Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian favorite known for its sweet and savory flavors. This simple grilled dish features a delicious marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, making it perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice to create the marinade. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, brushing frequently with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and has a glossy glaze.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke to the marinade.
- Use chicken drumsticks or wings as alternatives for variety.
- If you don’t have a grill, broil the chicken in the oven, brushing with marinade to achieve caramelization.
Storage
Store leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the glaze intact and the chicken moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, the marinade can be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before use, making meal prep easier.
Is it necessary to baste the chicken while grilling?
Basting helps keep the chicken moist and enhances the glaze, so it’s recommended but not mandatory if you prefer a simpler approach.
PrintHuli Huli Chicken Recipe
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken recipe featuring a sweet and savory marinade made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice. The chicken is marinated to absorb the rich flavors and then grilled to perfection, resulting in a deliciously glazed and juicy dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts or a taste of the islands any time of year.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 to 6 chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup pineapple juice, preferably fresh
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice. Stir the mixture until the brown sugar is completely dissolved to create a balanced sweet and savory marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight to maximize flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F. Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with the reserved marinade to build a sticky glaze and keep the chicken moist.
- Check for Doneness: Grill until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The skin should be caramelized and slightly charred with a beautiful glossy glaze.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Huli Huli Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh pineapple salsa for a tropical meal.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the reserved marinade until it reduces and thickens before brushing on the chicken during the final grilling stages.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- To avoid flare-ups on the grill, trim excess fat from the chicken.
- This recipe can be adapted for broiling or oven grilling if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian chicken, grilled chicken, pineapple chicken, soy sauce chicken, barbecue chicken, summer grilling
