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Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Description

Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian-inspired dish that features juicy, tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory glaze. The marinade typically includes soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a hint of ketchup for a tangy touch. Grilled to perfection, the chicken develops a delicious caramelized crust while staying moist and flavorful inside. Perfect for barbecues or casual dinners, Huli Huli Chicken is often served with steamed rice, macaroni salad, or grilled vegetables, bringing a taste of the tropics to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you need to prepare this flavorful Huli Huli Chicken:

For the Marinade:

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (use halal-certified soy sauce)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned, no added sugars)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (make sure it’s halal)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 4 chicken thighs (or breasts, bone-in or boneless)

For Grilling:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing the grill)
  • Optional garnish: chopped green onions, sesame seeds

Ingredient Highlights:

  • Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and depth of flavor. Using a halal-certified soy sauce ensures that the dish adheres to dietary restrictions.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds richness and depth with its caramel-like sweetness, which balances the savory elements in the dish.
  • Pineapple Juice: The tangy sweetness from the pineapple juice is the star of the marinade, offering that signature tropical flavor that defines Huli Huli Chicken.
  • Garlic & Ginger: These aromatics are the flavor base for the marinade, infusing the chicken with their unique warmth and depth.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and enhances the overall complexity of the dish.

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create Huli Huli Chicken:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

  1. Combine the Marinade Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is smooth.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place your chicken (thighs, breasts, or a combination) in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that the meat is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the most flavorful results, marinate for up to 4 hours or overnight.

2. Prepare the Grill:

  1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you are using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to burn down to a consistent heat level. For a gas grill, set the temperature to medium-high and preheat for about 10 minutes.
  2. Oil the Grill Grates: Before cooking, use a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil to lightly oil the grill grates. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking.

3. Grill the Chicken:

  1. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Place the chicken on the preheated grill. If using bone-in chicken, grill for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For boneless chicken, grill for 4-5 minutes per side, checking the internal temperature to ensure doneness.
  2. Baste the Chicken: As the chicken cooks, you can baste it with the remaining marinade to keep it moist and flavorful. Be sure to reserve some marinade before adding it to the raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.

4. Check for Doneness and Serve:

  1. Check the Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to guarantee it is fully cooked.
  2. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
  3. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. Slice and serve with your favorite sides.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Marinating Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400-500 calories

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Find it online: https://epicuremeals.com/huli-huli-chicken-recipe/