Name: Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup pineapple juice; 1 cup teriyaki sauce; 1 ripe pineapple, cut into circles; 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; Chopped green onions; Toasted sesame seeds

Why Make This Recipe

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious dish that brings the taste of the islands to your kitchen. It combines sweet and savory flavors and is perfect for any summer barbecue or family dinner. Plus, the marinade gives the chicken a juicy and tender texture, making every bite a delight!

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How to Make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 cup teriyaki sauce
1 ripe pineapple, cut into circles
4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Chopped green onions
Toasted sesame seeds

Directions:

Begin by preparing your marinade. In a bowl, mix sesame oil, grated ginger, chopped garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and teriyaki sauce. Stir everything together until well blended.
Place your chicken pieces in a dish or a zip bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is well coated. Seal or cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
When you’re ready to cook, get your grill nice and hot, set to medium-high.
Lift the chicken out from the marinade, saving the leftover liquid for later. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, brushing it with the extra marinade occasionally. Make sure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
While the chicken is grilling, add the pineapple rings to the hot grill. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are charred and smell sweet.
Once everything is cooked, remove the chicken and pineapple from the grill. Discard any leftover marinade that touched raw chicken.
Serve your grilled chicken with the grilled pineapple on top. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds to add a nice touch.

How to Serve Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Serve your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken with rice or a fresh salad to complete the meal. You can also pair it with grilled vegetables for added flavor and color on your plate. Enjoy it with a tropical drink for a full island experience!

How to Store Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

If you have leftover chicken, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Tips to Make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Marinating the chicken overnight will give it even more flavor.
Keep an eye on the grill to avoid burning the chicken or pineapple.
Adjust the amount of brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet taste.

Variation

You can swap chicken for pork or shrimp if you want a change. The marinade will work well with these proteins, giving you a different but equally tasty dish.

FAQs

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked.

2. Is Huli Huli Chicken spicy?
No, Huli Huli Chicken is generally not spicy. It has sweet and tangy flavors. If you want some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinade.

3. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While fresh pineapple gives the best flavor, you can use canned pineapple. Just ensure to drain it well before grilling.