Huli Huli chicken is a tasty Hawaiian BBQ Chicken dish. It has a sweet and savory flavor with a delicious BBQ glaze. The chicken is grilled until juicy and golden. The secret is in the special marinade recipe.
It has soy sauce, pineapple juice, ginger, and brown sugar. This mix makes the chicken super delicious. “Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian. The grilled chicken gets flipped while cooking to stay tender.
People love eating it at barbecues and Hawaiian plate lunches. It smells amazing on the grill. You can make it at home with simple ingredients. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy! Serve it with white rice and macaroni salad or a fresh salad.
It’s great for family dinners and summer cookouts. Want to try it? Let’s learn how to make this yummy dish!
How To Make Huli Huli Chicken
First, mix the marinade recipe in a bowl. Whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Soak the Huli Huli Chicken in a Ziploc bag for juicy flavor.
Trim excess fat from the boneless skinless chicken thighs if needed. Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag, pour in the marinade, and refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight.
When ready to grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Reduce the heat, lightly oil the grate, and then place the grilled chicken on the hot grill. Close the lid and cook around 5 minutes per side or until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F.
Ingredient Notes
You need simple ingredients for this marinade recipe.
Soy sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar make it sweet and tangy. Garlic, ginger, and ketchup add extra flavor. Don’t forget the boneless skinless chicken thighs—they work great!
For a soy sauce substitute, you can use coconut aminos. If you want extra tenderness, a splash of apple cider vinegar helps. The best pineapple juice marinade comes from fresh juice, but canned or concentrate works too.
How Long to Marinate the Chicken
For the best grilled chicken taste, marinate for at least four hours. Overnight makes it even better! A short marinade still works, but the flavor won’t be as strong. The longer, the tastier!
Storing and Other Tips
Store leftover chicken recipes in a sealed container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Add extra BBQ glaze to keep it juicy!
To avoid burning, watch your heat. Basting with marinade too early can cause charring. Use direct vs indirect heat to control cooking. Finish with extra BBQ glaze for more flavor.
Prefer to Bake the Chicken Instead?
Yes! You can bake it in the oven. Set it to 375°F and bake for 30-40 minutes. Flip the Huli Huli Chicken halfway for even cooking. Brush extra BBQ glaze on top for more flavor!
Pairing and Serving Ideas
Serve it with white rice and macaroni salad for a Hawaiian plate lunch. Grilled veggies or fresh pineapple slices add extra sweetness. Try it in a meal prep idea with quinoa or roasted veggies. Enjoy with a cool drink for a perfect meal!
FAQs
Q:Why lemon is used to marinate chicken?
A:As a preservative and improver of sensory properties of products.
Q:What is the best oil to marinate chicken in?
A:Olive oil.
Q:What is huli huli sauce made of?
A:Brown cane sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and other aromatics.
Conclusion
Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious and easy dish. The marinade recipe gives it a sweet, smoky flavor. Grilling makes it juicy and tender. Baking works great too!
This recipe is perfect for family meals, barbecues, and summer cookouts. The smell alone will make everyone hungry! Serve it with white rice and macaroni salad, grilled veggies, or fresh pineapple.
Marinate the chicken for the best taste. Turning it while cooking keeps it juicy. Don’t forget to baste with marinade for more flavor. Leftover chicken recipes are easy to store and reheat.
Huli Huli Chicken brings a taste of Hawaiian BBQ Chicken to your table. It’s simple to make and full of flavor. Try it today and enjoy a homemade island feast. Happy cooking!
