Get ready for an explosion of flavors with this delicious Huli Huli Grilled Chicken! The marinade is quick and easy to prepare, and the results are absolutely mouthwatering. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a tropical-inspired dish that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re new to grilling or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a regular on your grilling menu.
Scrumptious Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Huli Huli Chicken is a tropical delight that has become a beloved dish all over the world, and it’s easy to see why! The marinated chicken, grilled to perfection, is packed with a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. After making this recipe at home, I can’t imagine grilling anything else! The marinade soaks into the chicken beautifully, creating a juicy and flavorful meal with every bite. After trying it, my family was so hooked that we ended up making it multiple nights in a row. If you’re looking for a dish that’s as good as your favorite restaurant version, this is it! The secret to its greatness lies in the simple yet flavorful marinade, which brings out the best in the chicken. Serve it with grilled pineapple or a fresh side salad for a meal that feels like a tropical getaway.
Here’s What You’ll Need for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
This recipe calls for a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, most of which are staples in your kitchen already. Here’s the full list of what you’ll need:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are perfect for grilling because they stay tender and juicy. Thighs have a little more fat compared to chicken breasts, which makes them ideal for cooking on the grill.
- Unsweetened Pineapple Juice: This adds a natural sweetness and tropical flair to the marinade.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce provides the savory, salty foundation for the marinade. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative if you’re mindful of salt intake.
- Brown Sugar: It helps caramelize the chicken, adding depth of flavor and a sweet finish.
- Ketchup: This adds a tangy richness to the marinade that balances the other ingredients perfectly.
- Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and richness to the marinade, making it extra flavorful.
- Freshly Grated Ginger Root: The ginger gives the dish a hint of spice and a nice fresh flavor.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a savory punch, but jarred garlic works just as well if you’re short on time.
- Green Onions: These are used for garnish and add a fresh, crunchy bite to the final dish
Let’s Whip Up Some Grilled Chicken!
Now that we have everything we need, it’s time to get started! This recipe is super simple but yields delicious results.
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic. Be sure to set aside about 1 cup of this marinade to baste the chicken during grilling.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to a ziplock bag and pour the remaining marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, in the fridge. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade to enhance the flavor. Once cooked, sprinkle sliced green onions over the chicken for a fresh, vibrant touc
Top Tips for Perfect Huli Huli Grilled Chicken
To ensure your Huli Huli Chicken turns out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:
- Choose the Right Cut of Chicken: Chicken thighs are the go-to option for grilling. They stay juicy, even with a bit of grilling time, and their natural fats help retain moisture. If you prefer chicken breasts, make sure to pound them to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. The key is to avoid overcooking the chicken, so it stays juicy and tender.
- Rest Your Chicken: After grilling, let your chicken rest for about 10 minutes under foil. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken remains moist and flavorful.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Be sure to set aside some of the marinade to use for basting as the chicken grills. Don’t reuse the marinade that was in contact with raw chicken, as this can lead to contamination. If you’re concerned about grilling, this dish can also be made by baking the chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes or cooking it on the stovetop in a skillet.
Popular Sides For Huli Huli Chicken
The best grilled dishes deserve the best sides! Here are a few crowd-pleasing options that pair beautifully with Huli Huli Chicken:
- Grilled Pineapple: Sweet and smoky pineapple is a natural companion to the flavors of the chicken. The slight char from the grill complements the sweetness of the fruit perfectly.
- Rice: Whether it’s white rice, brown rice, or coconut rice, a fluffy bowl of rice makes a great side dish that soaks up all the tasty marinade
- Stir-Fried Veggies: A colorful mix of stir-fried veggies is a great way to add some crunch and freshness to your meal.
- Summer Corn Salad: This light and refreshing salad is the perfect accompaniment to balance out the richness of the chicken.
- Bacon Ranch Pasta or Tuscan Pasta Salad: These hearty salads make a great addition for a potluck or BBQ.
For lighter options, you can also serve up fresh fruit, veggie platters, and your favorite dips for a laid-back gathering.
Making the Most of Your Huli Huli Leftovers
One of the best things about this recipe is that it tastes even better the next day! The leftovers are just as delicious and make great additions to meals throughout the week. Here’s how to store them:
- Fridge: Store your leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: If you want to store your leftovers longer, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge
Leftover chicken can be repurposed in several dishes. Try adding it to a Broccoli Ramen Salad or use it as a protein topping for a Buddha Bowl for an easy, flavorful meal
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
Give this tropical-inspired grilled chicken a try! With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s a dish that will impress your guests and keep you coming back for more.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 330 per serving
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or 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 topping
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except for the green onions and chicken. Set aside 1 cup of marinade for basting.
- Marinate the chicken in the remaining marinade for 3 hours or overnight.
- Grill the chicken over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes. Serve with sliced green onions on top.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 330
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 30g