Quick Huli Huli Chicken

A Tropical Delight with Every Bite!

Imagine biting into a juicy chicken piece marinated in tropical flavors, surrounded by a hint of pineapple and a burst of smoky goodness—that’s the magic of Quick Huli Huli Chicken! This dish is so packed with flavor that it transports you straight to a Hawaiian luau, even if you’re just grilling in your backyard. A fun fact: “Huli huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the cooking method where the chicken is turned or flipped during grilling. Not only is this dish incredibly delicious, but it’s also super simple to make, taking only about 30 minutes from prep to plate. It’s perfect for a weeknight family dinner or any summer gathering when you want something fresh and flavorful. Plus, if you love Quick Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll definitely fall for this twist! Get ready for vibrant flavors and happy taste buds, all wrapped in an easy-to-make recipe that everyone will love!

What is Quick Huli Huli Chicken?

So, what’s in a name? Quick Huli Huli Chicken sounds like a dish that might require a Hawaiian language dictionary, but don’t worry! It’s quite straightforward. The ‘Huli Huli’ part refers to the way the chicken is grilled to juicy perfection while being flipped back and forth over the heat. You might even think it sounds like a fun Hawaiian dance! After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and what better way than with this flavorful dish? If you’ve ever thought about bringing the tropical vibes to your home cooking, it’s time to give this recipe a try. Dust off your grill, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring some aloha spirit into your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Quick Huli Huli Chicken

Here are three key reasons why Quick Huli Huli Chicken is about to become your new go-to recipe. First, the main highlight is the mouthwatering marinade—combining sweet pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger creates a sensational flavor explosion that’s sure to impress. Second, making this dish at home saves you money and beats takeout in both taste and quality. Plus, you can make as much as your heart desires! And last but not least, the special toppings like green onions and sesame seeds elevate the dish further, giving it that restaurant-quality edge. If you love the smoky taste of barbecued chicken, this recipe is a must-try. Ready to spice up your dinner menu? Let’s dive into making it!

How to Make Quick Huli Huli Chicken

Quick Overview

Quick Huli Huli Chicken is exceptionally easy to whip up and offers incredible taste in minimal time. The best part? You’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve in just about 30 minutes! With its juicy, tender chicken and a sticky-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and those of your loved ones.

Key Ingredients for Quick Huli Huli Chicken

To make this tropical delight, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, garlic, vegetable oil, and black pepper. Whisk until the sugar dissolves.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grates with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
   Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has beautiful grill marks.
5. Baste with Marinade:
   Use a brush to apply some of the reserved marinade on the chicken while grilling for added flavor, but avoid cross-contamination by not using the same brush for raw chicken.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

What to Serve with Quick Huli Huli Chicken

This amazing chicken dish pairs well with various side dishes that complement its tropical flavors. Consider serving it alongside coconut rice for an island touch, refreshing pineapple slaw for some crunch, or stir-fried vegetables for a colorful plate. A cold glass of iced tea or a tropical fruit punch would round out the meal perfectly, providing a delightful balance of flavors.

Top Tips for Perfecting Quick Huli Huli Chicken

To elevate your Quick Huli Huli Chicken experience, here are some practical tips:

• Marinating Time: If you have more time, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight for richer flavors.
• Grilling Temperature: Ensure your grill is at the right temperature; too hot can cause burning, while too cool can lead to drying out.
• Meat Thermometer: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through without overcooking.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have thighs, breast or drumsticks can also work great! Just monitor the cooking time accordingly.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (if that’s even possible!), storing Quick Huli Huli Chicken is a breeze. Simply place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken, ensuring it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, where it can last for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently in the microwave, or for an even better taste, warm them on the grill, adding a little extra marinade to freshen up the flavor.

There you go! With its easily accessible ingredients and simple steps, Quick Huli Huli Chicken is not only a hit but a fantastic dish to expand your culinary repertoire. So, roll up those sleeves and let’s make your next meal a flavorful Hawaiian escape!

Quick Huli Huli Chicken

A flavorful, tropical chicken dish marinated with pineapple juice and soy sauce, perfect for grilling.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Hawaiian, Tropical

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the marinade

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the chicken

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 bunch green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, garlic, vegetable oil, and black pepper. Whisk until the sugar dissolves.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Cooking

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grates with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has beautiful grill marks.
3. Use a brush to apply some of the reserved marinade on the chicken while grilling for added flavor, but avoid cross-contamination by not using the same brush for raw chicken.
4. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight. Ensure grill temperature is correct for even cooking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.