Zesty Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe: Hawaiian BBQ Magic

Hawaii’s tropical breeze carries the mouthwatering aroma of huli huli chicken, a dish that captures island magic in every bite.

Succulent marinated chicken sizzles over open flames, creating a symphony of sweet and smoky flavors.

Local cooks perfected this technique decades ago along roadside stands.

Pineapple juice and soy sauce dance together, creating a glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

Tender meat transforms with each turn, developing a golden-brown crust that promises incredible taste.

Hawaiian cuisine shines through this simple yet extraordinary recipe.

Ingredients List for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh, boneless chicken breasts that will absorb the delicious Hawaiian-inspired marinade.

• Pineapple Juice: Sweet and tangy liquid that helps tenderize the chicken and adds tropical flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the marinade.
• Ketchup: Adds depth and a slight tomato undertone to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a savory umami flavor and helps to season the chicken.

• Ground Ginger, Minced Garlic: Aromatic spices that contribute bold, zesty notes to the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How to Prepare Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Create Flavorful Marinade

• Pineapple juice
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Soy sauce
• Ground ginger
• Minced garlic

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until they form a smooth, fragrant mixture that promises incredible flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Transfer the marinade into a large resealable plastic bag and add chicken breasts. Seal the bag carefully, ensuring all chicken is coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, allowing the tropical flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature, creating the perfect cooking environment for juicy, flavorful chicken.

Step 4: Remove Chicken from Marinade

Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and drain the marinade completely. Discard the used marinade to prevent any cross-contamination.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Place chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, watching carefully to achieve beautiful grill marks and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Rest the Chicken

Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the Huli Huli chicken alongside your favorite accompaniments like fluffy rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp salad. Prepare for a taste of Hawaiian paradise right from your grill.

Pro Tips to Master Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

• Marinate Overnight for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, to ensure deep, rich flavor penetration throughout the meat.
• Grill Temperature Matters: Maintain a medium-high heat to create beautiful grill marks and seal in the juices without burning the chicken's exterior.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat every time.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps the meat tender and moist.
• Swap Protein Options: Easily substitute chicken breasts with thighs or drumsticks for variety, adjusting cooking time slightly based on the cut's thickness.

Variation Ideas for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

• Tropical Coconut Chicken: Replace pineapple juice with coconut milk for a creamy, island-inspired flavor profile that adds richness to the marinade.
• Vegetarian Hawaiian Tofu: Swap chicken breasts with firm tofu, pressing and marinating it for a plant-based alternative that captures the classic Huli Huli essence.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Skip rice and serve grilled chicken in crisp lettuce leaves, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the recipe's zesty Hawaiian taste.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: When grilling isn't possible, bake the marinated chicken in a preheated 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes, turning once midway to ensure even cooking and caramelization.

Pairing Tips for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

• Pair Tropical Pineapple Cocktail: Mix fresh pineapple juice, white rum, and a splash of coconut water for a refreshing drink that echoes the marinade's sweet-tangy profile.
• Complement Hawaiian Coleslaw: Create a crisp side dish with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light pineapple-based dressing that harmonizes with the chicken's Hawaiian-inspired flavors.
• Match Coconut Rice: Prepare steamed white rice cooked with coconut milk and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, providing a creamy, tropical backdrop that enhances the grilled chicken's richness.

How to Store Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

• Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent contamination.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and flavor.
• Warm chicken on a microwave-safe plate, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until thoroughly warmed to 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

• What is Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian-style grilled chicken dish featuring a sweet and tangy marinade with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, traditionally cooked over an open flame.

• Where did Huli Huli Chicken originate?

The dish was created in Hawaii by Ernest Gantt in the 1950s, who developed the original recipe and popularized it at community gatherings and festivals across the Hawaiian islands.

“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the technique of turning the chicken repeatedly while grilling to ensure even cooking and caramelization of the marinade.

Why Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe Is So Flavorful

• Burst with Tropical Flavors: Dive into a mouthwatering blend of sweet pineapple, tangy soy sauce, and rich brown sugar that transforms ordinary chicken into a Hawaiian-inspired masterpiece.
• Master Meal Prep Champion: Marinate chicken ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for busy families or weekend gatherings that require minimal last-minute preparation.
• Grill-Friendly Delight: Perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who love creating restaurant-quality meals right in their backyard with simple grilling techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Adaptable dish that works brilliantly for casual family dinners, summer barbecues, or potluck events where everyone craves something deliciously different.

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 16 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hawaiian huli huli chicken brings island flavors dancing across your plate with sweet and tangy marinade perfection. Juicy grilled chicken promises a tropical escape that delights senses and transports you straight to Pacific paradise.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce Base Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) ketchup
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) low sodium soy sauce

Seasonings:

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, ground ginger, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
2. Transfer the marinade into a large resealable plastic bag, submerge chicken breasts, and refrigerate for 4-12 hours to allow deep flavor penetration.
3. Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature (around 375-400°F) approximately 10 minutes before cooking.
4. Extract chicken from refrigerator, carefully drain and discard used marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
5. Position chicken breasts onto preheated grill grates, creating 45-degree angle for attractive crosshatch marks.
6. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, rotating midway to ensure even caramelization and consistent cooking.
7. Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer, piercing thickest portion of chicken.
8. Allow grilled chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after removing from heat, which helps redistribute internal juices and maintain tenderness.
9. Plate the huli huli chicken alongside complementary sides like steamed rice, grilled pineapple, or crisp island-inspired salad.

Notes

• Swap pineapple juice with orange juice for a tangy twist if you can’t find fresh pineapple juice.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more intense flavor and juiciness.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• If you lack outdoor grill access, this recipe works perfectly with indoor grill pan or oven broiler method at high temperature.

• Prep Time: 4 hours
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 196 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg