When warm summer evenings beckon, grilling becomes a ritual in my kitchen, filling the air with tantalizing aromas that spark joy. Enter Huli Huli Chicken—a dish that whisks your taste buds away to the sun-kissed shores of Hawaii. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken thighs drenched in a sweet and smoky marinade that dances with flavors of fresh ginger and garlic. This isn’t just comfort food; it’s a healthy yet indulgent option that will wow your dinner guests or simply elevate your weeknight meals.
I stumbled upon this Hawaiian treasure while searching for something fresh and exciting to break the monotony of takeout. The first bite was a revelation—the glossy, caramelized exterior complemented by succulent meat made it a sure-fire hit. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or enjoying a cozy family dinner, Huli Huli Chicken is versatile and crowd-pleasing. Dive into this easy recipe, and let each bite transport you to paradise!
Why is Huli Huli Chicken a Must-Try?
Bold flavors combine sweet, smoky, and tangy elements for a truly unforgettable dish.
Healthy indulgence: Low-calorie yet rich in protein, it’s perfect for guilt-free enjoyment.
Quick prep time: Marinate and grill; dinner is ready in as little as 30 minutes!
Versatile serving options: Pair it with rice, grilled veggies, or even zucchini noodles for a light twist.
Impressive crowd-pleaser: Ideal for summer gatherings or family meals, guaranteed to impress!
Dive into this culinary delight and enjoy the blissful taste of paradise at home.
Huli Huli Chicken Ingredients
• Discover the essentials for your Huli Huli Chicken dish below!
For the Marinade
- Sesame Oil – Provides a nutty and fragrant base for the marinade; you can use olive oil for a milder flavor.
- Fresh Ginger – Adds aromatic warmth and a zesty kick; use ground ginger in a pinch (¼ teaspoon ground = 1 teaspoon fresh).
- Garlic Cloves – Minced garlic contributes depth and brightness to the sauce; substitute with garlic powder (½ teaspoon per clove).
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari – Offers a savory, umami quality to the marinade; tamari is gluten-free, and coconut aminos can be a substitute.
- Rice Vinegar – Provides a touch of acidity to balance sweetness; you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
- Brown Sugar – Gives the marinade its signature sweetness; honey or maple syrup works as a natural sweetener.
- Ketchup – Adds tanginess and enhances sweetness; opt for low-sugar ketchup for a healthier version.
- Smoked Paprika – Infuses a smoky flavor to the dish; regular paprika can replace it but lacks smokiness.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the marinade for better adherence to chicken; arrowroot powder or flour can be used as substitutes.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – Juicy and flavorful cuts ideal for grilling; chicken breasts can be used but may dry out quicker.
- Vegetable Oil – Used for greasing the grill or pan to prevent sticking.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken
-
Make the Marinade: Heat sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, incorporate soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and smoked paprika. Mix cornstarch with cool water, add it to the sauce, and bring to a boil. Simmer until thickened, about 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
-
Marinate the Chicken: Reserve ½ cup of the marinade for basting later. Cool the remaining marinade for 5 minutes. Toss the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated, and let them marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
-
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grease the grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken on the grill, cooking for 4-6 minutes per side. Baste with the reserved marinade while grilling, flipping occasionally. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
-
Serve: Once cooked through, transfer the grilled chicken to a platter. Serve it alongside steamed rice and colorful grilled vegetables for a delightful presentation.
Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an impressive finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for the Best Huli Huli Chicken
- Marinating Time: Aim for at least 30 minutes, but if time allows, marinate up to 4 hours to deepen flavors and tenderness.
- Watch the Grill: Due to the sugary marinade, keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning—use indirect heat if necessary.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your Huli Huli Chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption and maximum juiciness.
- Basting with Precision: Use the reserved marinade for basting, but apply it only during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid contamination.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: If grilling isn’t an option, broil or pan-sear the chicken on medium-high heat, adjusting cooking times for even results.
What to Serve with Huli Huli Chicken?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that perfectly complement the sweet and smoky flavors of this Hawaiian treasure.
- Steamed Rice: A fluffy bed of jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the delicious glaze, bringing a comforting element to every bite.
- Grilled Pineapple: The caramelized sweetness of grilled pineapple enhances the tropical flavor profile, creating a refreshing and vibrant contrast to the savory chicken.
- Asian Slaw: This crunchy, tangy slaw packs a flavorful punch with fresh veggies and a dressing that balances the sweetness of the chicken, adding texture to your plate.
- Roasted Veggies: Colorful roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus add beautiful presentation and earthy flavors, enriching the meal without overpowering it.
- Coconut Rice: Elevate plain rice with coconut milk for a creamy, aromatic side that brings a touch of the islands to your dinner table.
- Mango Salsa: Brighten your meal with a zesty mango salsa that provides a burst of fresh flavors, balancing the rich taste of the Huli Huli Chicken beautifully.
- Light Beer or Sparkling Water: Complement your feast with a crisp beer or sparkling water, enhancing the meal without overshadowing the delightful flavors of the dish.
- Chocolate-Dipped Pineapple For Dessert: Treat your guests with a light and fruity chocolate-dipped pineapple dessert, echoing the tropical vibes for a perfect ending to the meal.
Make Ahead Options
Huli Huli Chicken is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish even during your busiest weeks! You can marinate the chicken in the flavorful sauce up to 24 hours in advance, which enhances its taste while saving you valuable time on the day you plan to grill. Simply follow the marinade instructions, toss the chicken in the mixture, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. To maintain the chicken’s tenderness and flavor, ensure it’s sealed tightly in an airtight container. When it’s time to grill, just remove the chicken from the fridge and grill as directed, basting with reserved marinade for that irresistible gloss and flavor. Enjoy your stress-free cooking experience!
Huli Huli Chicken Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize your Huli Huli Chicken with these delicious twists and swaps!
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional sides for a lighter meal. Transform your plate into a vibrant garden of fresh flavors!
- Vegetarian Friendly: Marinate cubes of tofu or tempeh in the same marinade and grill for a delightful plant-based alternative. You’ll be surprised by how closely it mimics the original!
- Sugar-Free Twist: Substitute brown sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to create a healthier marinade without sacrificing sweetness. Your taste buds won’t know the difference!
- Fruity Infusion: Add diced pineapple or mango to the marinade for a tropical sweetness that elevates the dish. This fruity twist really brightens up the flavor profile.
- Citrus Kick: Enhance your marinade with a splash of orange or lime juice for an extra layer of brightness. The zest will take your Huli Huli Chicken to the next level!
- Smoky Variation: Substitute regular paprika with chipotle powder to bring an exciting depth of smoky heat to your chicken. Your taste buds will thank you for this flavorful upgrade!
- Herb-Lover’s Delight: Toss in fresh chopped herbs such as cilantro or mint into your marinade for an aromatic fresh burst. It gives your dish a refreshing finish that’s irresistible.
- Extra Heat: Stir in chopped chili peppers or a dash of sriracha to the marinade if you crave a spicy kick. It’ll add an exciting layer of flavor that’ll wake up your senses!
How to Store and Freeze Huli Huli Chicken
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This ensures your delicious Huli Huli Chicken remains flavorful and tender.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Ensure it’s heated to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Fresh Marinade: If you have extra marinade, you can keep it in the fridge for up to a week to use for future batches of grilled chicken or vegetables.
Huli Huli Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for Huli Huli chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for Huli Huli Chicken due to their juiciness and flavor. While you can use chicken breasts, be cautious as they may dry out quicker due to lower fat content.
How long can I store leftover Huli Huli chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover Huli Huli Chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just make sure to reheat it gently to maintain its tenderness and flavor.
Can I freeze Huli Huli Chicken?
Yes! For longer storage, you can freeze the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To prepare, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before grilling. This way, it retains all the delicious flavors.
How do I know when my chicken has reached a safe internal temperature?
Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended! Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, ensuring it reads 165°F. This guarantees your Huli Huli Chicken is safe to eat while remaining juicy and flavorful.
What should I do if my marinade is too thick?
If your marinade becomes too thick, simply add a splash of water or low-sodium chicken broth during cooking to loosen it up. Stir gradually until you achieve your desired consistency; this keeps the flavors intact yet easy to work with.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Very! To make Huli Huli Chicken gluten-free, substitute low-sodium soy sauce with Tamari or coconut aminos. Both options provide the same umami flavor without gluten content, allowing everyone to enjoy this tasty dish!
Huli Huli Chicken Recipe FAQs
Grill Up Joy: Easy Huli Huli Chicken for Summer Feasts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the Marinade: Heat sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Incorporate soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and smoked paprika. Mix cornstarch with cool water, add it to the sauce, and bring to a boil. Simmer until thickened, about 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Marinate the Chicken: Reserve ½ cup of the marinade for basting later. Cool the remaining marinade for 5 minutes. Toss the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated, and let them marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grease the grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken on the grill, cooking for 4-6 minutes per side. Baste with the reserved marinade while grilling, flipping occasionally. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
- Serve: Once cooked through, transfer the grilled chicken to a platter. Serve it alongside steamed rice and colorful grilled vegetables for a delightful presentation.