Authentic Huli Huli Chicken

$- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - 1/4 cup pineapple juice - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - 1 pineapple, sliced (for grilling and serving) These ingredients bring the flavors of Huli Huli Chicken to life. The chicken thighs are juicy and perfect for grilling. The skin keeps the meat moist while adding crunch. Soy sauce adds saltiness. Brown sugar gives a touch of sweetness. Apple cider vinegar balances the flavors. Fresh ginger and garlic add zest. Sesame oil brings nutty notes. Black pepper adds warmth. Red pepper flakes are for those who like heat. Pineapple juice adds a sweet twist. For serving, I like to garnish with green onions. They add a fresh touch. Grilled pineapple slices taste great alongside the chicken. This mix of ingredients creates a savory, sweet, and smoky flavor that you will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add: - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 cup pineapple juice Whisk these together until the sugar dissolves. The mix should smell sweet and tangy. Now it's time to marinate the chicken. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they get well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate. I recommend letting it sit for at least two hours, or even better, overnight. This wait allows all those flavors to soak in. First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is key for great results. Once the grill is hot, take the chicken out of the marinade. Let any extra marinade drip off. Keep the marinade for basting later. Now place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin side down. Grill them for about 6 to 7 minutes. You want the skin crispy and golden brown. After that, flip the chicken over. Brush the top with the reserved marinade. Grill for another 6 to 8 minutes. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. While the chicken grills, slice the pineapple. Place the slices on the grill too. Grill them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This will give them a lovely caramelized look and sweet taste. When the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Serve the chicken with the grilled pineapple on the side. Don't forget to garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your flavorful meal! Marinating chicken is key for great taste. I suggest marinating for at least two hours. For the best flavor, let it sit overnight. The longer it soaks up those flavors, the better it gets. Basting adds another layer of flavor. Use the reserved marinade while grilling. Brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking. This helps keep the chicken juicy and enhances the taste. The right grill temperature matters. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps the chicken cook evenly and get a nice sear. Checking the doneness is simple. Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. This ensures it’s safe to eat and still juicy. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for the most flavorful results. This helps the chicken absorb all the delicious flavors from the marinade. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Grill with Indirect Heat: If your grill has hot spots, consider using indirect heat by placing the chicken on the cooler side of the grill after searing to finish cooking without burning. Fresh Pineapple for Sweetness: For the best flavor, use fresh pineapple instead of canned. Grilling fresh pineapple enhances its sweetness and adds a delicious caramelized flavor. {{image_2}} You can customize Huli Huli chicken in many fun ways. First, try different marinades. Teriyaki gives a sweet twist, while citrus adds a bright zing. You can mix and match flavors to find your perfect taste. If you want to switch proteins, use pork or tofu instead of chicken. Each option brings its own unique flavor. You can also cook Huli Huli chicken in different ways. For oven-baked chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until the chicken is golden and reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. If you prefer a slow cooker, this method works too! Place the marinated chicken in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and full of flavor. Both methods are simple and give tasty results. To keep your Huli Huli Chicken fresh, follow these steps: - Cool the chicken completely. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. - Use an airtight container. Place the chicken in a sturdy container. - Refrigerate. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it longer: - Freeze the chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. - Use freezer bags. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. - Label and date. Write the date on the bag. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, here are the best ways to reheat: - Oven method. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. - Grill method. Preheat the grill. Warm the chicken for 5-10 minutes, turning it gently. - Microwave method. Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid drying out. These methods help keep your chicken juicy and tasty! What is Huli Huli Chicken? Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian dish. It features grilled chicken marinated in a tasty blend. The marinade includes soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. This mix gives the chicken a sweet and savory flavor. The name "Huli" means "turn" in Hawaiian, and it refers to grilling the chicken by flipping it. How can I make Huli Huli Chicken spicier? To add spice, include more red pepper flakes in the marinade. You can also use spicy sauce or fresh chili peppers. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Start with a little and add more if needed. This way, you can find the perfect balance for your taste. What to serve with Huli Huli Chicken? Huli Huli Chicken pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with rice or quinoa. Grilled vegetables also make a great choice. You can add a fresh salad for a light touch. Don’t forget to grill pineapple slices! They add sweetness and color to your plate. Can Huli Huli Chicken be made ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare Huli Huli Chicken ahead of time. Marinate the chicken the night before for the best flavor. Cook it fresh just before serving. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge. Reheat them gently to keep the chicken juicy and tasty. In this article, we explored the recipe for Huli Huli Chicken. We discussed the key ingredients, the steps for marinating and grilling, and offered useful tips for flavor and grilling. I shared variations to suit your taste and explained how to store leftovers effectively. Enjoy this flavorful dish, whether for a quick dinner or a special occasion. With the right techniques, you can create a crowd-pleaser that everyone loves. Dive in and try making it your own!$

Authentic Huli Huli Chicken

A delicious Hawaiian grilled chicken dish marinated in a sweet and savory sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 2 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Hawaiian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 thighs chicken (bone-in, skin-on)
0.25 cup soy sauce
0.25 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
0.25 cup pineapple juice
2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
1 pineapple sliced (for grilling and serving)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until the sugar is dissolved completely.
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting.
Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin side down. Grill for about 6-7 minutes or until the skin is crispy and browned.
Flip the chicken, brush the tops with the reserved marinade, and grill for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
While the chicken is grilling, place the pineapple slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until caramelized.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve the chicken thighs alongside the grilled pineapple, garnished with chopped green onions.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate overnight.

Keyword chicken, grilled, Huli Huli