Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious and vibrant dish that brings a taste of the tropics right to your backyard. This recipe features a delightful marinade that infuses your chicken with sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for summer barbecues or family dinners. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare, ensuring it will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: The marinade comes together in just minutes, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and spices creates a unique taste that will impress your guests.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for grilling on special occasions or weeknight dinners, this chicken pairs well with various sides.
• Healthy Option: With lean chicken thighs or breasts and fresh ingredients, this recipe is a nutritious choice for any meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: Marinate the chicken ahead of time and grill it when you’re ready for an effortless dinner solution.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the essential tools you’ll need to make this Grilled Huli Huli Chicken. Having everything prepared will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps combine all the marinade ingredients effectively without spilling.
• Whisk: Ensures that your marinade is thoroughly blended, enhancing its flavor profile.
• Grill: Provides an ideal cooking method for achieving that smoky charred finish on the chicken.
• Meat thermometer: Guarantees perfect doneness, ensuring your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

Ingredients

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a five star recipe! The marinade is quick and easy and full of such amazing flavor! You will make this again and again!

For the Chicken

• 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)

For the Marinade

• 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 the chicken thighs in a ziplock bag.
3. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Remove chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining liquid.
3. Grill the chicken with the lid closed for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until no longer pink inside.
4. Use the reserved marinade to baste during the last 5 minutes of grilling for extra flavor.
5. Once cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit), remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Garnish with sliced green onions if desired before serving! Enjoy your flavorful Grilled Huli Huli Chicken!

How to Serve Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious dish that can be served in many ways. Its sweet and savory flavors pair nicely with a variety of sides, making it perfect for any occasion.

Fresh Salad

• A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken.

Coconut Rice

• Serve this chicken over fluffy coconut rice for a tropical twist that enhances the Hawaiian theme.

Grilled Vegetables

• Pair the chicken with a medley of grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus for added color and nutrition.

Pineapple Salsa

• A zesty pineapple salsa adds brightness and freshness to the dish, balancing out the flavors beautifully.

Coleslaw

• Creamy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the tender chicken.

Garlic Bread

• Crispy garlic bread makes for a delightful side that can soak up any leftover marinade or juices on your plate.

How to Perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

To achieve the best results when preparing Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, consider these essential tips. They will help you create a flavorful and juicy dish every time.

• Marinate longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of just three hours.
• Monitor grill temperature: Make sure your grill is at medium heat; high heat can cause the outside to burn while leaving the inside undercooked.
• Use reserved marinade wisely: Baste your chicken with reserved marinade during grilling to enhance its flavor without risking contamination.
• Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal safety.
• Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This keeps it juicy and allows flavors to meld together.
• Experiment with garnishes: Consider adding fresh herbs or lime wedges as garnishes for an extra burst of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

When serving Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, choosing the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf made with herbs and spices adds depth to your meal.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad packed with vegetables provides a nutritious complement.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter enhances that summer BBQ vibe and pairs perfectly with chicken.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add crunch and balance out the richness of the dish.
6. Mango Chutney: A sweet mango chutney serves as an excellent condiment to brighten up each bite of chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Grilled Huli Huli Chicken turns out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.

• Not marinating long enough: Marinating the chicken for at least 3 hours—or ideally overnight—intensifies the flavors. Skipping this step leads to bland chicken.
• Skipping the basting step: Basting during grilling adds moisture and flavor. If you forget this crucial step, your chicken may dry out or lack depth of taste.
• Overcrowding the grill: Placing too much chicken on the grill can lower the temperature and prevent even cooking. Grill in batches for the best results.
• Ignoring internal temperature: Always check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Not doing so can lead to undercooked meat that’s unsafe to eat.
• Using low-quality soy sauce: The soy sauce is a primary flavor component. Opt for high-quality soy sauce to enhance the overall taste of your dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let the chicken cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a lid. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Grilled Huli Huli Chicken.

How do I make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken spicy?

You can add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to your marinade for an extra kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Turkey thighs or breasts work great as substitutes, providing a similar flavor profile when marinated properly.

What should I serve with Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a refreshing salad. Consider tropical sides like coconut rice for added flair!

How do I know when my chicken is done?

The best way to check doneness is using a meat thermometer. Your chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe for consumption.

Can I make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and grill it just before serving, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. Its sweet and tangy flavors make it suitable for various occasions, from casual dinners to festive gatherings. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding different spices or serving it with unique sides. Give it a try—you’ll want this recipe in your rotation!