Huli Huli Chicken is a traditional Hawaiian dish renowned for its sweet and savory flavor profile. This recipe combines tender chicken with a delicious marinade made from soy sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar, creating a dish that is not only satisfying but also perfect for summer grilling. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply craving a taste of the islands, this Huli Huli Chicken will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
– 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
– 1 cup soy sauce
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a marinating time of at least 1 hour. Cooking time is around 25-30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 chicken thigh with marinade): 350 calories, 20g fat, 15g carbohydrates, 30g protein, 900mg sodium. Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredient brands.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and black pepper to create the marinade.
2. Place chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or bowl.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
4. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight).
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
6. Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting.
7. Place chicken on the grill, skin side down, and cook for 10-12 minutes.
8. Flip the chicken and baste with the reserved marinade.
9. Cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
10. Remove from the grill, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with chopped green onions.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option. For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce. Additionally, you can use agave nectar or honey in place of brown sugar for a natural sweetener.
Serving and Pairings
Huli Huli Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Consider serving it with a tropical fruit salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge before grilling.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid over-marinating chicken, as it can become too salty.
– Ensure the grill is preheated to prevent sticking.
– Don’t skip the resting period after cooking; it helps retain moisture.
– Use a meat thermometer for accurate cooking.
– Always baste with reserved marinade only while cooking, not after.
Helpful Tips
– For extra flavor, add crushed red pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
– Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
– Try using a grill basket for smaller pieces of chicken.
– Experiment with adding different fruit juices to the marinade for unique flavors.
FAQs
What is Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian dish made from marinated chicken that is grilled to perfection. The marinade typically includes soy sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar, resulting in a sweet and savory flavor.
Can I make Huli Huli Chicken in the oven?
Yes, you can bake Huli Huli Chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Is Huli Huli Chicken gluten-free?
Traditional Huli Huli Chicken is not gluten-free due to soy sauce. However, you can use gluten-free tamari as a substitute to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. However, marinating overnight will enhance the taste even more.
What sides go well with Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken pairs well with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a tropical fruit salsa for a refreshing twist.
Conclusion
Huli Huli Chicken is a delightful dish that encapsulates the essence of Hawaiian cuisine. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe invites you to savor a taste of the islands right at home.
Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Place chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or bowl.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting.
- Place chicken on the grill, skin side down, and cook for 10-12 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and baste with the reserved marinade.
- Cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the grill, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with chopped green onions.