Name: Huli Huli Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/4 cup pineapple juice; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 4 chicken breasts

why make this recipe

Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful dish that brings a taste of Hawaii right to your kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, uses common ingredients, and is perfect for grilling. The combination of soy sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar gives it a sweet and savory taste that everyone will love. This recipe is great for family dinners, summer cookouts, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests.

how to make Huli Huli Chicken

Ingredients:

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 chicken breasts

Directions:

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, and sesame oil.
Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground black pepper to the bowl and whisk again until everything is well incorporated.
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
Pour the marinade mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated.
Seal the dish or bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2 to 4 hours, to allow the chicken to marinate.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use.
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
While the chicken is grilling, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan.
Bring the marinade to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Let the marinade simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly.
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
Brush the cooked chicken with the thickened marinade before serving.
Serve the Huli Huli Chicken hot, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

how to serve Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken is best served hot straight off the grill. You can plate it alongside steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. For an authentic Hawaiian touch, use sliced pineapple or a sprinkling of sesame seeds and chopped green onions as garnishes.

how to store Huli Huli Chicken

If you have leftovers, you can store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap it well and label it with the date.

tips to make Huli Huli Chicken

For extra flavor, try letting the chicken marinate overnight.
If you like a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar or honey as per your taste.

variation

You can easily change the protein based on your preference. Huli Huli Chicken works great with pork or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the protein you choose.

FAQs

Can I bake Huli Huli Chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, you can bake it! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well and are often juicier. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as thighs may take a little longer to cook than breasts.

Is Huli Huli Chicken spicy?
No, it’s not spicy. It has a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors. If you prefer some heat, feel free to add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade!