Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian dish known for its smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. This simple grilled chicken recipe features a delicious marinade made with soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and garlic, perfect for a flavorful outdoor meal.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting.
- Step 4: Grill the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
- Step 5: Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips & Variations
- Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker grilling and extra juiciness.
- For a smoky flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke to the marinade.
- Serve with grilled pineapple slices or steamed rice for a complete Hawaiian experience.
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 maintain moisture without drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts for Huli Huli Chicken?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used; however, they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Marinate longer and watch grilling time closely to keep them moist.
Is it necessary to baste the chicken while grilling?
Basting with the reserved marinade adds extra flavor and moisture, helping to create a beautifully glazed finish, so it is highly recommended.
PrintHuli Huli Chicken Recipe
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and garlic, then grilled to perfection while being basted with the flavorful marinade. This recipe brings the tropical flavors of Hawaii right to your backyard grill with a simple, delicious method.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 3 to 4 pounds chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and minced garlic. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved, creating a balanced sweet and savory marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat, preparing it for direct grilling of the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting. Place the chicken pieces on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is nicely charred.
- Baste While Grilling: Regularly brush the reserved marinade over the chicken while grilling to enhance the flavor and keep the meat moist and caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices and maximize flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is marinated for a minimum of 2 hours for best flavor; overnight marination is ideal.
- To avoid cross-contamination, do not baste with the marinade that has touched raw chicken unless it is boiled first.
- Serve with steamed rice and grilled vegetables for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal.
- You can use boneless or bone-in chicken according to preference.
Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian chicken recipe, grilled chicken, sweet and savory chicken, pineapple chicken marinade
