Huli Huli Chicken Grill: Your Guide to Hawaiian BBQ Perfection

Huli Huli Chicken Grill: Prepare for a taste of paradise! Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent, smoky chicken, glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce that transports you straight to the sun-kissed beaches of Hawaii. This isn’t just grilled chicken; it’s an experience, a culinary journey that will have your taste buds singing “Aloha!”

Huli Huli Chicken boasts a rich history, deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. Legend has it that the dish originated in the 1950s when Ernest Morgado, a businessman, grilled chicken using a secret marinade at a farmers’ gathering. The aroma and flavor were so captivating that it quickly became a local favorite. The name “Huli Huli” itself means “turn, turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the constant flipping of the chicken on the grill to ensure even cooking and that signature caramelized glaze.

What makes Huli Huli Chicken Grill so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The marinade, typically featuring soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and pineapple juice, creates a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. The grilling process imparts a delightful char and locks in the chicken’s natural juices, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish that’s perfect for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight meal. Its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a guaranteed hit, bringing a touch of Hawaiian sunshine to any occasion. So, fire up your grill and get ready to experience the magic of Huli Huli Chicken!

Ingredients:

• For the Huli Huli Marinade:
• 1 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• For the Chicken:
• 3-4 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best, or a whole chicken butterflied)
• Vegetable oil, for grilling
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Huli Huli Marinade:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and ketchup. Make sure the brown sugar dissolves completely. This is important for even distribution of flavor.
2. Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, dry mustard, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper to the bowl. Whisk everything together until well combined. The aroma at this stage is already amazing!
3. Taste the marinade and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more brown sugar for sweetness, or a pinch more red pepper flakes for extra heat. Remember, the marinade will intensify as it sits, so err on the side of caution.

Marinating the Chicken:

1. Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive container (glass or ceramic). Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the acidity of the marinade.
2. Pour the Huli Huli marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are thoroughly coated. Gently massage the marinade into the chicken, getting it under the skin where possible. This will help to infuse the chicken with flavor and keep it moist during grilling.
3. Seal the bag or cover the container tightly. Place the chicken in the refrigerator and marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. I usually aim for at least 12 hours for the best results.
4. Turn the chicken occasionally during marinating to ensure even distribution of the marinade. This will help to prevent some parts of the chicken from becoming overly salty while others remain bland.

Preparing the Grill:

1. Prepare your grill for medium heat. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals so that you have a hot zone and a cooler zone. This will allow you to move the chicken around as needed to prevent burning. If using a gas grill, preheat it to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C).
2. Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a wire brush. This will help to prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure that you get nice grill marks.
3. Lightly oil the grill grates with vegetable oil. This will further help to prevent sticking. You can use a grill brush dipped in oil, or spray the grates with cooking spray.

Grilling the Huli Huli Chicken:

1. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Do not discard the marinade! We’ll use it later for basting.
2. Place the chicken pieces on the hot side of the grill, skin-side down. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is nicely browned and slightly crispy. This will help to lock in the juices and give the chicken a beautiful color.
3. Flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes, searing the other side.
4. Move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill. This will allow it to cook through without burning the skin.
5. Baste the chicken with the reserved Huli Huli marinade every 10-15 minutes, turning it occasionally to ensure even cooking. Be careful not to over-baste, as the marinade contains sugar and can burn easily.
6. Continue grilling the chicken for a total of 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
7. If the chicken skin starts to get too dark, move it to the cooler side of the grill or tent it with aluminum foil.
8. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

Serving the Huli Huli Chicken:

1. Garnish the Huli Huli chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
2. Serve the chicken hot, with your favorite sides. Rice, macaroni salad, and coleslaw are classic Hawaiian accompaniments.
3. Enjoy! This Huli Huli chicken is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.

Tips for Perfect Huli Huli Chicken:

• Don’t skip the marinating step! The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful during grilling.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. This is the best way to ensure that it is cooked through.
• Let the chicken rest before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
• For a smokier flavor, add wood chips to your charcoal grill. Hickory or mesquite wood chips work well with Huli Huli chicken. Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the grill.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can also bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with the marinade every 15 minutes.
• Leftover Huli Huli chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Variations:

• Spicy Huli Huli Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicier kick. You can also add a chopped jalapeño pepper.
• Sweet Huli Huli Chicken: Add more brown sugar to the marinade for a sweeter flavor. You can also add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
• Garlic Huli Huli Chicken: Add more minced garlic to the marinade for a more garlicky flavor.
• Ginger Huli Huli Chicken: Add more grated ginger to the marinade for a more gingery flavor.
• Huli Huli Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers. Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve Huli Huli chicken with rice, macaroni salad, and coleslaw for a classic Hawaiian meal.
• Serve Huli Huli chicken on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise for a delicious sandwich.
• Serve Huli Huli chicken over a salad for a healthy and flavorful meal.
• Serve Huli Huli chicken with grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Shred the Huli Huli chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or burritos.

This recipe is a family favorite, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! The key is to be patient and let the flavors develop during the marinating and grilling process. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings to create your own unique version of Huli Huli chicken. Aloha!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Huli Huli Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a ticket to a tropical getaway, right from your own backyard. The sweet and savory glaze, the smoky char from the grill, and the juicy, tender chicken all combine to create a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. I truly believe this will become a staple in your summer grilling rotation.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality results. Forget complicated marinades and fussy techniques. This recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort. Plus, the Huli Huli sauce is so versatile! You can adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking, making it perfect for even the pickiest eaters. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma alone are enough to make anyone’s mouth water. But the real magic happens when you take that first bite – the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky will have you hooked!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This Huli Huli Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it with classic Hawaiian sides like sticky rice and macaroni salad for a truly authentic experience. Or, get creative! Shred the chicken and use it in tacos or sliders. Toss it into a vibrant salad with mango and avocado. The possibilities are endless!

Here are a few serving suggestions and variations to get you started:

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Hawaiian Plate: Serve with sticky rice, macaroni salad, and a side of fresh pineapple.
• Huli Huli Chicken Sliders: Shred the chicken and pile it onto Hawaiian rolls with a dollop of coleslaw.
• Huli Huli Chicken Salad: Toss shredded chicken with mixed greens, mango, avocado, red onion, and a light vinaigrette.
• Huli Huli Chicken Tacos: Fill tortillas with shredded chicken, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
• Huli Huli Chicken Pizza: Top your favorite pizza crust with Huli Huli chicken, pineapple, red onion, and mozzarella cheese.

Variations:

• Spicy Huli Huli Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.
• Honey Garlic Huli Huli Chicken: Substitute some of the brown sugar with honey and add a few cloves of minced garlic to the marinade.
• Huli Huli Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers with pineapple and bell peppers.
• Slow Cooker Huli Huli Chicken: For a hands-off approach, cook the chicken in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. Shred before serving.
• Huli Huli Chicken Wings: Use the marinade on chicken wings and bake or grill them until crispy.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’ll love it as much as I do. The key to truly mastering this dish is to not be afraid to experiment with the marinade. Taste as you go, and adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness to your personal preference. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your sides and serving suggestions, too!

So, fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the taste of paradise. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please, please, please try this Huli Huli Chicken Grill recipe.

Once you’ve made it, be sure to come back and leave a comment below. I’d love to hear about your experience, any variations you tried, and what your family and friends thought. Sharing your feedback helps other readers and inspires me to create even more delicious recipes for you. Happy grilling!

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