Huli Huli Grilled Chicken is a tasty dish that brings a sweet and tangy glaze to juicy chicken. It’s great for BBQs and has that island vibe we all love!
This dish always makes me happy when I smell the chicken cooking. I love serving it with rice and some veggies for a colorful plate! 🌺 Trust me, everyone will come back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my favorite for this recipe because they stay juicy while grilling. You can use chicken breasts if you prefer, but they might dry out a bit more.
Pineapple Juice: This adds sweetness and tang. If you don’t have pineapple juice, orange juice or a mix of both can work nicely. Just keep in mind the flavor will slightly change.
Soy Sauce: A key flavor in the marinade. If you’re watching your sodium, try low-sodium soy sauce. Coconut aminos can be a good gluten-free option as well.
Brown Sugar: This brings in sweetness. You can swap it for honey or maple syrup, but reduce the amount slightly as they are sweeter than brown sugar.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh is best for the brightest flavor, but you can use powdered versions in a pinch. Remember, fresh adds a different spice punch!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Is Flavorful and Juicy?
Marinating your chicken is crucial for flavor. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for deeper flavor absorption. Make sure the chicken pieces are well-coated in the marinade for an even taste.
- Use a zip-top bag for easy marinating and to save space in your fridge.
- Remember to discard the leftover marinade before grilling to avoid contamination.
Also, resist the urge to flip the chicken too often while grilling. Let it sear on one side before turning for the best grill marks and juiciness!
How to Make Huli Huli Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
For The Marinade:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving:
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Sliced grilled pineapple (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and at least 2 hours for marinating in the refrigerator. If you can, marinate overnight for extra flavor! Cooking on the grill takes about 15-20 minutes. So, in total, plan for around 2 hours and 30 minutes (or more if marinating overnight).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced ginger, garlic, sesame oil, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Whisk everything together until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined. This marinade will give the chicken its sweet and tangy flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the bowl, making sure each piece is well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. If you have time, let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This helps the flavors really soak into the chicken!
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Don’t forget to oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent the chicken from sticking while it cooks.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the chicken on the heated grill. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until it’s cooked through and has tasty grill marks. If you have pineapple slices, you can add them to the grill in the last few minutes to caramelize and get beautiful grill marks!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This keeps it juicy! After resting, slice the chicken and serve it with those gorgeous grilled pineapple slices. Garnish with sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Enjoy your delicious Huli Huli Grilled Chicken! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a great substitute. Just keep in mind that breasts tend to dry out more quickly, so you may want to marinate them for a bit longer and watch the grill time closely—about 5-6 minutes per side should be sufficient, depending on thickness.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No problem! You can use another fruit juice like orange juice or a combination of both. If you’re looking for a less sweet option, try using apple cider vinegar diluted with water and a bit of honey for a similar tangy flavor.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is actually recommended! It allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, making it even more delicious. Just be sure to keep it in the refrigerator in a sealed container to avoid contamination.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken on the grill or in the oven at a low temperature to prevent it from drying out. You can also add a splash of pineapple juice to keep it moist!
