Why Make This Recipe
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the taste of Hawaii to your kitchen. It’s sweet, tangy, and oh-so-flavorful! Using a marinade made from soy sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar, this recipe guarantees juicy and tender chicken. Plus, grilling the chicken and fresh pineapple gives it that perfect char, making it an excellent choice for summer cookouts or family dinners. It’s not just delicious, but also easy to make, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
How to Make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 ripe pineapple, cut into circles
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Directions
- Dump all your marinade bits—teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil—into a bowl. Stir it all up well to blend everything together.
- Put your chicken pieces in a dish or a zip bag. Pour the marinade on top, seal it up or cover, and chill for at least 2 hours or just leave it overnight if you can spare the time.
- Get your grill nice and hot, set to medium-high.
- Lift chicken out from the marinade, but keep the leftover liquid aside to brush while grilling. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, brushing with the extra marinade now and then. Take it off once it’s cooked through and hits 165°F inside.
- Put your pineapple rings on the hot grill and cook each side for about 2-3 minutes. Take them off when they’re charred and smell sweet.
- Throw away any leftover marinade that touched raw chicken. Lay out your grilled chicken, pop the grilled pineapple on top, and sprinkle over chopped green onions and sesame seeds to your liking.
How to Serve Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Serve the Huli Huli Chicken hot off the grill, with the charred pineapple on top. You can also pair it with rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. For added flavor, drizzle some extra teriyaki sauce over it. This dish looks great on a platter and makes for an appealing presentation.
How to Store Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or gently warm it in a skillet over low heat. If you want to freeze it, make sure it is in a freezer-safe container and try to use it within 2-3 months for the best flavor.
Tips to Make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
- If you have more time, marinate the chicken overnight for even better flavor.
- Make sure your grill is hot enough before adding the chicken to get nice grill marks.
- Use fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic to enhance the taste.
- Keep an eye on the chicken while grilling to avoid overcooking.
Variations
You can easily make this recipe your own by adding other spices or using different types of meat. Try substituting chicken with pork or shrimp. Additionally, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the skewers for a colorful feast.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They will work just as well!
2. Is it necessary to grill the chicken?
Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor, but you can also bake or pan-sear the chicken if grilling isn’t an option.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and just grill it when you’re ready to eat. This saves time and allows the flavors to deepen.