Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any gathering or family dinner. This recipe features a quick and easy marinade that packs a flavorful punch. The unique blend of pineapple juice and soy sauce makes this grilled chicken a standout choice for summer barbecues or casual weeknight meals. You’ll find that Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile, making it ideal for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this mouthwatering dish ready to marinate.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a sweet yet savory flavor that will impress your guests.
• Great for Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking, allowing you to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with rice, salads, or grilled veggies for a complete meal that suits any palate.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this tender and juicy chicken dish.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Ziplock bags
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Grill

Importance of Each Tool

• Ziplock bags: Ideal for marinating the chicken, ensuring even coverage of the flavorful sauce.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing the marinade ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps combine the marinade ingredients thoroughly for the best flavor.
• Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect charred finish on your chicken.

Ingredients

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:
2. 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
3. ½ cup soy sauce
4. ½ cup brown sugar
5. ⅓ cup ketchup
6. ¼ cup chicken broth
7. 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
8. 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Reserve 1 cup of the marinade for basting later.
2. Place the remaining marinade and 4 pounds boneless skinless 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 chicken from marinade and discard any leftover marinade.
3. Grill the chicken with the lid closed for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit).
4. During the last 5 minutes of grilling, baste occasionally with reserved marinade.
5. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Huli Huli Chicken!

How to Serve Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with various sides and garnishes. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or preparing a family dinner, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal.

Tropical Rice

• This fragrant rice pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. Cook jasmine or basmati rice in coconut milk for an extra tropical twist.

Grilled Vegetables

• A mix of grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus adds color and nutrition to your plate. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt before grilling.

Fresh Salad

• A light salad made from mixed greens, cucumber, and mango complements the richness of the chicken. Toss with a citrus vinaigrette for added brightness.

Pineapple Salsa

• Combine fresh pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing salsa that balances the flavors of the grilled chicken perfectly.

Quinoa Salad

• Quinoa mixed with black beans, corn, and avocado offers a hearty yet healthy side. Dress it lightly with lime juice for a zesty finish.

Sliced Avocado

• Creamy avocado slices add richness to your meal. Simply sprinkle them with sea salt and serve alongside the chicken for a delicious pairing.

How to Perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Achieving the perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is all about balance and technique. Follow these tips to ensure your chicken turns out succulent every time.

• Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate thoroughly.
• Monitor Grill Temperature: Keep your grill at medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring even cooking throughout.
• Baste Frequently: Use reserved marinade during grilling to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
• Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
• Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after grilling helps retain its juices.
• Garnish with Fresh Ingredients: Adding sliced green onions or fresh herbs just before serving enhances presentation and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Pairing Grilled Huli Huli Chicken with complementary side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Coconut Rice: Cooked in coconut milk, this rice dish adds a creamy texture that pairs well with the sweet marinade.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots provides a refreshing contrast to the grilled flavors.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or fried sweet potato fries add sweetness and crunch, making them an excellent accompaniment.
4. Mango Salad: A light salad featuring diced mango, red onion, and mint brings tropical vibes to your meal.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brush corn with butter (or olive oil) before grilling for a smoky flavor that complements barbecue dishes.
6. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create comfort food that balances the boldness of the chicken.
7. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil make for a low-carb option that’s both tasty and healthy.
8. Cauliflower Rice: A great alternative to traditional rice; sauté cauliflower rice with garlic for added flavor while keeping it low-calorie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the Marinade Time: Not allowing enough time for the chicken to marinate can lead to bland flavors. Aim for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors soak in.

• Using Low-Quality Chicken: Choosing lower quality meat can result in tough and chewy chicken. Opt for premium boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a tender bite.

• Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too many pieces of chicken on the grill at once can cause uneven cooking. Grill in batches if necessary, ensuring each piece has enough space.

• Ignoring Internal Temperature: Not checking the internal temperature can lead to undercooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer and ensure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.

• Not Reserving Enough Marinade: Failing to save enough marinade for basting may leave your chicken dry. Always reserve a portion before marinating the chicken.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Grilled Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months; label with date for reference.

Reheating Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil, heating until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes).
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until heated, checking often.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water and warm the chicken until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How Do I Make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Gluten-Free?

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos which are both gluten-free options.

Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?

Yes! While thighs are recommended for their juiciness, you can also use chicken breasts or even wings if you prefer different cuts.

What To Serve With Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, grilled vegetables, or fresh salads. For extra flavor, try serving with pineapple slices!

Can I Marinate Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Overnight?

Absolutely! Marinating overnight enhances the flavors even more and results in tender chicken.

Is Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Good for Meal Prep?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep and makes delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful dish that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Its sweet and savory marinade makes it versatile for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite sides or add more spices according to your taste preferences!