Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is an incredible dish bursting with flavor! This recipe features a delicious marinade that is both quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or any occasion, this grilled chicken will have everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: The marinade comes together in just minutes, making it easy to whip up.
• Delicious Flavors: A delightful blend of pineapple juice and soy sauce creates an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with rice, salads, or in wraps for a variety of meal options.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress guests at family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and lower in fat, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Grilled Huli Huli Chicken perfectly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Ziplock bag
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: A good grill ensures even cooking and brings out the smoky flavors in the chicken.
• Ziplock bag: Ideal for marinating; it seals in all the flavors while taking up minimal space in your fridge.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked safely and to perfection without drying it out.

Ingredients

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a five star recipe! The marinade is quick and easy and full of such amazing flavor! You will make this again and again!

For the Chicken

• 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)

For the Marinade

• 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic

For Garnish

• Sliced green onions

How to Make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice, ½ cup soy sauce, ½ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup ketchup, ¼ cup chicken broth, 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger, and 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Reserve 1 cup of the marinade for basting later.
2. Add the remaining marinade along with the chicken thighs into a ziplock bag.
3. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill.
3. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes with the lid closed, or until no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. During the last five minutes of grilling, baste occasionally with reserved marinade.
5. Once done, garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful Grilled Huli Huli Chicken as a perfect main dish at any meal!

How to Serve Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing a weeknight dinner, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal and impress your guests.

With Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice – The aromatic flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory chicken.
• Coconut Rice – Adds a creamy texture and subtle coconut flavor that complements the tropical notes of the marinade.

As Tacos

• Huli Huli Chicken Tacos – Shred the grilled chicken and serve it in soft tortillas with fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime for a fun twist.

In Salads

• Tropical Salad – Toss mixed greens with diced mango, cucumber, and sliced grilled chicken for a refreshing meal.
• Coleslaw – A crunchy slaw with a tangy dressing adds texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.

With Vegetables

• Grilled Asparagus – Lightly charred asparagus drizzled with lemon juice enhances the grilled flavors.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes – The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes balances the savory notes of the chicken.

How to Perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Achieving the perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken starts with great technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your grilling game.

• Marinate for Longer – Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Preheat Your Grill – Ensure your grill is at medium heat before placing the chicken on it for even cooking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer – Check that your chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
• Baste Regularly – Basting with reserved marinade during grilling adds moisture and intensifies flavor.
• Let It Rest – Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling keeps it juicy and flavorful by redistributing its juices.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Grilled Huli Huli Chicken can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delicious options you can serve alongside this flavorful dish.

1. Garlic Bread – A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
2. Quinoa Salad – A light salad made with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a nutritious boost.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob – The sweetness of grilled corn adds a delightful crunch that complements the chicken’s flavors.
4. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make an excellent comfort food side.
5. Mango Salsa – A fresh mango salsa brings vibrant colors and bright flavors, enhancing each bite of chicken.
6. Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb option that allows you to enjoy all those delicious flavors without the heaviness of traditional rice.
7. Sautéed Green Beans – Quick sautéed green beans tossed with sesame seeds add freshness and nutrition to your plate.
8. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad made with pineapple, berries, and citrus can cleanse the palate beautifully after enjoying rich grilled chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Skipping the Marinade Time: Not allowing enough time for the chicken to marinate will result in less flavor. Aim for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.

• Ignoring Internal Temperature: Cooking the chicken without checking the internal temperature might leave it undercooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.

• Not Reserving Marinade for Basting: Forgetting to set aside marinade for basting can lead to dry chicken. Always reserve some before adding raw chicken.

• Grilling at Incorrect Temperature: Grilling on too high or too low heat can cause uneven cooking. Preheat your grill to medium heat for optimal grilling conditions.

• Neglecting to Garnish: Skipping garnishes like sliced green onions can make your dish less appealing. Add these just before serving for a burst of freshness and color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Grilled Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power, turning occasionally, until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Grilled Huli Huli Chicken:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than thighs.

What should I serve with Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

Pair it with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad to complement its flavors.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce alternatives like tamari or coconut aminos in place of regular soy sauce.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! The marinade can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

For a vegetarian option, try marinating tofu or portobello mushrooms using the same marinade and grilling them instead.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for family dinners or summer barbecues. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite sides or adjusting the sweetness of the marinade. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!