Let me take you on a flavorful journey to the tropical shores of Hawaii with a dish that’s as fun to say as it is to eat—easy Huli Huli Chicken. succulent chicken thighs, marinated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky glaze, grilled to perfection over an open flame. The aroma alone will transport you to a beachside luau, where the sun kisses the horizon and the ocean breeze carries the scent of paradise.
This recipe is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Huli Huli Chicken, which translates to “turn, turn” in Hawaiian, gets its name from the traditional method of grilling the chicken and flipping it repeatedly to ensure even cooking. It’s a dish that’s deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, often served at family gatherings, festivals, and community events.
What makes this recipe a standout? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, thanks to a marinade that combines pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of ginger. The result is a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a kitchen novice, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress.
But here’s the best part: it’s versatile. You can grill it, bake it, or even cook it in a skillet. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or even meal prep. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds.
So, grab your apron, fire up the grill, and let’s bring a taste of Hawaii to your kitchen. This Easy Huli Huli Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. And trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your household.
Why This Easy Huli Huli Chicken
This Easy Huli Huli Chicken is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold, tropical flavors with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s worth trying:
- Flavor Explosion: The marinade is a harmonious blend of sweet pineapple juice, savory soy sauce, and a hint of ginger and garlic. It’s a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exotic.
- Versatility: Grill it, bake it, or cook it in a skillet—this recipe adapts to your cooking style.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Easy Prep: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Tips For Easy Huli Huli Chicken
- Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken thighs are forgiving, but keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid dryness.
- Double the Marinade: Make extra to use as a dipping sauce or to drizzle over rice.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Swap: Use chicken breasts, pork chops, or even tofu.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute tamari for soy sauce.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a kick.
Make a Healthier Version
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce.
- Low-Carb: Replace brown sugar with a sugar substitute like monk fruit.
- Skinless: Use skinless chicken thighs to reduce fat content.
Closing For Easy Huli Huli Chicken
And there you have it! A taste of Hawaii that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes, like our mouthwatering Coca-Cola Cake.
Easy Huli Huli Chicken
Description
This Easy Huli Huli Chicken recipe is a Hawaiian favorite, featuring juicy grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for a taste of the tropics right in your backyard!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by whisking together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl. This is your marinade—your ticket to flavor town. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them soak up all that goodness for at least 30 minutes, or better yet, overnight.
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When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade for basting) and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. While grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade to build that irresistible glaze.
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Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that extra touch of flair.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 2613.36kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 169.19g261%
- Saturated Fat 43.23g217%
- Cholesterol 889.04mg297%
- Sodium 7510.11mg313%
- Potassium 2683.72mg77%
- Total Carbohydrate 108.47g37%
- Dietary Fiber 2.78g12%
- Sugars 86.35g
- Protein 162.91g326%
- Vitamin A 895.35 IU
- Vitamin C 28.15 mg
- Calcium 272.61 mg
- Iron 11.44 mg
- Vitamin D 0.91 mcg
- Vitamin E 2.69 mg
- Vitamin K 22.84 mcg
- Thiamin 0.96 mg
- Riboflavin 1.51 mg
- Niacin 48.21 mg
- Vitamin B6 3.84 mg
- Folate 102.99 mcg
- Vitamin B12 5.81 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 9.94 mg
- Phosphorus 1680.54 mg
- Magnesium 289.8 mg
- Zinc 12.92 mg
- Selenium 175.78 mcg
- Copper 1.21 mg
- Manganese 2.35 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
