➤ Table of Contents
Hi, I’m Chloe—welcome to my kitchen! I started this blog to share the joy, comfort, and creativity that cooking brings into my life. Some of my best memories were made while stirring a pot, baking something sweet, or sneaking a taste of cookie dough. Each recipe I post is something I’ve truly loved making and eating, from cozy weeknight dinners to nostalgic desserts. I believe cooking shouldn’t be perfect—it should be fun, heartfelt, and full of little happy messes. This space is for inspiration, connection, and delicious moments shared with others. I’m so glad you’re here—let’s make something wonderful together.
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Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Discover the mouthwatering flavor of Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken! Learn to create this savory, grilled delight with authentic techniques and tips for a perfect dish.
Ingredients
4 pounds (1.81 kg) boneless chicken thighs – or bone-in
1/2 cup (120 ml) light brown sugar – packed
1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
1 cup (240 ml) canned pineapple juice – do not use fresh pineapple juice
1/2 cup (120 ml) light soy sauce
2 tablespoon (30 ml) s Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoon (30 ml) s apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) minced fresh ginger
4 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon (5 ml) smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) ground black pepper
Fresh pineapple slices – to serve as a side
Vegetable oil – for the grill
Sliced green onions – for garnish
Instructions
1. In a big, sealable plastic bag, combine light brown sugar, ketchup, canned pineapple juice, light soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced fresh ginger, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper until well blended.
2. Set aside ½ cup of the mixture and refrigerate it for later use as a glaze for the chicken.
3. Place the boneless chicken thighs into the marinade inside the sealable bag, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Close the bag and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4-6 hours or preferably overnight.
4. Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and allow it to rest at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before grilling. Meanwhile, preheat the grill and lightly coat the grill grates with vegetable oil.
5. Grill the chicken: Cook the chicken on the grill for 6 minutes on one side, then turn over and grill for approximately 3 minutes. Brush the chicken with the reserved ½ cup of marinade, then turn again and grill for an additional 1-2 minutes per side. Continue this process until the chicken is thoroughly cooked in the center, taking about 15-16 minutes in total. Take it off the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. Note: To prevent cross-contamination, use only the reserved marinade for brushing the chicken.
6. Grill the fresh pineapple slices on both sides until they have grill marks.
7. Present the chicken alongside the grilled pineapple and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Enjoy!
Notes
1. For a spicier kick, add extra minced fresh ginger to the marinade without altering other ingredients.
2. Ensure the canned pineapple juice is not fresh, as fresh juice contains enzymes that can over-tenderize the chicken.
3. If using bone-in chicken, adjust the grilling time to ensure the meat is cooked through.
4. Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling ensures juicier, more flavorful meat.
Getting Started with Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Fundamentals
When it comes to chicken recipes, few can match the flavorful punch of Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken. The name “Huli Huli” translates to “turn turn,” a nod to the traditional method of cooking this dish over an open grill, frequently turning the chicken to achieve that perfect char. This dish is a celebration of flavors, combining sweet, tangy, and savory elements to create a harmonious taste that transports you straight to the islands. The key to mastering this dish lies in understanding the fundamentals of its marinade.
The blend of light brown sugar, ketchup, canned pineapple juice, light soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced fresh ginger, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper is what gives this chicken its distinctive flavor profile.
To get started, you’ll need exactly 4 pounds (1.81 kg) of boneless chicken thighs. This choice of meat ensures that the chicken remains juicy and flavorful. The marinade is a simple yet effective concoction of pantry staples that, when combined, create a magical mix that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with aromatic flavors. For more details on marination techniques, you can check out this marination techniques guide.
Preparation/setup
Getting the preparation right is crucial for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken. Start by mixing the marinade ingredients in a big, sealable plastic bag. Once combined, set aside ½ cup of the mixture and refrigerate it for later use as a glaze. This step ensures that you have a delicious sauce to brush over the chicken during grilling. Place the boneless chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Seal the bag and let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the chicken to soak up the rich flavors of the marinade, making each bite a burst of taste.
