Name: Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486641H54M46S
Total time: PT-486641H54M46S
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup pineapple juice; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is an easy way to bring the tropical flavors of Hawaii to your home. The marinade has the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, with a hint of savory umami, making it a crowd-pleasing dish. Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky flavor, while the glaze adds richness and moisture. It’s a simple, yet exotic way to prepare chicken that’s great for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to family dinners. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to allow the chicken to marinate.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess liquid drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Grill the chicken on medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with the marinade to create a flavorful glaze.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding marinating time)
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 22-25 minutes (plus marinating time)

Variations

Spicy Huli Huli Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or portobello mushrooms instead of chicken for a plant-based alternative. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before marinating.
Grilled Pineapple: For extra Hawaiian flair, grill some pineapple slices alongside the chicken and serve them as a side or topping.
Huli Huli Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and skewer them for easy grilling. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Huli Huli chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, you can warm the chicken in the microwave or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out while reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before using it to marinate the chicken.

3. Can I grill the chicken on a gas grill?

Yes, a gas grill works perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the heat to medium-high and monitor the chicken to avoid burning the glaze.

4. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You may want to broil it for the last few minutes to get the glaze caramelized.

5. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

While this recipe is designed for grilling, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours. Just make sure to discard the marinade before adding it to the slow cooker, and baste the chicken with fresh marinade towards the end of cooking.

6. Can I freeze the chicken before cooking it?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.

7. What sides go well with Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli chicken pairs well with tropical sides like coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh fruit salad. You could also serve it with a simple green salad or mashed sweet potatoes.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this recipe can be made gluten-free.

9. How can I tell when the chicken is done?

The safest way to determine if the chicken is done is by using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.

10. Can I use a grill pan if I don’t have an outdoor grill?

Yes, a grill pan on the stovetop works just as well for this recipe. Just make sure to preheat the pan and cook the chicken on medium-high heat.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings the taste of Hawaii straight to your kitchen. With its sweet and savory marinade and smoky grilled finish, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, Huli Huli chicken offers a delicious and tropical twist on a classic grilled chicken recipe.