Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful dish that brings the taste of Hawaii right to your backyard. This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. The sweet and savory marinade infuses the chicken with amazing flavors, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or planning a festive feast, this grilled chicken will surely be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: With just 10 minutes of active preparation, you can have your chicken marinating in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger creates a deliciously unique flavor profile that stands out.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with rice, salad, or in tacos for a variety of meal options.
• Made for Sharing: This recipe yields 10 servings, making it ideal for gatherings and parties.
• Easy to Grill: Simple grilling instructions make this recipe approachable even for beginners.

Tools and Preparation

To make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, you will need some essential tools. These items help ensure everything goes smoothly from prep to grill.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Ziplock bag
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Grill

Importance of Each Tool

• Ziplock bag: Perfect for marinating the chicken evenly and keeping the flavors locked in.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing the marinade ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Ensures all components of the marinade blend well together without clumps.
• Grill: A key tool for achieving that smoky flavor and perfect grill marks.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)

For the Marinade

• 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic

Garnish

• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

How to Make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. Whisk together 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice, ½ cup soy sauce, ½ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup ketchup, ¼ cup chicken broth, 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger, and 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic in a medium bowl.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Reserve 1 cup of the sauce for basting later.
2. Add the remaining sauce and the chicken thighs into a ziplock bag.
3. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and close the lid.
3. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Baste occasionally with reserved marinade during the last five minutes of grilling.
5. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Huli Huli Chicken!

How to Serve Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful dish that can be served in various ways. This versatile chicken pairs well with many sides and garnishes, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal.

With Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture complements the juicy chicken and absorbs the delicious marinade.
• Coconut Rice: Add a tropical twist by cooking rice in coconut milk for a rich flavor that pairs beautifully.

In Tacos

• Huli Huli Chicken Tacos: Shred the grilled chicken and serve in corn tortillas with fresh toppings like cabbage and avocado.
• Tropical Salsa Tacos: Top your tacos with mango or pineapple salsa for an extra burst of flavor.

As Salad Toppers

• Grilled Chicken Salad: Slice the grilled chicken over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a refreshing meal.
• Huli Huli Chicken Caesar Salad: Elevate the classic Caesar with grilled chicken, croutons, and creamy dressing.

How to Perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

To achieve the perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, consider these helpful tips. Each factor contributes to enhancing the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Marinate Longer: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for deeper flavors. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
• Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill reaches medium heat before placing the chicken on it. A properly heated grill helps create those beautiful grill marks.
• Baste Frequently: Use reserved marinade to baste the chicken during grilling. This keeps it moist while adding an extra layer of flavor.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Let It Rest: After grilling, let your chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Grilled Huli Huli Chicken enhances your meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this tasty dish.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the marinade.
2. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter is a classic summer side that pairs well with grilled flavors.
3. Fried Plantains: Their sweet and savory taste creates a delightful contrast to the tangy chicken.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with vegetables brings healthiness and color to your plate.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provide both nutrition and flavor alongside your chicken.
6. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread makes for a great accompaniment, ideal for soaking up any leftover sauce from the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, avoiding common mistakes can significantly enhance your dish. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of.

• Skipping the Marination: Not marinating the chicken long enough can lead to bland flavors. Aim for at least three hours or overnight for the best taste.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap sauces or juices can ruin the flavor. Choose high-quality soy sauce and fresh pineapple juice for a delicious marinade.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit without drying out.
• Ignoring Basting: Forgetting to baste while grilling misses adding extra flavor. Use reserved marinade during grilling for a moist and tasty chicken.
• Rushing Preparation: Skipping prep steps can lead to uneven cooking. Take your time to prep ingredients and set up the grill properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Grilled Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Freeze cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It is best used within 2–3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian-style dish featuring marinated grilled chicken with sweet and savory flavors from pineapple juice and soy sauce.

How should I serve Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

You can serve this dish with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Can I make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken in advance?

Yes! Marinate the chicken overnight, then grill it when ready. Leftovers also store well and can be reheated easily.

What are some variations of Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

Feel free to add spices like cayenne pepper for heat or mix in additional fruits like mango for more tropical flavors.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also packed with delightful flavors that will please any crowd. This recipe offers plenty of room for customization—try different marinades or sides based on your preferences. You’ll find yourself making this dish again and again!