This Huli Huli Chicken recipe features mouthwatering Hawaiian BBQ chicken marinated in a tangy, sweet, savory glaze and then grilled to perfection.
Forget your boring chicken dinners, because today we're taking a trip to the Hawaiian islands, where the aromas of sweet and savory collide in a symphony of flavor. We're talking Huli Huli Chicken, a dish that embodies the spirit of aloha with its vibrant colors, intoxicating smells, and a taste that will have you saying "mahalo" (thank you) over and over again! This is a dish that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise, even if you're stuck in the middle of winter.
This isn't just chicken on the grill; this is a culinary adventure where juicy, tender chicken thighs are marinated in a tangy, sweet, and savory Hawaiian BBQ glaze, transforming ordinary poultry into a masterpiece that's both simple and sensational! The secret lies in the "huli" – Hawaiian for "turn" – where you baste the chicken with the irresistible glaze while it cooks on the grill, achieving perfectly caramelized exterior and juicy, flavorful interior.
Why You'll Be Saying "Mahalo" To This Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The marinade is a fiesta of flavors – sweet, tangy, savory, with a touch of heat – that explodes in your mouth with every bite.
- Grill Master's Delight: This recipe is perfect for your next backyard BBQ, impressing your guests with a dish that's as delicious as it is easy to make.
- Simple Ingredients You won't need a fancy grocery list – just pantry staples like brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice.
- Meal Prep Hero: Make the marinade ahead of time, and even marinate the chicken for up to 48 hours, making meal prep a breeze.
Huli Huli Chicken: A Recipe That's Easier Than You Think
Let's get down to business and create some culinary magic:
Ingredients You Need to Get Started:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Thighs (Boneless, Skinless) | 1.5 pounds |
| Brown Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Tomato Paste | 1/4 cup |
| Dijon Mustard | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic Cloves (Minced) | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh Ginger (Grated) | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy Sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Pineapple Juice (Canned) | 1/2 cup |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Sriracha (Optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Chives or Green Onions (For Garnish) | To taste |
Let's Get Cooking!
- Create the Magic Marinade: Combine all the marinade ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Set aside 3/4 cup of the marinade for later.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and pour the remaining marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or up to 48 hours. The longer, the better!
- Grill Time! Preheat your grill to high heat. Brush the grates with oil if needed. Remove the chicken from the marinade and drain off any excess. Place the chicken on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 2 minutes. Flip the chicken and baste with the reserved marinade. Cook for another minute with the lid closed. Repeat this process, flipping and basting every minute or so, for about 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 185°F.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chives or green onions for a finishing touch. Slice fresh pineapple and add to your plate for a burst of tropical sweetness.
Serving Suggestions:
This Hawaiian gem is incredibly versatile, so you can serve it with whatever your heart desires! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Island-Inspired Salads: Pair it with a refreshing Grilled Potato Salad, Jicama Salad, Avocado Salad, Little Gem Salad, or a classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad.
- Rice Delight: Serve over fluffy white rice, Coconut Rice, or Pineapple Fried Rice.
- Sandwich Sensation: Wrap it in a bun with Cabbage Mango Slaw or Creamy Coleslaw for a delicious sandwich.
- Taco Time: Make a delicious Huli Huli Chicken Taco!
- Kabob Party: Create flavorful Huli Huli Chicken Kabobs!
Chef's Tips for Huli Huli Perfection:
- Marinate, Marinate, Marinate!: The longer the chicken marinades, the more intense the flavor. Marinate for at least 4 hours, but up to 48 hours!
- Use a Thermometer: Make sure your chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 185°F.
- Leftovers Love: Enjoy leftover Huli Huli Chicken cold or reheated! Slice it and add it to a salad for a flavorful lunch.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerator: Leftover Huli Huli Chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw it fully overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.
