Huli Huli Chicken, the culinary lovechild of Hawaiian BBQ and a backyard cookout, dances on your palate with its sweet and tangy flavors. Imagine biting into juicy chicken marinated in a luscious concoction of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and garlic, while the grill’s smoky kiss adds an irresistible aroma that wafts through the air. You can almost hear the waves crashing as you savor each bite.
Picture this: it’s a sunny day, friends gather around, laughter fills the air, and you unveil your secret weapon—the Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken. This dish turns any gathering into a tropical escape, making even your most serious friend break into a smile with just one bite. For more inspiration, check out this great lunch ideas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor
- Its vibrant colors make for a stunning presentation at any gathering
- Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, this dish satisfies both taste buds and hearts
- Enjoy it as leftovers or toss it in salads for versatile meal options!
You won’t believe how much joy this dish brought when I made it for my family last summer; they couldn’t stop raving about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 is perfect; adjust based on your hungry crowd size.
- Pineapple Juice: Freshly squeezed gives the best flavor; canned works too if you’re in a pinch.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium to keep things balanced without compromising taste.
- Fresh Garlic: Use whole cloves for an aromatic boost; finely minced releases maximum flavor.
- Brown Sugar: It caramelizes beautifully on the grill, adding sweetness that balances savory notes.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds zing; grate it to unleash its fragrant oils.
- Lime Juice: A splash brightens the entire dish; fresh-squeezed is always best!
- Green Onions: Chopped for garnish—adds color and freshness when serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare yourself for an adventure as we create this flavorful masterpiece step by step.
Mix the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, grated ginger, and lime juice until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Preheat Your Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F or 200°C). Ensuring it’s hot helps achieve those beautiful grill marks.
Add Chicken to Grill: Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and place on the preheated grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Baste with Marinade: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush reserved marinade over chicken to add extra flavor and moisture.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Once grilled perfectly, remove chicken from heat and let rest for about 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Now you’re ready to impress everyone with your Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken! Just slice it up beautifully and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Enjoy every bite—it’s that good!
You Must Know
- This Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken recipe is a flavorful delight; it brings tropical vibes right to your kitchen
- The aroma of sweet and savory marinade wafts through the air, making it irresistible
- Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, it’s sure to impress
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken over medium-high heat for optimal browning, then bake at 375°F until cooked through for juicy perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap pineapple juice with orange juice or add spicy chili flakes for an exciting kick to your marinade.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best flavor, marinate overnight; it allows the chicken to absorb all those tasty Hawaiian flavors
- Using bone-in chicken will keep it juicier during cooking
- Always let your chicken rest after cooking to lock in moisture and flavor
Sharing this recipe reminds me of a summer luau with friends, where laughter and delicious food filled the air, creating memories that still make me smile today.
FAQ
What is Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious Hawaiian dish featuring grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner recipes recipe.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken cooks faster but may dry out if not monitored carefully.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add chili powder or sriracha to the marinade for an extra kick of heat.
Huli Huli Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a tantalizing Hawaiian dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners. Marinated in a delicious blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, this grilled chicken offers a taste of the tropics with every bite. Serve it as the centerpiece of your next gathering and watch as it brings smiles to everyone’s faces.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup pineapple juice (freshly squeezed or canned)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 green onions (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, grated ginger, and lime juice until well combined.
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and place on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- During the last few minutes of grilling, brush reserved marinade over the chicken to enhance flavor.
- Once grilled perfectly, remove from heat and let rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added flavor, marinate chicken overnight. You can substitute pineapple juice with orange juice or add chili flakes for a spicy twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.