Easy Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

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This Easy Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is all about yummy flavors! The chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce made with soy sauce, pineapple juice, and ginger. Sounds tasty, right?

I love cooking this dish in the summer. The grill makes the chicken nice and juicy, with a caramelized glaze that’s hard to resist. Perfect for BBQs or a quick weeknight dinner!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs since they stay juicy and flavorful on the grill. You could also use chicken breasts, but they might dry out more easily.

Soy Sauce: Adds salty depth. If you need a low-sodium option, you can find reduced-sodium soy sauce, or even use tamari for a gluten-free version.

Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice gives the best flavor, but canned works too! If you’re looking for a sugar-free alternative, you could substitute with unsweetened coconut water.

Brown Sugar: This enhances the sweetness and caramelization. If you don’t have it, white sugar or honey can be substituted, but it may slightly change the flavor.

Rice Vinegar: This adds a nice tanginess. Apple cider vinegar is a perfect swap if you don’t have rice vinegar on hand.

How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Grilled?

The key to perfectly grilled Huli Huli chicken lies in marinating and grilling properly. Start with marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours or, for the best flavor, overnight. This better infuses those delicious sweet and tangy flavors.

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps caramelize the sugars in the marinade.
  • Grill the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Keep an eye on it, as grill times can vary based on thickness.
  • For safety, check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).

Rest the chicken for a few minutes after grilling. This lets the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and moist!

Easy Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Easy Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 2 to 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (preferably fresh)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Optional: sliced green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Huli Huli Chicken requires about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 2 hours to marinate (or ideally overnight). Grilling takes around 10 to 15 minutes. So, get ready to enjoy a tasty meal in just a couple of hours!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Marinade:

Start by gathering a mixing bowl. In it, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Keep whisking until the sugar dissolves and the marinade becomes nice and smooth.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

Take your chicken thighs and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish, then pop it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for a deeper flavor!

3. Get the Grill Ready:

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help achieve that perfect grilled taste and caramelization on your chicken.

4. Grill the Chicken:

Remove the chicken from the marinade, but don’t throw it away just yet! You’ll reserve some to baste the chicken while grilling. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Baste occasionally with the reserved marinade for extra flavor, and keep an eye on it until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Prepare Optional Sauce:

If you want to use the leftover marinade as a sauce, now’s the time! Boil it for 5 minutes to ensure it’s safe to eat. It’ll make a lovely addition to your meal!

6. Let It Rest and Serve:

Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Finally, you can garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds before serving hot alongside your favorite sides.

Enjoy your delicious, sweet, and tangy Easy Grilled Huli Huli Chicken!

Easy Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

FAQ for Easy Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer! Just remember that they can dry out more easily than thighs, so be sure to monitor the grill time—aim for about 6 to 8 minutes per side depending on thickness, until they reach 165°F (74°C).

How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for as little as 2 hours, but for the best flavor, aim for at least 4 hours, or even overnight. Just make sure to store it in the fridge while marinating!

What Should I Serve with Huli Huli Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it over rice or noodles to soak up the delicious marinade flavor!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover Huli Huli chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place it in the microwave or heat it gently on the stovetop until warmed through.

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