Huli Huli Chicken

This Huli Huli Chicken boasts a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors. The pineapple juice in the marinade gives it a tender texture and a tropical flair, making it a great option for BBQs and weeknight dinners alike.

The grill marks on the chicken and the glossy sheen of the glaze make this dish not only delicious but also visually appealing. It’s a great option for those looking to impress guests at a summer gathering or to enjoy a flavorful and easy meal any time.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade.
4. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 servings

Huli Huli Chicken, a Hawaiian-inspired recipe, has been a beloved dish in many households for decades. Known for its unique balance of sweet and savory flavors, this dish is perfect for both casual family meals and festive gatherings. The name “Huli Huli” comes from the Hawaiian word “huli,” meaning “turn,” which refers to the process of turning the chicken on the grill for even cooking. This dish’s mouthwatering marinade, combining pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger, gives the chicken its signature tropical flair, creating a meal that is both refreshing and comforting.

The origins of Huli Huli Chicken are deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. The recipe was popularized in the 1950s by Ernest Morgado, a local Hawaiian farmer. Morgado originally created the marinade to use for his chicken on his farm, and over time, it became a favorite at local BBQs and festivals. What makes this recipe stand out is the use of fresh pineapple juice in the marinade, which helps tenderize the chicken and imparts a naturally sweet and tangy flavor profile. Over the years, this dish has become a staple at Hawaiian luaus, family gatherings, and even street food vendors who sell it at festivals.

Why Huli Huli Chicken is the Best Choice for Your Next BBQ

1. Deliciously Balanced Flavors: The beauty of Huli Huli Chicken lies in its simplicity, with the marinade providing a perfect harmony between the sweet, tangy, and savory notes. The pineapple juice and brown sugar offer a sweet base, while soy sauce gives the chicken its umami flavor. Rice vinegar adds a mild acidity to balance the sweetness, and sesame oil brings in a warm, nutty depth. Together, these ingredients create a perfectly balanced glaze that is ideal for grilling.
2. A Healthier Grilling Option: Grilled chicken is often seen as a healthier alternative to other BBQ meats like ribs or burgers. This Huli Huli Chicken recipe is no exception. Chicken is a lean source of protein, and grilling helps to reduce the amount of fat in the meat while enhancing its natural flavors. The marinade itself is also relatively low in calories and provides a fresh tropical twist, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without compromising on health.
3. Easy to Make, Yet Impressive: One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare, even for beginner cooks. The marinade is quick to whip up, and the chicken only needs to soak for a couple of hours before grilling. Despite its ease of preparation, the flavors are so vibrant that they make this dish feel special. Whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or a large crowd, Huli Huli Chicken is guaranteed to impress your guests with its unique taste and presentation.
4. Versatility in Serving: Huli Huli Chicken can be served in a variety of ways. The classic preparation involves grilling bone-in chicken thighs, but the marinade works equally well with chicken breasts, wings, or even pork. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as grilled vegetables, coconut rice, a crisp green salad, or even tropical fruit like pineapple or mango. Its versatility in flavor and presentation makes it adaptable for different dietary preferences and meal types, making it a go-to for BBQs, family gatherings, and potlucks.
5. Perfect for Outdoor Gatherings: This dish is a standout at summer BBQs, picnics, and outdoor parties. The smoky, charred aroma of grilled chicken combined with the tropical sweetness of the marinade makes it irresistible to guests. The easy grilling process allows you to prepare a large batch for parties, so you can enjoy your time with family and friends without being tied to the kitchen. Huli Huli Chicken also holds up well for leftovers, meaning you can enjoy this tasty meal the next day in sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
6. A Crowd Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or a casual weeknight dinner, Huli Huli Chicken is sure to be a crowd favorite. Its tropical flavors stand out, offering something different from traditional BBQ offerings. The glaze gives the chicken a beautiful golden finish that’s visually appealing, and the taste delivers a satisfying blend of sweetness and savoriness that will keep your guests coming back for more. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to offer something new and exciting while sticking to something familiar like grilled chicken.

Health Benefits of Huli Huli Chicken

Apart from its fantastic flavor, this recipe also provides several health benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also contains important vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, selenium, and phosphorus, which support metabolism, immune health, and bone health. The marinade ingredients are also packed with health benefits:

• Pineapple Juice: This tropical fruit is rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin. Pineapple also contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps with digestion and can reduce inflammation.
• Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help soothe digestive issues and support a healthy immune system. It also has antioxidant effects, which can protect the body from oxidative stress.
• Soy Sauce: While soy sauce is often seen as a salty ingredient, it is low in calories and contains important minerals like manganese, which is essential for bone health and metabolism. If you’re looking to lower your sodium intake, you can also use low-sodium soy sauce in this recipe.

Tips for the Perfect Huli Huli Chicken

1. Marinate Overnight for Extra Flavor: While a couple of hours of marinating will suffice, letting the chicken soak in the marinade overnight will enhance the flavor and ensure that each bite is packed with the tropical goodness of the pineapple and soy sauce mixture.
2. Grill with Care: Be sure to monitor the chicken closely while it grills. Huli Huli Chicken cooks quickly due to the sugars in the marinade, so you’ll want to avoid burning the glaze. Keep the heat medium-high and turn the chicken regularly to achieve the perfect balance of char and tenderness.
3. Customizing the Marinade: If you’re looking to spice things up, consider adding more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. Alternatively, for a sweeter finish, drizzle some honey or additional brown sugar over the chicken after grilling.

Why You’ll Love Huli Huli Chicken

This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It transports your taste buds to the sunny shores of Hawaii with every bite. The smoky grill flavor, combined with the sweetness from the pineapple and the umami depth from the soy sauce, is irresistible. It’s a dish that brings people together, perfect for BBQs, gatherings, or a relaxing evening meal. Whether you’re an experienced grill master or just getting started, this Huli Huli Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

In summary, Huli Huli Chicken offers an explosion of flavors, is simple to make, and provides health benefits that make it a great choice for any occasion. It’s a must-try recipe for anyone who loves grilled chicken and is looking to add a bit of tropical flair to their meal.

This dish truly combines the best of Hawaiian-inspired flavors with the convenience of a quick and easy grilling recipe, making it an ideal choice for BBQ season, summer parties, and casual weeknight dinners.

Conclusion

Huli Huli Chicken is a must-try recipe that brings together the vibrant, tropical flavors of Hawaii in a simple yet delicious grilled dish. The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger creates a unique marinade that tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, enjoying a family dinner, or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Easy to prepare, full of flavor, and packed with health benefits, Huli Huli Chicken will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it today and bring a taste of the tropics to your table!