Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken is a mouthwatering dish features juicy, tender chicken glazed in a sweet and tangy marinade made with a perfect balance of soy sauce, pineapple juice, and a hint of ginger.

What is Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken is a popular Hawaiian barbecue dish that features juicy chicken marinated in a savory-sweet sauce made of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of pineapple juice. The name “Huli” refers to the Hawaiian word for “turn,” as the chicken is often flipped (or “turned”) on the grill to achieve that signature smoky char and caramelization. While the dish is traditionally made with chicken thighs, it can also be prepared with chicken breasts or even wings, depending on your preference.

The marinade’s base creates a beautiful balance of umami from soy sauce, sweetness from brown sugar, and a tropical zing from pineapple. This combination, paired with the smoky charred exterior, makes Huli Huli Chicken a true showstopper at any gathering.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Huli Huli Chicken

To help you make the best Huli Huli Chicken, here are some tips and tricks that will elevate your cooking game:

Marinate the Chicken Well: For the most flavorful chicken, marinate the meat for at least 1 hour (but preferably 4 hours or overnight). The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more intense the flavor.

Use Bone-In Thighs for Juicier Results: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient, bone-in chicken thighs offer a richer, juicier result. The skin also adds texture and helps hold the marinade during grilling.

Grill Over Medium Heat: If you’re using a grill, aim for medium heat so the chicken cooks evenly without burning. Huli Huli Chicken should develop that signature caramelized char, but it shouldn’t be overcooked.

Baste Often: While grilling, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade (brought to a boil beforehand for safety) to enhance the flavor. This adds a shiny glaze and prevents the chicken from drying out.

Let the Chicken Rest: Once your chicken is cooked through, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy meat.

Variations of Huli Huli Chicken

While the traditional recipe is a fan favorite, there are several ways to customize and adapt Huli Huli Chicken to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:

Spicy Huli Huli Chicken: Add some heat to the marinade by incorporating chili paste, sriracha, or cayenne pepper. This variation balances the sweetness of the pineapple with a fiery kick.

Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple Salsa: If you want to go all out, serve your chicken with a refreshing pineapple salsa. Combine chopped fresh pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a tropical, fresh side dish.

Vegetarian Version: You can replace chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian take on this recipe. Tofu will soak up the marinade beautifully, while portobello mushrooms provide a meaty texture that complements the sauce.

Slow Cooker Huli Huli Chicken: For an easier, hands-off version, marinate your chicken and cook it in a slow cooker for a few hours. This yields tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken with all the delicious flavors intact.

How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken can be served in various ways to complement its tropical flavors:

• Over Steamed Rice: The natural juices from the chicken, combined with the flavorful marinade, pair perfectly with a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. It helps soak up the sauce for a delicious bite every time.
• With Grilled Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside some grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for a balanced meal that’s packed with flavor.
• As a Sandwich or Wrap: For a more casual meal, slice the chicken and serve it on a soft bun with your favorite toppings, such as slaw, grilled onions, and a drizzle of extra marinade.
• On a Salad: For a lighter option, toss pieces of grilled Huli Huli Chicken over a bed of mixed greens, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette.
• With Tropical Fruit: Pair your chicken with a fruit salad featuring pineapple, mango, and coconut to emphasize the tropical flavors in the dish.

How to Store Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To keep it fresh:

• Cool it Down: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. This prevents moisture buildup inside the container, which could affect the texture of the chicken.
• Reheat Properly: When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. To prevent the chicken from drying out, add a little splash of water or broth to the container and cover it before reheating.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Huli Huli Chicken can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating instructions above.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Huli Huli Chicken?
Yes! Chicken breasts will work, but keep in mind that they can dry out more easily than thighs. To prevent this, marinate the chicken well and cook it carefully on medium heat. If you’re using boneless breasts, check them early for doneness to avoid overcooking.

Can I make Huli Huli Chicken without a grill?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 30-40 minutes, basting with the marinade halfway through.

Is Huli Huli Chicken spicy?
No, Huli Huli Chicken is not typically spicy. The marinade is sweet, savory, and tangy, but if you like heat, you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade to spice things up.

How long can I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but marinating overnight (or up to 24 hours) will give the chicken even more time to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Can I use a store-bought Huli Huli sauce?
Yes, store-bought Huli Huli sauce can be a convenient option if you’re short on time. Just make sure to check the ingredients to ensure the sauce is high-quality and made with authentic flavors. However, homemade marinades often provide a fresher, more personalized taste.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re celebrating a summer BBQ or simply craving something different for dinner, Huli Huli Chicken is a tropical treat that’s as flavorful as it is versatile. The sweet, savory marinade combined with a perfectly grilled exterior makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try some variations, Huli Huli Chicken will undoubtedly become a favorite in your home. So, fire up the grill (or preheat your oven), and enjoy a taste of Hawaii with this delicious, unforgettable dish.

Try these other chicken recipes:

• Chicken Seasoning
• Chicken Scampi 
• Chicken Salad With Grapes