Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful dish that brings the taste of Hawaii to your backyard. This recipe features a delicious marinade that infuses the chicken with a sweet and tangy flavor, making it perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. The combination of pineapple juice and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: The marinade comes together in just minutes, allowing you to focus on grilling.
• Flavorful Experience: A delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors enhances the chicken, making each bite memorable.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for picnics, dinner parties, or casual weeknight meals; it suits any occasion.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its unique Hawaiian flair, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a nutritious choice.

Tools and Preparation

To make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Ziplock bag
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect charred flavor while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
• Medium bowl: Allows you to easily mix all the marinade ingredients without any mess.
• Basting brush: Helps to evenly apply the reserved marinade during grilling for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

For this delicious Grilled Huli Huli Chicken recipe, gather the following 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

For Garnish

• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

How to Make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
2. 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
3. ½ cup soy sauce
4. ½ cup brown sugar
5. ⅓ cup ketchup
6. ¼ cup chicken broth
7. 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
8. 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Reserve 1 cup of the marinade for basting later.
2. Pour the remaining marinade into a ziplock bag along with:
3. 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
4. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill.
3. Grill with the lid closed for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until no longer pink inside and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. During the last 5 minutes of grilling, baste occasionally with reserved marinade.
5. Once cooked, garnish with sliced green onions if desired before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Huli Huli Chicken!

How to Serve Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Fresh Salad

• A light and refreshing green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the savory flavors of the chicken.

Coconut Rice

• Creamy coconut rice provides a subtle sweetness that balances the savory marinade. Cook jasmine rice in coconut milk for a delicious twist.

Grilled Vegetables

• Seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus grilled to perfection add color and nutrition to your plate.

Pineapple Salsa

• A fresh pineapple salsa with diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice adds a tropical flair that enhances the chicken’s flavor profile.

Coleslaw

• A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots tossed in a tangy dressing is perfect for adding texture and freshness to your meal.

Sweet Potato Fries

• Crispy sweet potato fries offer a delightful contrast to the tender chicken. Bake or fry them for an irresistible side.

How to Perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Achieving perfectly grilled Huli Huli Chicken requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to ensure your dish is flavorful and juicy.

• Marinate for flavor – Allow the chicken to marinate for at least three hours or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
• Preheat the grill – Make sure your grill is preheated to medium heat before adding the chicken. This ensures even cooking.
• Use reserved marinade wisely – Baste the chicken with reserved marinade during grilling for added moisture and flavor without contamination.
• Check internal temperature – Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• Let it rest – After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices.
• Garnish creatively – Enhance presentation by garnishing with sliced green onions or fresh herbs just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Pairing sides with Grilled Huli Huli Chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad with cucumbers, bell peppers, and lemon dressing adds nutrition and flavor.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Caramelized Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a savory crunch.
3. Mango Chutney – Sweet and spicy mango chutney offers a delightful contrast that complements the grilled flavors.
4. Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn brushed with herb butter adds sweetness and smokiness to your meal.
5. Asian Slaw – A vibrant slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing brings crunch and brightness.
6. Brown Rice Pilaf – Nutty brown rice pilaf mixed with herbs creates a wholesome base for your chicken.
7. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad with dill and yogurt dressing cools down spicy flavors effectively.
8. Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes topped with chives make a hearty side that rounds out any meal beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect flavor and texture.

• Ignoring Marination Time: Skipping the marination or not allowing enough time can lead to bland chicken. Aim for at least 3 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Opting for inexpensive or low-quality ingredients can compromise the taste. Use fresh pineapple juice and high-quality soy sauce for better results.
• Not Preheating the Grill Properly: Grilling on a cold grill can lead to uneven cooking. Preheat the grill to medium heat before placing the chicken on it.
• Skipping the Basting Step: Forgetting to baste your chicken during grilling can result in dry meat. Use the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking for added moisture and flavor.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking too long will dry out your chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store grilled chicken in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or use freezer bags.
• It will maintain best quality in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Reheating Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil and warm chicken pieces, turning frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Grilled Huli Huli Chicken.

Can I use other meats besides chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or lamb if desired. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the meat used.

What should I serve with Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

How do I know when my Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and grill it just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite spices or adjusting the sweetness level to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation!