Okay, let me tell you, if you’re looking for a taste of paradise, you HAVE to try this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken recipe. It’s seriously the best! I remember the first time I ever had it; it was at a summer luau, and the smell alone just transported me straight to the islands. This isn’t just any grilled chicken, oh no. The magic really happens with that sweet and savory marinade – it’s got this perfect balance of tangy pineapple, salty soy, a little kick from ginger and garlic, and just enough sweetness from the honey and brown sugar. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser and always disappears in a flash!
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Seriously, what’s not to love about this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken? It’s got that perfect island vibe in every bite. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Unbeatable Flavor: That sweet, savory, and slightly tangy marinade is pure perfection. It’s a flavor explosion you won’t forget!
- Super Easy Prep: Most of the work is just whisking together the marinade. The chicken marinates itself, so you can actually relax a bit.
- Grilling Success: It’s made for the grill, giving you those amazing smoky char marks and juicy results every time.
- Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a family dinner, this chicken is always a huge hit. It disappears fast!
- Versatile: It’s great on its own, in salads, or even tucked into tacos.
Essential Ingredients for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Alright, let’s get down to business with what you’ll need to make this incredible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward stuff! You’ll need:
- One whole chicken, which you’ll want cut into about 8 nice pieces. This makes sure everything cooks evenly.
- A cup of pineapple juice. This is where a lot of that tropical sweetness comes from!
- Half a cup of soy sauce. For that salty, umami goodness.
- A quarter cup of ketchup. It adds a little tang and helps thicken the marinade.
- A quarter cup of packed brown sugar. Make sure it’s packed down so you get the right amount of sweetness.
- Two tablespoons of honey. For an extra layer of rich sweetness.
- One tablespoon of grated fresh ginger. This gives it that lovely zingy, slightly spicy kick.
- Two cloves of garlic, and you’ll want to mince them up nice and fine.
- One tablespoon of sesame oil. Just a little bit adds a wonderful nutty aroma.
- And finally, one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This is for a little bit of heat, but you can totally adjust it!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
So, about those ingredients! The brown sugar is key here; it’s not just about sweetness, but that lovely caramel note it brings that white sugar just can’t match. If you only have light brown sugar, that’ll work too, it just might be a touch less molasses-y.
Now, for the ginger and garlic, fresh is *so* much better here. You can use ground ginger in a pinch, maybe about a teaspoon for that tablespoon of fresh, but the flavor won’t be quite as bright. And garlic powder instead of fresh garlic? Maybe half a teaspoon, but honestly, minced fresh garlic is worth the extra minute or two.
And that pineapple juice? It’s the heart of the marinade, giving it that signature sweet and tangy profile. If you absolutely can’t find it, a mix of apple juice and a splash of lime juice could be a backup, but it won’t be quite the same authentic Huli Huli flavor. The red pepper flakes are totally adjustable – if you’re sensitive to heat, start with just half a teaspoon, or leave them out if you prefer. This dish is all about that delicious sweet and savory balance!
Step-by-Step Preparation of Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Okay, getting this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken ready is honestly super simple, and the results are *so* worth it. First things first, grab a good-sized bowl. We’re going to make that magic marinade! Just whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, that lovely grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and the red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir until everything is all nicely combined. It should smell amazing already!
Next, take your chicken pieces and pop them into a big resealable plastic bag. You know, the kind that seals up tight? Or if you don’t have one, a large bowl works just fine too. Now, pour all that delicious marinade you just made over the chicken. Make sure every single piece gets a good coating. Squish it around a bit to make sure the marinade gets into all the nooks and crannies.
Here’s where the patience comes in, but trust me, it’s crucial! You want to let this marinate for at least 4 hours in the fridge. But honestly? Overnight is even better. The longer it marinates, the more that incredible flavor sinks into the chicken. It just makes it that much more juicy and delicious. So, pop it in the fridge and let it do its thing.
