Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian dish known for its sweet and savory flavors. This grilled chicken is marinated in a delicious sauce made with soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and garlic, creating a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully over an open flame.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and minced garlic to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place the chicken pieces in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Grill the chicken, basting frequently with the reserved marinade, until cooked through and caramelized, about 15–20 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Step 5: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the tropical flavors!
Tips & Variations
- For a smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill or add wood chips to your gas grill.
- You can add ginger or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the reserved marinade until it reduces before basting or serving as a dipping sauce.
- Chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
Storage
Store leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and flavorful.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Huli Huli Chicken without a grill?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, basting occasionally with the marinade to keep it moist and flavorful.
Is it safe to use the marinade as a sauce?
Only if you boil the marinade first to eliminate any raw chicken bacteria. Simmer the marinade in a saucepan until it reaches a rolling boil, then use it as a glaze or dipping sauce.
PrintHuli Huli Chicken Recipe
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken recipe featuring a sweet and savory marinade made from soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and garlic. The chicken is marinated to absorb bold island flavors, then grilled to juicy perfection while being basted with the tangy glaze, resulting in a delicious, slightly caramelized finish perfect for summer cookouts or Hawaiian-themed dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Marinade and Sauce
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Chicken
- 4 pounds whole chicken, cut into pieces or 4 pounds chicken thighs
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a sweet and savory sauce.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to soak in deeply.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F. Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting. Place the chicken on the grill skin side down. Grill for about 15-20 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is nicely charred.
- Baste during grilling: Frequently brush the reserved marinade over the chicken as it cooks. This will help build layers of flavor and create the classic huli huli glaze on the outside of the chicken.
- Serve: Once cooked through and beautifully caramelized, remove the chicken from the grill. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with rice and grilled pineapple for a true Hawaiian meal.
Notes
- Always discard any marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- For extra smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill or add wood chips to your gas grill while cooking.
- Huli Huli translates as “turn, turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the constant turning of the chicken over the grill while basting.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for drums or breasts depending on preference.
- Use fresh pineapple juice if possible; canned juice works but may alter sweetness slightly.
Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian chicken recipe, Grilled chicken, Pineapple soy chicken, Barbecue chicken
