Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken is a delightful Hawaiian dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a family dinner, or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe shines with its mouthwatering glaze and tender chicken. The marinated chicken thighs become incredibly juicy when grilled, offering a taste of the islands right in your backyard.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Marinade
• For the Chicken
• How to Make Huli Huli Chicken
• Step 1: Make the Marinade
• Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
• Step 3: Preheat the Grill
• Step 4: Grill the Chicken
• Step 5: Check Doneness
• Step 6: To Serve
• How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken
• Serve with Rice
• Pair with Vegetables
• Add Sauces
• Garnish Creatively
• How to Perfect Huli Huli Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Huli Huli Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Huli Huli Chicken
• Reheating Huli Huli Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Huli Huli Chicken?
• How long should I marinate Huli Huli Chicken?
• Can I make Huli Huli Chicken gluten-free?
• What sides go well with Huli Huli Chicken?
• Can I use other cuts of chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare – With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Flavorful Marinade – The combination of ketchup, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates an irresistible glaze that enhances the chicken’s juiciness.
• Versatile Dish – Great for casual gatherings or special occasions, Huli Huli Chicken pairs well with various sides like rice or salad.
• Family-Friendly – Kids love the sweet flavor, making it a hit among all age groups.
• Grill Ready – Perfect for outdoor grilling enthusiasts; this recipe takes advantage of your grill’s capabilities.

Tools and Preparation

To make Huli Huli Chicken successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process and perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Meat thermometer
• Baking dish or resealable plastic bag

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill – A good grill is crucial for achieving that smoky flavor and perfectly charred texture.
• Meat Thermometer – Ensures the chicken cooks to the right temperature for safety while retaining juiciness.
• Mixing Bowl – Necessary for combining ingredients easily without mess.

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
• ½ cup (120 ml) soy sauce
• ½ cup (99 g) packed dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (16 g) finely grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon (16 g) finely grated garlic
• ½ teaspoon (3 g) kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken

• 3 pounds (1.4 kg) boneless chicken thighs, fat trimmed
• Vegetable oil, for greasing the grill
• 1 tablespoon (3 g) sliced green onions

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together the ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper. Reserve ½ cup of this mixture for basting later and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken to a baking dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour in the marinade and turn the pieces to coat them evenly. Cover tightly or reseal and transfer to the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill over medium-high heat between 375 to 400ºF (191 to 204ºC). Clean and carefully grease the cooking grates with vegetable oil.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken on the grill and close the lid. Cook for about 5 minutes before flipping. Baste with reserved marinade after flipping. Continue cooking covered for another 5 minutes before flipping again. Repeat this process every few minutes until done.

Step 5: Check Doneness

Cook until you reach an internal temperature of about 165 to 170ºF (74 to 77ºC). If browning too quickly, move it to indirect heat on the grill to finish cooking.

Step 6: To Serve

Cover the grilled chicken with foil to keep warm. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Garnish with sliced green onions for added flavor.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Huli Huli Chicken!

How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it in various ways that enhance its sweet and savory flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Serve with Rice

• Steamed White Rice – A classic choice that absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
• Coconut Rice – Adds a tropical twist, complementing the Hawaiian essence of the chicken.

Pair with Vegetables

• Grilled Veggies – Zucchini, bell peppers, and corn make for a colorful and healthy side.
• Stir-Fried Greens – Sautéed bok choy or spinach seasoned with garlic adds freshness to your plate.

Add Sauces

• Extra Marinade – Drizzle some of the reserved marinade over the chicken for an added flavor boost.
• Pineapple Salsa – A refreshing topping that brings a fruity contrast to the savory chicken.

Garnish Creatively

• Sliced Green Onions – Sprinkle on top for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
• Sesame Seeds – Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch that enhances the dish’s texture.

How to Perfect Huli Huli Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Huli Huli Chicken, follow these simple tips for grilling perfection.

• Marinate Longer – For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for 24 hours instead of just 3 hours.
• Use a Meat Thermometer – Ensure perfect doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Baste Frequently – Basting with the reserved marinade keeps the chicken moist and flavorful during cooking.
• Use Indirect Heat – If browning too quickly, move the chicken to indirect heat to cook evenly without burning.
• Let It Rest – Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after grilling helps juices redistribute for a tender bite.

Best Side Dishes for Huli Huli Chicken

Complement your Huli Huli Chicken with these tasty side dishes that elevate your meal experience.

1. Macaroni Salad – A creamy salad that adds a rich texture, balancing out the savory flavors of the chicken.
2. Coleslaw – Crunchy cabbage slaw provides freshness and crunch, perfect for cutting through richness.
3. Grilled Pineapple – Sweet and caramelized pineapple slices enhance the tropical vibe of this Hawaiian dish.
4. Quinoa Salad – A light salad with veggies and herbs adds nutrition while keeping it fresh and vibrant.
5. Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn brushed with butter offers sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory dishes.
6. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy fries bring a delightful sweetness that complements the huli huli glaze beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Huli Huli Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the Marinade Time: If you don’t marinate the chicken long enough, it won’t absorb the flavors. Aim for at least 3 hours, but overnight is even better.
• Not Reserving Marinade for Basting: Forgetting to set aside some marinade for basting can lead to dry chicken. Always reserve a portion before adding it to the chicken.
• Grilling at Too High a Temperature: Cooking on high heat can burn the glaze while leaving the inside undercooked. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for even cooking.
• Ignoring Internal Temperature: Relying solely on cooking time can result in undercooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s reached 165ºF (74ºC).
• Failing to Let Chicken Rest: Cutting into the chicken immediately after grilling can cause juices to run out. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep leftover marinade in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing Huli Huli Chicken

• Freeze cooked chicken in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Huli Huli Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on high in 15-30 second increments until hot, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Sauté chicken pieces until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions frequently asked about Huli Huli Chicken that may help you perfect your dish.

What is Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian dish made with marinated grilled chicken coated in a sweet and savory glaze, typically featuring soy sauce and brown sugar.

How long should I marinate Huli Huli Chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours but ideally overnight. This allows deeper flavor infusion.

Can I make Huli Huli Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos while preparing your marinade.

What sides go well with Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken pairs excellently with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad, enhancing its delicious flavors.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

While thighs are recommended due to their juiciness, you can also use boneless breasts or even drumsticks if preferred.

Final Thoughts

Huli Huli Chicken is not just flavorful; it’s also versatile and easy to prepare! The sweet and savory marinade makes it perfect for summer grilling or family dinners. Feel free to customize it by adjusting the spice levels or adding your favorite herbs. Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of Hawaii in your home!