As the sun sets on another warm summer day, I can't help but daydream about a feast brimming with tropical flavors. Enter the showstopper of my grilling adventures: Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken. This marinated chicken, once sealed in a blend of sweet pineapple juice, tangy soy sauce, and zesty spices, turns into a charred masterpiece on the grill, making it perfect for those summer cookouts. It’s so simple to whip up yet incredibly satisfying, ideal for impressing family and friends alike. Plus, grilling it alongside fresh pineapple adds a refreshing twist that brightens every bite. Are you ready to create a taste of paradise at home?
Why is Huli Huli Chicken a Must-Try?
Flavor Explosion: Each bite combines sweet, savory, and smoky notes, making it unforgettable.
Effortless Preparation: Marinating overnight means you can simply grill and serve the next day!
Versatile Options: Try chicken breasts, kabobs, or even pork for a unique twist on this classic.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for summer cookouts, your family and friends will be asking for seconds!
Easy Pairing: Serve with delicious sides like Coconut Jasmine Rice or a fresh Grilled Peach Salad for a complete meal.
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Ingredients
For the Marinade
- Boneless Chicken Thighs – Juicy and perfect for marinating; you can substitute breasts or drumsticks if preferred.
- Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken beautifully.
- Ketchup – Provides a tangy base that enhances the depth of flavor in this Hawaiian recipe.
- Canned Pineapple Juice – Ensures tenderness without mushiness; avoid fresh juice due to enzymatic reactions.
- Light Soy Sauce – Adds saltiness and umami depth to the marinade, elevating the dish.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Contributes complex, savory flavors with a slight tang.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Provides acidity to balance the sweetness of the marinade.
- Minced Fresh Ginger – Introduces a warm, spicy note that complements the other flavors.
- Minced Garlic – Enhances the aroma and overall flavor profile of the chicken.
- Smoked Paprika – Infuses a delightful smokiness, ideal for grilled chicken.
- Ground Black Pepper – Offers a touch of heat and seasoning to round out the marinade.
For Grilling
- Fresh Pineapple Slices – Optional but recommended; grill alongside the chicken for added sweetness and freshness.
- Vegetable Oil – Use for brushing the grill grates to prevent sticking and ensure perfect grilling.
- Sliced Green Onions – For garnish, adding a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
Get ready to enjoy the most delicious Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken that will have everyone coming back for more!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Marinade
In a large resealable bag, mix together the light brown sugar, ketchup, canned pineapple juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced ginger, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well combined and the sugar is dissolved before moving on to create a flavorful marinade for your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.
Step 2: Marinate Chicken
Remove half a cup of the marinade to use later, then add the boneless chicken thighs to the bag. Seal it tightly, tossing the chicken to coat it thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours or overnight for best flavor absorption. This step ensures that your chicken becomes tender and imbued with delicious Hawaiian flavors.
Step 3: Preheat Grill
When you're ready to grill, take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F-450°F). Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent the chicken from sticking, setting the stage for beautifully charred Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.
Step 4: Grill Chicken
Place the marinated chicken thighs directly on the preheated grill. Cook the chicken for 6 minutes, then flip it over. After another 3 minutes, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade, flip once more, and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes on each side. Your chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, showcasing a gorgeous caramelized exterior.
Step 5: Rest Chicken
Once cooked, remove the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. It's the perfect time to grill the pineapple while the chicken rests and soak in those sweet, smoky flavours.
Step 6: Grill Pineapple
Place fresh pineapple slices on the grill over direct heat. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until nice grill marks appear and the fruit softens slightly. Grilling the pineapple not only enhances its natural sweetness but also adds an appealing presentation to your dish, complementing the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken beautifully.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your mouthwatering Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken alongside the grilled pineapple. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions for an added touch of flavor and color. Your delicious meal is now ready to be enjoyed, bringing tropical vibes to your table and creating a delightful experience for your family and friends.
How to Store and Freeze Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Room Temperature: Enjoy Huli Huli Chicken right after grilling for the best flavor; avoid keeping it out for more than 2 hours.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it's cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Label the bag for easy identification when you're ready to grill again.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, heat on the grill until warmed through, or place in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes for best results.
Expert Tips for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
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Marination Mastery: For the best flavor, marinate your chicken overnight. This will deepen the taste and ensure juicy, tender meat.
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Safe Basting: Always reserve some marinade before adding the chicken to avoid cross-contamination. This is key for safe grilling practices.
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Perfect Grill Marks: Ensure your grill is preheated properly to achieve beautiful char marks on the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.
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Cooking Time Adjustments: If using chicken breasts or drumsticks, adjust the cooking time as they may require slightly longer to cook through.
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Flavor Variations: Feel free to get creative! Add bell peppers or swap in pork to change things up while still enjoying that delightful Hawaiian flavor.
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Grilling Pineapple: Don't skip the grilled pineapple; it adds a wonderfully sweet and smoky contrast to the savory chicken, enhancing the overall dish.
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Variations
Feel free to make this delicious Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken your own by trying these creative variations!
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Chicken Breasts: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option; cook slightly longer for juicy results.
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Kabob Style: Cut the chicken into cubes, alternate with bell peppers, and grill for tasty kabobs that everyone will love. Adding colorful veggies makes dinner visually appealing!
