When you think of hearty, mouthwatering dishes that transport you straight to the islands, Huli Huli Chicken stands out. Juicy, grilled chicken marinated in a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser for families and friends alike! This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for anyone looking for a quick yet impressive meal. Fun fact: the term “Huli” means “to turn” in Hawaiian, which beautifully describes the process of grilling this flavorful chicken to perfection. If you love tropical tastes or want to impress your guests, this dish should be on your table. Get ready to indulge in a tropical delight that makes every meal feel like a getaway!
Huli Huli Chicken is delightful and shares similarities with my other recipes, like Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken. While the latter offers a zesty, bright flavor profile, Huli Huli Chicken brings that comforting sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. So, if you want to explore more flavor-packed creations, don’t forget to check out those delicious alternatives!
What is Huli Huli Chicken?
So, what’s the story with Huli Huli Chicken? The name itself evokes images of sun-soaked beaches and swaying palm trees, doesn’t it? Picture this: a Hawaiian barbecue, the aroma of grilled chicken wafting through the air, and laughter ringing all around. Isn’t it enticing? The origin of the name reflects the cooking process—flipping the chicken during grilling for an even char and flavor. As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, this dish will make your loved ones swoon! So grab those ingredients and join the fun of creating this delightful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Huli Huli Chicken
You’re going to love Huli Huli Chicken for its vibrant flavors, budget-friendly nature, and mouthwatering ingredients. The main highlight of this dish undoubtedly lies in its marinade, which blends soy sauce, sugar, and other tropical staples that create an irresistibly sweet and savory experience. What’s better? Grilling this dish at home means you save money and impress your family with a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.
Pair it with a side of rice or a fresh salad, and you have yourself a feast! If you’re fond of grilled fare, you might also want to explore my BBQ Chicken Skewers recipe. Both promise satisfaction, but Huli Huli Chicken brings that unique tropical twist that you won’t want to miss. So, get ready to fire up the grill and enjoy a culinary journey right from your kitchen!
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken
Quick Overview
Making Huli Huli Chicken is a breeze, paying off with every juicy bite! With just a handful of ingredients and less than an hour of your time, you’ll create a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying. The combination of marinade and grilling ensures that you get rich flavors locked into tender chicken pieces. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it!
Key Ingredients for Huli Huli Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- Green onions (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper until the sugar is dissolved.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for more flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through until the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165˚F.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve it garnished with sliced green onions.
Top Tips for Perfecting Huli Huli Chicken
To achieve the best results, consider these handy tips:
- Marination Time: Don’t rush the marination! Let it sit for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for a deeper flavor.
- Use Thighs: Chicken thighs work wonders, as they are tender and juicy compared to breasts.
- Grilling Technique: Keep an eye on the flames while grilling; if it gets too hot, the sugar in the marinade can cause burning. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent this.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, congratulations! Huli Huli Chicken stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its juicy goodness. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist, or heat it in the microwave until warmed through. Enjoy using this tropical delight in wraps or salads as well!
Now that you’ve got the complete rundown on making Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken, it’s time to take those flavors into your kitchen! You’ll create a dish that’s not only delicious but also brings a taste of the islands right to your home. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Huli Huli Chicken
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- ½ cup soy sauce Use low-sodium if preferred.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar Packed for best results.
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Can substitute with rice vinegar.
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs Thighs are recommended for juiciness.
- Green onions For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper until the sugar is dissolved.
- Place the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for more flavor.
Grilling
- Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through until the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165˚F.
Serving
- Remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve it garnished with sliced green onions.
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