Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful Hawaiian dish known for its sweet and savory glaze. This easy grilled chicken recipe combines a tangy pineapple-soy marinade that caramelizes beautifully over the grill.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds chicken pieces
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and minced garlic to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place the chicken pieces in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid for basting.
- Step 4: Grill the chicken, turning occasionally and basting frequently with the reserved marinade, until cooked through and nicely caramelized, about 25-30 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier meat and quicker cooking.
- For a smoky flavor, add a handful of wood chips to the grill.
- Brush extra marinade on during grilling, but avoid using marinade that has touched raw chicken as a serving sauce unless boiled first.
- Add ginger or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra kick.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture. You can also freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I cook Huli Huli Chicken indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes, basting occasionally with the marinade for similar flavor.
Is it safe to use the marinade as a sauce?
Only if you boil the marinade first to kill any bacteria from the raw chicken. Otherwise, use reserved marinade for basting during cooking but do not serve it raw.
PrintHuli Huli Chicken Recipe
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken recipe featuring a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and garlic. The chicken is marinated to absorb the sweet and savory flavors, then grilled to perfection while being basted with the sauce for a caramelized, juicy finish. This dish delivers a delicious tropical taste reminiscent of traditional Hawaiian barbecue.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Chicken
- 4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lbs)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved to create the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow deep flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). Clean the grates and oil them to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting. Place the chicken skin side down on the grill. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally to prevent burning.
- Baste and Cook Through: While grilling, baste the chicken generously with the reserved marinade every few minutes. Continue to grill until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the surface is caramelized and slightly charred, about 20-25 minutes total.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices and enhances flavor.
Notes
- To ensure food safety, discard any marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken and do not use it as a sauce unless boiled first.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken works best for juicy, flavorful results, but boneless can be used for a quicker cook time.
- You can add ginger or a splash of sesame oil to the marinade for extra depth of flavor.
- Serve Huli Huli chicken with steamed rice and grilled pineapple slices for an authentic Hawaiian meal experience.
Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Pineapple Chicken, Hawaiian BBQ, Marinated Chicken
