Huli Huli Chicken
Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian Chicken)
Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious tropical dish that brings the flavors of Hawaii right to your kitchen. The name "Huli" means "turn" in Hawaiian, and this dish is famous for its sweet and tangy marinade, which infuses the chicken with amazing flavors. Grilled to perfection, Huli Huli Chicken is great for summer barbecues or any family gathering.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Huli Huli Chicken. First, it’s packed with flavor thanks to ingredients like pineapple juice, ginger, and soy sauce. Also, it’s easy to prepare and requires minimal cooking skills. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Not to mention, the vibrant colors and tropical taste will impress your guests and bring a little piece of Hawaii to your home.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken
Making Huli Huli Chicken is simple. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create this delightful dish. Follow the steps below to prepare it.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg / 3 lb chicken thighs (or breast, Note 1)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice, canned or bottled (NOT FRESH!), unsweetened (Note 2)
- 1 1/2 tbsp ginger, freshly grated (Note 3)
- 1 1/2 tbsp garlic, freshly grated (Note 3)
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup (or Aussie tomato sauce)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sherry or Chinese cooking wine (Note 4)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil, toasted
- Sliced green onion
- Pineapple slices, grilled for 3 minutes on each side for lines
Directions:
-
Marinade:
- Mix all marinade ingredients together. Set aside 3/4 cup (185 ml) for basting.
- Pour the rest over the chicken in a glass or ceramic container (not metal or plastic). Coat the chicken thoroughly, and marinate for 24-48 hours for best results.
-
Cooking:
- Brush the BBQ grills with oil and preheat it to medium-high, or heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Drain the excess marinade from the chicken and place it on the BBQ or skillet.
- Cook the first side for 2-3 minutes until golden, adjusting the heat if browning too fast. Then, flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Baste generously with the reserved marinade, flip again, and cook for 1 more minute.
- Repeat this basting every minute or so for a total cooking time of about 10 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 75°C/167°F for thighs or 65°C/150°F for breasts.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate, loosely cover with foil, and let it rest for 3 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onion if desired.
How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken
Serve Huli Huli Chicken hot, garnished with fresh green onions. It pairs well with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve the grilled pineapple slices on the side for a lovely touch.
How to Store Huli Huli Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy again. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken, and it will keep well for about 3 months.
Tips to Make Huli Huli Chicken
- Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- For extra tenderness, use chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they have more fat.
- Always check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version by using tofu or portobello mushrooms marinated in the same sauce. This allows everyone to enjoy the same fantastic flavor!
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh pineapple juice?
- It is best to use canned or bottled unsweetened pineapple juice for the best flavor and consistency.
-
Is Huli Huli Chicken spicy?
- The dish has a mild heat because of Sriracha. You can reduce or omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.
-
Can I grill this chicken indoors?
- Yes! You can cook Huli Huli Chicken on a stovetop skillet or grill pan if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
Enjoy this taste of Hawaii with your loved ones!
Huli Huli Chicken
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 3 lb 3 lb chicken thighs (or breast) Note 1: Chicken thighs are recommended for tenderness.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice, canned or bottled (NOT FRESH!), unsweetened Note 2: For best flavor.
- 1 1/2 tbsp ginger, freshly grated Note 3: Freshly grated for best flavor.
- 1 1/2 tbsp garlic, freshly grated Note 3: Freshly grated for best flavor.
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup (or Aussie tomato sauce)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sherry or Chinese cooking wine Note 4: Enhances flavor.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Sriracha Optional for heat.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil, toasted
- Sliced green onion For garnish.
- Pineapple slices, grilled For serving, grilled for 3 minutes on each side for lines.
Instructions
Marinade
- Mix all marinade ingredients together. Set aside 3/4 cup (185 ml) for basting.
- Pour the rest over the chicken in a glass or ceramic container (not metal or plastic).
- Coat the chicken thoroughly, and marinate for 24-48 hours for best results.
Cooking
- Brush the BBQ grills with oil and preheat it to medium-high, or heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Drain the excess marinade from the chicken and place it on the BBQ or skillet.
- Cook the first side for 2-3 minutes until golden, adjusting the heat if browning too fast.
- Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Baste generously with the reserved marinade, flip again, and cook for 1 more minute.
- Repeat this basting every minute or so for a total cooking time of about 10 minutes.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 75°C/167°F for thighs or 65°C/150°F for breasts.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate, loosely cover with foil, and let it rest for 3 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with sliced green onion if desired.
