If you have yet to discover the vibrant, tropical flavors of Hawaiian cuisine, this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining a perfectly balanced marinade of sweet, savory, and tangy elements, this dish delivers juicy grilled chicken that tastes like a celebration in every bite. The enticing glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a luscious exterior that’s deeply flavorful yet incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re craving a taste of the islands or looking for a go-to recipe that will wow your family and friends, this recipe brings authentic Hawaiian charm right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is delightfully straightforward because each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the sweet pineapple juice to the zing of rice vinegar, these components combine effortlessly into a versatile marinade that’s both vibrant and delicious.
- Soy sauce: Provides the salty umami base essential for depth of flavor.
- Ketchup: Adds a subtle tang and rich tomato sweetness to complement the marinade.
- Brown sugar: Gives a caramel note and helps the chicken glaze beautifully when grilled.
- Honey: Contributes natural sweetness and a sticky texture for that signature Huli Huli shine.
- Rice vinegar: Offers a mild acidity that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Pineapple juice: Infuses tropical fruity brightness that is key to Hawaiian-style flavors.
- Sesame oil: Delivers a toasty aroma and richness that rounds out the marinade.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a punch of aromatic zest enhancing savory depth.
- Grated ginger: Provides a warm, slightly spicy undertone that enlivens the dish.
- Ground black pepper: Adds just the right bit of heat for complexity.
- Chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up the luscious marinade and grills to juicy perfection.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Marinade
Start by blending the fundamental flavors together. In a medium bowl, whisk the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and well combined. This base is what sets the stage for the iconic Huli Huli taste.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasoning
Next, stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground black pepper. This step is crucial because the garlic’s pungency and ginger’s warmth elevate the marinade to a dynamic, layered flavor profile you won’t forget.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag, then pour the marinade over, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, let the flavors infuse for 2 to 4 hours. This resting time is when the magic happens—the chicken absorbs all the sweet, savory notes and becomes tender and juicy.
Step 4: Preheat and Grill
Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (keep the extra marinade for basting). Grill the chicken breasts about 6 to 7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This grilling step creates that gorgeous, slightly charred crust that’s signature to Huli Huli Chicken.
Step 5: Reduce the Marinade
While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally, letting it thicken and concentrate for about 5 minutes. This reduced glaze is a luscious finishing touch.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once grilled, let the chicken rest briefly, then brush it generously with the thickened marinade. This step seals in moisture and layers on additional flavor that’s utterly irresistible. Your Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can really elevate your presentation and taste. Try sprinkling chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top of your Huli Huli Chicken. These simple touches add pops of freshness and crunch that complement the rich, glazed chicken perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a range of classic Hawaiian or tropical-inspired sides. Serve with steamed white rice or coconut rice to soak up the extra sauce, and consider a bright, tangy pineapple salsa or a crisp green salad to balance the richness with fresh acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the grilled chicken and serve it over a bed of grilled pineapple rings or alongside a colorful poke bowl setup. You can also thread pieces onto skewers for a festive, bite-sized appetizer vibe. Whatever presentation you choose, the vibrant flavors of your Huli Huli Chicken Recipe will shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even further as it rests, making it great for next-day meals or salads.
Freezing
To keep your Huli Huli Chicken for longer, freeze cooked portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven, brushing on a bit of extra marinade or sauce to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make grilled chicken rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully with this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe. They tend to be juicier and may require slightly different cooking times, but the marinade will infuse them just as beautifully.
Is it necessary to grill the chicken?
Grilling really adds that authentic smoky char and caramelization, but if you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or even broil the chicken in your oven. Just watch closely to avoid burning the glaze.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
While a minimum of 30 minutes will still provide tasty results, letting the chicken marinate for 2 to 4 hours gives the best flavor penetration and tenderness. Overnight marinating is fine too but avoid going much longer to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat too much.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of juice?
Yes, freshly squeezed pineapple juice is ideal for the most vibrant flavor, but pineapple juice from a can or bottle works perfectly well. If using fresh pineapple chunks, blend or mash and strain to get juice consistency.
What can I substitute for ketchup?
If you prefer, substitute ketchup with tomato paste mixed with a little vinegar and sugar to mimic the tangy sweetness. However, ketchup’s unique flavor complements this recipe best.
Final Thoughts
This Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is truly a treasure, effortlessly bringing the sweet, smoky, and savory flavors of Hawaii right into your home kitchen. It’s perfect for everything from casual family dinners to impressive weekend barbecues. I can’t recommend enough giving this dish a go—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, sharing that joyous Aloha spirit one juicy bite at a time!
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Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken dish featuring a flavorful marinade made with soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, and aromatic sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. The chicken is marinated to absorb the sweet and tangy flavors, then grilled to juicy perfection and brushed with a reduced glaze of the marinade, making it a delicious and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Main Ingredient
- 4 chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, and sesame oil.
- Mix Marinade: Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Aromatics and Spice: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground black pepper to the bowl and whisk again until everything is well incorporated.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
- Add Marinade to Chicken: Pour the marinade mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Refrigerate to Marinate: Seal the dish or bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours, to allow the chicken to marinate.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove Chicken from Marinade: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use.
- Grill Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Simmer Reserved Marinade: While the chicken is grilling, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan.
- Reduce Marinade: Bring the marinade to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken Sauce: Let the marinade simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Rest Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Glaze Chicken: Brush the cooked chicken with the thickened marinade before serving.
- Serve: Serve the Huli Huli Chicken hot, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for 2 to 4 hours, though 30 minutes is the minimum.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Reserve the marinade to make a glaze but always simmer it before using to eliminate raw chicken bacteria.
- Optional garnishes like chopped green onions or sesame seeds add color and extra flavor.
- If you do not have a grill, a grill pan or broiler can be used as alternatives.
