If you love vibrant, flavorful dishes that capture the spirit of the islands, you are going to adore this Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe. This Hawaiian-inspired delight brings together a perfectly balanced marinade of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that caramelize beautifully over the grill. The result is tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with tropical pineapple, rich soy sauce, and a hint of smoky paprika that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re firing up the barbecue for a weekend gathering or craving a simple but memorable weeknight dinner, this recipe shines with its bold taste and inviting, colorful presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe uses ingredients that are simple yet essential, each playing a key role in creating the dish’s iconic sweet and smoky flavor. From the tangy pineapple juice to the fragrant ginger and garlic, these components come together seamlessly for an authentic taste of Hawaii.
- Two pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Choose thighs for their juicy texture and rich flavor that stand up well to grilling.
- One half cup soy sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness, forming the base of the marinade.
- One half cup ketchup: Provides sweetness and a subtle tang, helping to thicken and caramelize the sauce.
- One third cup brown sugar: Sweetens and balances the savory ingredients while promoting that beautiful caramelized crust.
- One quarter cup rice vinegar: Brings brightness and a gentle acidity to brighten the flavors.
- One quarter cup pineapple juice: The tropical punch that truly defines Huli Huli chicken, tenderizing the meat with natural enzymes.
- Two tablespoons grated fresh ginger: Offers warmth and zest to elevate every bite.
- Three cloves garlic, minced: Delivers aromatic depth and savory complexity.
- One tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a toasty nuttiness that complements the other flavors perfectly.
- One teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds subtle smoky undertones that replicate the grilled essence.
- One half teaspoon black pepper: For a touch of mild heat and spice.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish: These brighten and add texture, making the dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a medium bowl until everything is smooth and well combined. This flavorful marinade is the heart of your dish, setting the stage for that signature balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and smoky that defines the Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Reserve about one third cup of the marinade for basting later on. Then, add the chicken thighs to a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag and pour the remaining marinade over them. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least two hours to allow the chicken to soak up those incredible island flavors. For an even deeper taste, marinate overnight if you have the time.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Grill
Get your grill heated to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for achieving those beautiful grill marks and ensuring your chicken doesn’t tear when you flip it.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with the reserved marinade to build a luscious glaze. Keep an eye on the heat to get a nice char without burning the sugars. When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and boasts a caramelized exterior, it’s ready to come off the grill.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes after grilling to let the juices settle in. Then slice and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds — these final touches add a fresh crunch and nutty aroma that complete the dish.
How to Serve Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the green onions and sesame seeds, feel free to add thinly sliced red chili or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and a little extra kick. These garnishes highlight the freshness of the dish and make every bite more exciting visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
If you want to keep things simple and authentic, serve your grilled chicken alongside fluffy white rice or grilled pineapple slices. The pineapple pairs beautifully with the chicken’s marinade and adds a juicy sweetness that echoes the tropical theme. Alternatively, a crisp green salad with a citrus dressing can add brightness and balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe in tacos or lettuce wraps topped with a crunchy slaw and a drizzle of mayo or spicy aioli. You can also slice the chicken thinly and toss it into a vibrant grain bowl with veggies, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh, modern take on this classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extras (which is rare because this chicken is so good), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftover grilled Huli Huli chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. To preserve the best texture, label the packaging with the date and try to consume it within this time frame.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or a light brushing of leftover marinade to keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the meat. Proper reheating preserves that delightful grilled flavor and juicy tenderness of the original Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work if you prefer white meat, but be mindful to reduce the grilling time slightly to prevent drying out. Thighs are generally juicier and more forgiving on the grill, which is why they’re preferred for this recipe.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it can be gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. This keeps the integrity of the Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe while accommodating dietary needs.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Definitely! The marinade can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This can even enhance the flavors as the ingredients meld together, making your chicken even more delicious.
How do I achieve that smoky flavor without a grill?
If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop or broil the chicken in your oven. Adding smoked paprika helps replicate the smoky notes, and you can brush the chicken with marinade to build layers of flavor while cooking indoors.
What’s the origin of Huli Huli chicken?
Huli Huli chicken originated in Hawaii and traditionally involves basting chicken over an open flame with a sweet and savory sauce. The name “huli” means “to turn” in Hawaiian, referencing the technique of turning the chicken as it cooks to achieve even caramelization.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way the Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe captures the essence of Hawaiian flavors in such a simple and approachable way. Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish is bound to become a standout favorite. So grab your grill, whip up this irresistible marinade, and transport yourself to island paradise with every juicy, caramelized bite. You won’t regret it!
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Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy pineapple-soy sauce blend, then grilled to perfection with a smoky char. This flavorful recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, smoked paprika, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Reserve Marinade for Basting: Set aside one-third cup of the prepared marinade to use later for basting the chicken during grilling.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least two hours or up to overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade to enhance moisture and flavor. Grill until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
- Serve and Garnish: Slice the chicken as desired, then garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Accompany with your choice of rice, grilled pineapple, or a simple green salad.
Notes
- For extra caramelization, brush additional reserved marinade on the chicken during the final minute of grilling.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs; however, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
- This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice, grilled pineapple slices, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