When you’re ready to cook, go ahead and preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is getting nice and hot, take your chicken out of that marinade. You can discard the leftover marinade – we don’t want to reuse that! Now, carefully place the chicken pieces on the grill grates. You’ll want to grill them for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for that golden-brown, slightly charred look, and you want to make sure the juices run clear when you poke into the thickest part.
If you want to get fancy, you can even baste the chicken with a little bit of the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of grilling. It adds an extra layer of that sweet and savory goodness! Once it’s cooked through, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before you dig in. This little rest makes sure all those juices stay right there in the chicken, making it super moist and tender. And that’s it! You’ve got amazing Huli Huli chicken!
Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Want to make sure your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is absolutely perfect every time? Here are a few little tricks:
- Don’t Skimp on Marinating Time: Seriously, the longer you marinate, the better. Overnight is the sweet spot for maximum flavor.
- Pat Dry Before Grilling: For that beautiful char, lightly pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel before they hit the grill. Too much marinade on the surface can cause steaming instead of searing.
- Watch for Flare-Ups: The sugars in the marinade can cause flare-ups on the grill. Be ready to move the chicken if flames get too high.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: While the “clear juices” test is good, a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Grill Those Rings!: If you’re grilling pineapple rings alongside, they caramelize beautifully and are the perfect sweet counterpoint to the savory chicken.
Grilling Your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken to Perfection
Alright, now that your chicken has soaked up all that glorious marinade, it’s time for the main event: grilling! You want to get your grill nice and hot, aiming for that medium-high heat. This is key for getting that perfect char and making sure the chicken cooks through without burning.
When you put the chicken on, give it about 6 to 8 minutes per side. It’s important to keep an eye on it, though, because grills can vary! You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown color with some nice dark, crispy bits. The best way to know it’s done is to check the internal temperature – it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. If you don’t have a thermometer, poke into the thickest part; the juices should run clear, not pink.
And here’s a little tip from my kitchen to yours: don’t forget to grill those pineapple rings alongside the chicken! They get so wonderfully caramelized and sweet on the grill, and they are just *divine* served with the Huli Huli chicken. It’s the perfect sweet bite to balance out that savory, smoky flavor. Enjoy that amazing island taste!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Got questions about this amazing Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken? I’ve got you covered!
What is Huli Huli chicken? Huli Huli literally means “turn, turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the way the chicken is traditionally rotated over a spit while cooking. It’s famous for its sweet, savory, and tangy marinade that gives it a wonderfully sticky glaze when grilled.
Can I bake this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken instead of grilling? You sure can! If grilling isn’t an option, you can bake it. Just place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or a rack over a baking sheet). Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and nicely browned. You might want to broil it for the last minute or two to get a bit of char.
How long should I marinate the chicken? For the best flavor, marinate it overnight if you can! A minimum of 4 hours is good, but the longer it sits in that delicious marinade, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be.
What can I serve with Huli Huli chicken? Oh, so many things! It’s fantastic with plain white or brown rice, a fresh green salad, macaroni salad (a Hawaiian classic!), grilled pineapple slices (like I mentioned before!), or even some roasted sweet potatoes.
Is this recipe spicy? This recipe has a little kick from the red pepper flakes, but it’s generally more sweet and savory than spicy. You can totally adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, or leave them out completely if you prefer no heat at all!
Storage and Reheating Your Delicious Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Got some leftover Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken? Lucky you! Once it’s cooled down, pack it up in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3 to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is super easy! You can pop it in the oven at around 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, just until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a real hurry, the microwave works too, but the oven helps keep it from getting too dry. You could even give it a quick zap on the grill to get some of that char back, just watch it closely so it doesn’t overcook!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Just a heads-up, this nutritional info is an estimate, as things can vary a bit based on exact ingredients and how you grill it! But generally, a serving of this delicious Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is around 350 calories, with about 18g of fat, 22g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. It hits that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying!
Print
Amazing 1-pan Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in a sweet and savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Place chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, discarding the excess marinade.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Baste with additional marinade during the last few minutes of grilling if desired.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat level.
- Pineapple rings can be grilled alongside the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken, grilled chicken, teriyaki chicken, pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken