Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the taste of Hawaii right to your grill. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, weekend barbecues, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with delicious flavors. The easy marinade infuses the chicken with sweet and savory notes, making it a standout choice for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: The marinade comes together in just minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: Each bite bursts with sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for serving at gatherings or as a simple weeknight dinner.
• Great Leftovers: The grilled chicken tastes even better the next day, making it excellent for meal prep.
• Healthy and Delicious: Packed with protein while being low in calories, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Ziplock bag
• Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect char and smoky flavor on your chicken.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing the marinade ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients quickly and evenly for a seamless marinade.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
• sliced green onions (for garnish)

How to Make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
2. 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
3. ½ cup soy sauce
4. ½ cup brown sugar
5. ⅓ cup ketchup
6. ¼ cup chicken broth
7. 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
8. 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Reserve 1 cup of the marinade for basting later.
2. Pour the remaining marinade over:
3. 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs into a ziplock bag.
4. Seal the bag tightly and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. After marinating, preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Place the chicken on the grill with the lid closed.
3. Grill each side for about 6–8 minutes until no longer pink and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Baste occasionally with reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
5. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Enjoy this delicious Grilled Huli Huli Chicken at your next meal!

How to Serve Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether serving at a casual barbecue or a family dinner, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

With Coconut Rice

• Coconut rice pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors of Huli Huli chicken, adding a tropical twist to your plate.

On a Salad

• Sliced grilled chicken on a fresh garden salad adds protein and flavor. Drizzle with additional dressing for an extra zing.

In Tacos

• Use shredded Grilled Huli Huli Chicken as a filling for soft tortillas. Top with cabbage slaw and pineapple salsa for a delicious twist.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Serve alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and corn. The smoky flavor complements the chicken perfectly.

In a Sandwich

• Create a hearty sandwich using sliced chicken, fresh greens, and your favorite sauce. It makes for an easy lunch option.

How to Perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Achieving the perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure you get it just right.

• Marinate longer: For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight instead of just three hours.

• Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium heat before adding the chicken to achieve those perfect grill marks.

• Baste while grilling: Basting the chicken with reserved marinade during the last few minutes keeps it moist and flavorful.

• Use a meat thermometer: Check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.

• Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps retain its juices for better flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Grilled Huli Huli Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Coleslaw
   A refreshing coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots adds crunch and balances the sweetness of the chicken.

2. Pineapple Fried Rice
   This flavorful fried rice incorporates pineapple chunks, making it an ideal complement to grilled chicken.

3. Corn on the Cob
   Sweet corn on the cob, either grilled or boiled, offers a simple yet tasty side that everyone loves.

4. Potato Salad
   Creamy potato salad provides a classic touch, perfect for balancing bold flavors in your meal.

5. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad with veggies and lime dressing is healthy and adds texture next to your chicken dish.

6. Garlic Bread
   Toasted garlic bread is always a hit! It’s great for soaking up any leftover marinade flavors on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, it’s easy to overlook important steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not marinating long enough: Skipping the marination or not allowing enough time can lead to bland chicken. Aim for at least three hours or overnight for the best flavor.
• Using bone-in chicken: For this recipe, boneless skinless chicken is ideal. Bone-in pieces take longer to cook and may not absorb the marinade as well.
• Grilling at too high a heat: Cooking on high heat can char the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Medium heat is best for even cooking.
• Forgetting to reserve marinade for basting: Not saving some marinade for basting can result in dry chicken. Always set aside a portion before adding chicken.
• Ignoring internal temperature: Relying solely on cooking time can lead to undercooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store grilled chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place chicken on a baking tray, covering with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed, and cook until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Grilled Huli Huli Chicken.

What sides go well with Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

Some great sides include rice, grilled vegetables, or fresh salad. These complement the flavors perfectly.

Can I make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and grill it when ready to serve. This makes meal prep easy!

How can I customize my Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

Feel free to add spices like cayenne pepper or switch up the sweetener for different flavor profiles.

Is Grilled Huli Huli Chicken gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various sides or marinades. Try this recipe today for a delightful meal that everyone will love!