Name: Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 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

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Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious dish that brings the tropical flavors of Hawaii right to your grill. This recipe features a sweet and savory marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible taste, making it perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or any time you crave something unique and flavorful. The ease of preparation and quick cooking time are standout qualities that make this dish a favorite among both novice and experienced cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: The marinade combines pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger for a flavor explosion.
Quick Prep: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready in no time.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, in sandwiches, or alongside salads and rice.
Family-Friendly: With its sweet taste, even picky eaters will love Grilled Huli Huli Chicken.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Marinate ahead of time for easy weeknight dinners or meal planning.

Tools and Preparation

To make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken successfully, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and enhance your grilling experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Medium bowl
Whisk
Ziplock bag or marinating container

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect char and smoky flavor in your chicken.
Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing the marinade thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
Whisk: Helps to integrate ingredients smoothly, especially when mixing liquids like pineapple juice and soy sauce.
Ziplock bag or marinating container: Perfect for marinating the chicken; it keeps everything contained and allows for even flavor distribution.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
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
sliced green onions (for garnish)

How to Make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, 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
1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Reserve 1 cup of the marinade for basting later.
Add the remaining marinade along with the chicken thighs to a ziplock bag.
Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Once hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill with the lid closed.
Grill each side for about 6–8 minutes or until no longer pink inside (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
In the last five minutes of grilling, baste occasionally with reserved marinade.
Garnish with sliced green onions if desired before serving.

Enjoy your Grilled Huli Huli Chicken as a delightful main course that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a cozy dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

As a Main Course

Serve the chicken directly on a platter for an impressive main dish.
Pair it with rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious marinade.

In Tacos

Shred the grilled chicken and fill soft tortillas.
Top with cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist.

Over Salad

Slice the grilled chicken and add it to a bed of mixed greens.
Drizzle with a light vinaigrette to complement the flavors.

With Pineapple Salsa

Create a tropical vibe by serving with pineapple salsa.
The sweetness of the salsa enhances the savory taste of the chicken.

As Sandwiches

Use the grilled chicken in sandwiches with lettuce and tomato.
Add avocado or creamy dressing for extra flavor and texture.

How to Perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Achieving perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is easy with some simple tips. Follow these recommendations to ensure your chicken turns out juicy and flavorful every time.

Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances its flavor.
Use Medium Heat: Cooking on medium heat prevents burning while ensuring thorough cooking.
Baste Frequently: Basting with reserved marinade keeps the chicken moist during grilling.
Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain juices.
Garnish Creatively: Adding sliced green onions or sesame seeds provides an appealing presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Adding complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to serve alongside your Grilled Huli Huli Chicken.

Coconut Rice – Fluffy rice infused with coconut milk adds a tropical touch.
Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted on the grill bring vibrant color and flavor.
Coleslaw – A refreshing crunch from cabbage salad balances the dish’s richness.
Macaroni Salad – Creamy pasta salad offers comfort and pairs well with grilled flavors.
Corn on the Cob – Sweet, charred corn makes for a delightful summer side dish.
Garden Salad – Crisp greens topped with your favorite dressing provide freshness and lightness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key points. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Skipping the Marinade Time: Ensure you marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours or overnight. This enhances flavor and tenderness.
Using the Wrong Cut of Chicken: Opt for boneless skinless thighs for juiciness. Breasts can dry out if overcooked.
Not Reserving Enough Marinade: Always reserve some marinade for basting. This adds moisture and flavor during grilling.
Grilling at Too High a Heat: Medium heat is ideal. Cooking too fast can char the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
Overbasting During Cooking: Only baste in the last few minutes of cooking. Early basting can lead to flare-ups and burnt chicken.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Grilled Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container.
Properly stored, it lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.

Reheating Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Cook until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian-inspired dish featuring marinated chicken grilled to perfection. The marinade includes pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out faster than thighs if overcooked. Monitor cooking time closely.

How do I customize the marinade for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

You can add spices like red pepper flakes for heat or lime juice for extra acidity. Feel free to experiment!

What should I serve with Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

Pair it with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad to complement the flavors of the dish.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can easily customize the marinade and serve it with various sides for different occasions. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends!