Bring the vibrant flavors of Hawaii to your backyard with this Huli Huli Chicken recipe, a beloved island classic known for its tantalizing sweet and tangy taste. This dish combines traditional ingredients like pineapple juice and soy sauce with chicken to create a succulent meal that’s perfect for any grill-out or family gathering.
Sweet, Tangy, and Unforgettably Juicy
Huli Huli Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural experience. This recipe captures the essence of Hawaiian cooking with its harmonious blend of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the tropical shores of the islands.
Pro Tips for Perfect Huli Huli Chicken
- Marinate for Flavor: For the best results, let the chicken marinate overnight. This not only deepens the flavor but also ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender during cooking.
- Reserve Marinade for Basting: Set aside some marinade before adding the chicken for safe basting. This step adds an extra layer of flavor as the chicken grills.
- Medium-High Heat: Cook the chicken on medium-high heat to achieve a perfect sear without burning the sugary marinade.
- Frequent Basting: Baste the chicken frequently while grilling to keep it moist and to add a rich glaze that will make your mouth water.
- Grill the Pineapple: Don’t skip the grilled pineapple! It complements the chicken with a sweet, smoky flavor that’s absolutely delicious.
Huli Huli Chicken Recipe:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cooking time: 14 minutes
- Serving: 4 servings
- Equipment: Grill, mixing bowl, zip-top bag
This recipe promises a meal that’s as fun to cook as it is to eat.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Pineapple slices for grilling (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, pineapple juice, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
- Marinate Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and ensure chicken is well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat Grill: Set the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade (reserve the marinade). Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, basting with reserved marinade, until fully cooked and nicely marked.
- Grill Pineapple: If using, grill pineapple slices alongside the chicken until charred.
- Serve: Garnish the chicken with grilled pineapple slices.
Celebrate with Every Bite
Huli Huli Chicken is perfect for any festive occasion or casual cookout. Its combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a hit among both kids and adults. Serve it at your next party or family dinner and watch as everyone asks for seconds!
