Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

why make this recipe

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that brings a taste of the islands right to your kitchen. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and a hint of ginger creates a flavor explosion that is sure to impress your family and friends. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave a quick and easy meal that tastes delicious. Plus, grilling the chicken and pineapple adds a lovely char that enhances the flavors.

how to make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 ripe pineapple, cut into circles
• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Chopped green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Directions:

1. Dump all your marinade bits—teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil—into a bowl. Stir it all up well to blend everything together.
2. Put your chicken pieces in a dish or a zip bag. Pour the marinade on top, seal it up or cover, and chill for at least 2 hours or just leave it overnight if you can spare the time.
3. Get your grill nice and hot, set to medium-high.
4. Lift chicken out from the marinade, but keep the leftover liquid aside to brush while grilling.
5. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, brushing with the extra marinade now and then. Take it off once it’s cooked through and hits 165°F inside.
6. Put your pineapple rings on the hot grill and cook each side for about 2-3 minutes. Take them off when they’re charred and smell sweet.
7. Throw away any leftover marinade that touched raw chicken. Lay out your grilled chicken, pop the grilled pineapple on top, and sprinkle over chopped green onions and sesame seeds to your liking.

how to serve Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is best served hot off the grill. You can serve it over a bed of rice or alongside a fresh salad. Adding grilled pineapple gives a lovely touch, and sprinkling chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top adds a delightful crunch and flavor.

how to store Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

To store leftover Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken, let it cool down to room temperature first. Then place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

tips to make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

• Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor even more.
• Make sure your grill is preheated well to get the perfect sear on the chicken and pineapple.
• Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to the grill for a complete meal.

variation

If you want to change things up, you can try using chicken wings or drumsticks instead of thighs or breasts. You can also mix in other tropical fruits like mango or papaya for a different fruity flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily than thighs.

2. Can I make this dish in the oven?
Yes! You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to baste with the marinade halfway through.

3. How spicy is Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken?
This recipe is not spicy. It focuses on sweet and savory flavors. However, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want some heat.