This Huli Huli Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory depth of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The caramelized glaze adds a beautiful shine to the grilled chicken, making each bite irresistible.
Grilling this dish brings out the smoky flavors, while the pineapple glaze ensures that every piece of chicken is tender and juicy. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy, making it a crowd-pleaser for any summer BBQ or weeknight dinner.
Full Recipe:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/2 cup soy sauce
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1/2 cup ketchup
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup white vinegar
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1/4 cup pineapple juice
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1/4 cup honey
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
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1/4 cup sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions:
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In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, white vinegar, pineapple juice, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to make the marinade.
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Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
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Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink inside.
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Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Huli Huli Chicken
Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious and flavorful grilled dish that originates from Hawaii. Known for its sweet, savory, and tangy pineapple glaze, this dish is perfect for outdoor barbecues and family gatherings. The name “Huli Huli” comes from the Hawaiian word “huli,” meaning “turn.” It refers to the process of turning the chicken over on the grill, ensuring that each piece is cooked evenly while being basted with the sweet glaze. The marinade is made from a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice, which creates a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that caramelize beautifully when grilled.
Huli Huli Chicken has become a staple in Hawaiian cuisine and is often featured at luaus, beach parties, and other festive occasions. Its irresistible flavor profile makes it a favorite among chicken lovers, whether you’re grilling it on a hot summer day or preparing it for a cozy family dinner. The rich glaze and the smoky, charred aroma from the grill make this dish stand out, leaving everyone asking for more.
The Origins of Huli Huli Chicken
Huli Huli Chicken has a fascinating history that goes back to the mid-20th century. It was first popularized by a man named Ernest Morgado, a poultry farmer from Hawaii. In the 1950s, Morgado began cooking chicken over an open flame at local festivals, using his homemade marinade to create a unique flavor. The method of grilling chicken while frequently turning it over, or “huli-ing,” became a signature of his cooking style. The term “Huli Huli” was coined to describe this distinctive technique.
In the years that followed, Morgado’s recipe gained immense popularity and began to appear at various Hawaiian festivals and even commercialized in local restaurants. Today, the Huli Huli Chicken has become synonymous with Hawaiian BBQ and is often served at local restaurants, luaus, and even in food trucks. The combination of juicy grilled chicken and sweet, sticky glaze has made it a beloved dish both in Hawaii and around the world.
Why You Should Try Huli Huli Chicken
If you are looking for a way to elevate your grilling game, Huli Huli Chicken should definitely be on your list. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also provides a perfect balance of flavors that appeal to a wide range of tastes. The marinated chicken is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor from the pineapple and soy sauce mixture. The glaze caramelizes beautifully when grilled, giving the chicken a slightly crispy exterior that pairs perfectly with the juicy interior.
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. While traditionally made with chicken breasts, it can easily be adapted for thighs, drumsticks, or even wings. The marinade is simple but packed with flavor, and it doesn’t require any exotic or hard-to-find ingredients, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner on the grill or an experienced chef, this recipe offers an easy way to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Perfecting the Marinade
The key to making a truly outstanding Huli Huli Chicken lies in the marinade. This glaze is what sets the dish apart and gives it its signature sweet and tangy flavor. Soy sauce provides a salty, umami base, while the brown sugar and honey create the sweetness that is so essential to the dish. Pineapple juice, in particular, plays a crucial role in adding a tropical note that complements the savory elements perfectly.
The addition of garlic and ginger imparts a fragrant and slightly spicy kick, which balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. Sesame oil contributes a subtle nutty flavor that adds depth to the glaze. When combined, these ingredients create a marinade that tenderizes the chicken while also infusing it with a burst of flavor. It’s important to allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour, but for the best results, you should marinate it for up to eight hours or overnight.
Grilling the Chicken
Grilling the chicken is where the magic happens. When cooked over an open flame, the sugar in the marinade caramelizes, creating a beautiful golden brown color and a slightly crispy exterior. To achieve the perfect grilled Huli Huli Chicken, it’s essential to use medium-high heat on the grill. This ensures that the chicken cooks through evenly while allowing the glaze to brown without burning.
While grilling, you’ll want to turn the chicken regularly to ensure the glaze doesn’t burn and the chicken is cooked all the way through. The key is to keep turning the chicken every few minutes, so the glaze is evenly distributed, and the meat is perfectly cooked on all sides. A meat thermometer is handy for ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to guarantee it is fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Huli Huli Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It can be paired with a variety of side dishes that complement its sweet and savory flavors. Traditionally, it’s served with steamed white rice or coconut rice, which helps balance out the richness of the chicken. The subtle sweetness of the rice pairs beautifully with the glaze.
For a more refreshing side, consider serving a Hawaiian-style coleslaw, made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing. The crunchiness of the slaw adds a nice contrast to the tender chicken. Grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and corn on the cob, are also great choices to round out the meal.
If you’re hosting a larger gathering, Huli Huli Chicken can be served alongside other grilled meats and seafood, offering a diverse range of flavors for your guests to enjoy. It also pairs well with tropical fruits, such as grilled pineapple or mango salsa, which can enhance the dish’s tropical vibe.
Variations and Customizations
While the classic Huli Huli Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser, there are numerous ways to customize the dish to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For instance, if you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade. If you’re looking for a more savory flavor, consider increasing the amount of soy sauce and sesame oil.
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can substitute the sugar and honey with low-carb sweeteners such as stevia or erythritol. For those who don’t eat chicken, the marinade works equally well with other meats such as pork or tofu for a vegetarian version of the dish. Simply adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you choose to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
Conclusion
Huli Huli Chicken is an unforgettable dish that combines the best of tropical flavors with the smoky, charred goodness of the grill. Its sweet and savory marinade creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, cooking for your family, or just looking to try something new on the grill, this dish is sure to impress.
The versatility of Huli Huli Chicken allows it to be adapted for different tastes, and with a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own backyard. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, Huli Huli Chicken is the perfect recipe for anyone looking to add a tropical twist to their grilling repertoire.