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Pork Chop Swap: For a twist, substitute chicken with thick-cut pork chops marinated in the same mixture; they will be equally delicious and offer a unique flavor.
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Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick, perfect for those who love a little heat.
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Citrus Marinade: Mix in some lime or orange juice with the pineapple juice for a bright citrus zing that perfectly complements the sweetness of the dish.
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Smoky Flavor Boost: Incorporate an extra sprinkle of smoked paprika or use a hickory smoke marinade for a richer, smoky taste that enhances the grilling experience.
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Serve with Extras: Pair your grilled chicken with fresh mango salsa or a tangy cilantro-lime dressing for a refreshing punch that elevates your meal.
Experimenting with these options will bring your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken to new heights! For more delightful chicken ideas, check out the flavorful Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder or the zesty Tuscan Chicken Wow.
What to Serve with Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
As you savor the sweet and smoky bites of Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken, consider these delightful pairings to complete your meal experience.
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Coconut Jasmine Rice: The creamy, fragrant rice beautifully balances the robust flavors of the chicken, making each bite a tropical delight.
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Grilled Peach Salad: Fresh, juicy peaches grilled to perfection add a sweet and tangy contrast, enhancing the whole grilled experience.
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Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob: Tender, buttery corn with a hint of garlic complements the savory notes of Huli Huli Chicken, creating a wholesome side.
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Tropical Fruit Salad: A bright mix of mangoes, bananas, and kiwis adds a refreshing, zesty touch, perfect against the rich marinated chicken.
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Grilled Vegetable Medley: Seasonal veggies marinated and grilled bring a smoky flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the sweet marinade of the chicken.
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Mai Tai: This classic Hawaiian cocktail, with its fruity and refreshing taste, offers a delightful drink to wash down your succulent chicken.
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Rum Cake: A slice of moist rum cake serves as a sweet ending, allowing the tropical flavors to linger on your palate.
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Pineapple Whip: Creamy, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing, this dessert will transport you to a Hawaiian paradise after your savory meal.
Make Ahead Options
These Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing those incredible flavors to truly penetrate the meat. Simply prepare the marinade (as detailed in the instructions) and place your chicken in a resealable bag, ensuring it’s well-coated. Refrigerate it overnight for the best results. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days! When you're ready to grill, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes, then follow the grilling instructions as usual to achieve that juicy, charred perfection—just as delicious as when freshly made!
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe FAQs
What are the ingredients in huli huli chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken includes boneless chicken thighs, light brown sugar, ketchup, canned pineapple juice (not fresh), light soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced fresh ginger, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper. Don’t forget fresh pineapple slices for grilling alongside the chicken!
What is the difference between teriyaki chicken and Huli Huli chicken?
The main difference lies in the flavor profiles and ingredients. Huli Huli chicken is marinated in a mix that includes pineapple juice and gives it a smoky-sweet flavor, while teriyaki chicken usually has a sweeter, thicker sauce based on soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, focusing on umami rather than tropical notes.
How long should I marinate Hawaiian chicken?
For the best flavor, it's recommended to marinate your Hawaiian chicken for at least 4-6 hours. However, marinating overnight (up to 48 hours) is even better! This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken, resulting in a juicier and tastier dish.
How should I store leftover Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken?
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled to room temperature before sealing it to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat on the grill until warmed through or place it in an oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I freeze Huli Huli Chicken?
Absolutely! To freeze, place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag and label it with the date. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to make it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before grilling — pure convenience for your future summer cookouts!
What side dishes pair well with huli huli chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken is delightful with many sides! I love serving it with coconut jasmine rice, which complements the tropical flavors beautifully. You could also try a fresh grilled peach salad or some grilled summer vegetables, all of which enhance the meal while keeping it light and vibrant.
Savory Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken for Your Summer Cookout
Equipment
- grill
- Resealable Bag
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 pound Boneless Chicken Thighs Substitute with breasts or drumsticks if preferred.
- ½ cup Light Brown Sugar Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken beautifully.
- ½ cup Ketchup Provides a tangy base enhancing the depth of flavor.
- 1 cup Canned Pineapple Juice Ensures tenderness without mushiness.
- ½ cup Light Soy Sauce Adds saltiness and umami depth.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce Provides complex, savory flavors.
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Balances the sweetness of the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon Minced Fresh Ginger Introduces a warm, spicy note.
- 3 cloves Minced Garlic Enhances the aroma and overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Infuses smokiness ideal for grilled chicken.
- ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Offers a touch of heat.
For Grilling
- 1 cup Fresh Pineapple Slices Optional but recommended for added freshness.
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil For brushing the grill grates.
- 2 tablespoons Sliced Green Onions For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large resealable bag, mix together the light brown sugar, ketchup, canned pineapple juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced ginger, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Remove half a cup of the marinade for later, then add the boneless chicken thighs to the bag. Seal tightly and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F-450°F). Brush grill grates with vegetable oil.
- Place the marinated chicken directly on the grill. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip. After another 3 minutes, baste with reserved marinade and flip once more, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for about 10 minutes.
- Grill fresh pineapple slices directly over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Plate the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken alongside the grilled pineapple and garnish with sliced green onions.
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