While waiting, it’s always a good idea to check out some grilling tips to ensure you get the best results. Our grilling tips page offers valuable insights into achieving the perfect grill marks and maintaining juicy meat. Remember, preparation is key to creating a memorable dish, and with these steps, you’re well on your way to mastering Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.
Mastering the Technique of Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Technique
Cooking Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken to perfection involves mastering the grilling technique. Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the refrigerator and allow it to rest at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the chicken cook evenly. Meanwhile, preheat the grill and lightly coat the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 minutes on one side, then turn over and grill for approximately 3 minutes. Brush the chicken with the reserved ½ cup of marinade, then turn again and grill for an additional 1-2 minutes per side. Continue this process until the chicken is thoroughly cooked in the center, taking about 15-16 minutes in total. A detailed guide on grilling techniques can be found on our grilling techniques page, ensuring you achieve a perfect cook every time.
Tips/tricks
Here are a few tips to elevate your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken game. First, always use the reserved marinade for brushing to prevent cross-contamination. This ensures safety while enhancing flavor. Secondly, for that authentic smoky flavor, you might want to consider using a charcoal grill. It adds depth to the chicken that gas grills sometimes lack. Lastly, let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite succulent and flavorful.
For those looking to experiment with grilling styles, our charcoal vs. gas grilling guide offers insights on which method might suit your cooking style best. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with these tips, you’ll be grilling Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken like a pro in no time.
Optimizing Your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Perfecting results
Achieving the perfect Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken requires attention to detail and a bit of patience. One of the keys to optimization is ensuring the chicken is cooked to the right internal temperature, which should be around 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender. Using a meat thermometer can be incredibly helpful in achieving this. Additionally, brushing the chicken with the marinade multiple times while grilling enhances the flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful glaze.
For those interested in diving deeper into the science of cooking temperatures, our cooking temperatures guide provides comprehensive information on achieving the best results for various meats. Remember, the secret to perfecting Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken lies in the balance of flavors and the precision of your cooking techniques.
Troubleshooting/variations
Troubleshooting common issues can save your dish from being anything less than spectacular. If you find the chicken is charring too quickly, consider reducing the grill’s heat or moving the chicken to a cooler part of the grill. Uneven cooking can be addressed by ensuring all chicken pieces are of similar thickness. If you’re looking for variations, consider adding a hint of heat with some chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy twist.
For more troubleshooting tips and variations, our grilling troubleshooting guide is a great resource. It provides solutions to common grilling issues and offers creative variations to keep your cooking exciting. With these insights, you can confidently tackle any challenges that come your way while preparing Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.
Serving and Final Steps for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Serving/presentation
Presentation is key when serving Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken. Arrange the grilled chicken on a platter, accompanied by grilled pineapple slices, which not only complement the dish but also add a sweet, tangy contrast. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the chicken to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. This simple yet elegant presentation is sure to impress your guests and make your dish stand out.
For more presentation ideas and techniques, visit our presentation tips page. This resource offers creative ways to elevate the look of your dishes, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.
For a comforting and flavorful dinner, this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet is a must-try recipe that comes together easily in one pan.
Pairings/storage
Pairing Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken with the right sides can enhance your dining experience. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad or steamed rice to balance the flavors. For a tropical twist, a side of coconut rice would complement the dish beautifully. When it comes to storage, if you have leftover chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain its juicy texture.
For more ideas on pairings and storage solutions, check out our pairing guide. This guide provides suggestions on sides that pair well with various dishes and tips on how to store leftovers effectively. With these final steps, you’re ready to enjoy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken at its finest.
Conclusion
In summary, Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, all brought together through careful preparation and grilling techniques. The marinade is the heart of this recipe, imbuing the chicken with its characteristic taste. Grilling the chicken to perfection requires attention to detail, with multiple brushings of the marinade enhancing the flavor and glaze. Serving with grilled pineapple and a sprinkle of green onions adds a tropical flair that is sure to impress.
Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a beginner, this recipe is accessible and rewarding, offering a taste of Hawaii in your own backyard. With the resources available on SousVideRecipe.com, you’re equipped with the knowledge and tips to make your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken a standout dish. Embrace the process, enjoy the flavors, and savor each perfectly cooked bite.
