and presentation. If you love Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll find Huli Huli Chicken as delightful, if not more! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and make this mouthwatering dish for dinner tonight!

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken

Quick Overview

Making Huli Huli Chicken is a breeze! Its simplicity, combined with a rich, tangy flavor, offers an easy way to impress your family or guests. With a prep time of about 15 minutes and a grilling time of roughly 25 minutes, your complete dinner can be served in under an hour. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious without the fuss.

Key Ingredients for Huli Huli Chicken

To make this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, for up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to reach an even temperature.
4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and place it on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, brushing with reserved marinade occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

What to Serve Huli Huli Chicken With

Now that you have your scrumptious Huli Huli Chicken ready, what should you serve it with? Here are a few suggestions:

• Steamed rice or coconut rice: The base pairs beautifully, soaking up that sweet glaze.
• Grilled vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and corn on the cob make vibrant and tasty accompaniments.
• A refreshing salad: A watermelon or cucumber salad can add a cool crunch and balance the flavors of the chicken.
• Tropical Drinks: A fresh coconut water or a Mai Tai would make an excellent pairing, bringing a complete Aloha experience to your meal!

Top Tips for Perfecting Huli Huli Chicken

• Marination Time: For a more intense flavor, marinate your chicken overnight.
• Grilling Technique: Ensure you turn the chicken regularly during cooking to prevent burning and promote even grilling.
• Don’t Waste Marinade: Feel free to brush chicken with reserved marinade during grilling for a more savory flavor.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: If you don’t have access to a grill, use a grill pan on the stove or bake in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers (which is rarely the case because it’s so delicious), they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. You can also freeze any remaining cooked chicken; it will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Now that you have the full scoop on how to create this tantalizing Huli Huli Chicken dish, it’s time to gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and impress everyone around your table with a taste of the islands. Happy cooking!

Huli Huli Chicken

Experience the tropical flavors of Hawaii with this juicy, succulent Huli Huli Chicken, marinated and grilled to perfection with a sweet and tangy glaze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Barbecue, Hawaiian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Marinade

• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

For the Chicken

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• chopped green onions (for garnish)
• sesame seeds (for garnish)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, for up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to reach an even temperature.

Grilling

1. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and place it on the grill.
2. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, brushing with reserved marinade occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serving

1. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Slice and serve, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

For an intense flavor, marinate your chicken overnight. Ensure you turn the chicken regularly while grilling to prevent burning. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.