Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a popular Hawaiian dish that combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors into a mouthwatering meal. This flavorful grilled chicken recipe is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing option that is perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or a special treat on the weekend. Whether you’re planning a barbecue or just want to experience the taste of the islands, Grilled Huli Huli Chicken will transport you straight to Hawaii.
In this article, we will dive into the history of Huli Huli Chicken, how to prepare and grill it to perfection, and explore ways to serve it with delicious sides, including Asian Pasta Salads and other Hawaiian-inspired dishes. We’ll also explore alternative ways to prepare the chicken, such as Grilled Chicken Thighs and Steak Kebabs, that will complement your grilled Huli Huli Chicken and elevate your dining experience.
The Origins of Huli Huli Chicken
Huli Huli Chicken, also known simply as Huli Chicken, originates from Hawaii, where it has been a beloved dish for many years. The name “Huli” means “turn” or “flip” in Hawaiian, which refers to the cooking technique of turning the chicken over while grilling it. The dish is made by marinating chicken in a tangy, sweet sauce before grilling it over an open flame, resulting in a juicy and flavorful chicken with crispy, caramelized edges.
The Huli Huli Chicken was popularized in the 1950s by a man named Ernest Morgado, who started cooking and selling the dish at local fairs and events in Hawaii. Over time, it became a staple at Hawaiian barbecues and an iconic dish in Hawaiian cuisine. Today, Huli Huli Chicken is enjoyed by people all over the world, often prepared during outdoor gatherings or special occasions.
The Flavorful Sauce That Makes Huli Huli Chicken Stand Out
The key to making perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is the marinade. The sauce is what gives the chicken its unique and irresistible flavor profile, combining the sweetness of pineapple and brown sugar with the tanginess of soy sauce and vinegar. The traditional Huli Huli marinade consists of the following ingredients:
- Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Pineapple Juice: Provides a refreshing sweetness that complements the savory elements of the marinade.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a rich sweetness that helps caramelize the chicken as it grills.
- Ginger: Adds a subtle spiciness and warmth to the marinade.
- Garlic: Gives the sauce a bold, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Rice Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a tangy, acidic note that brightens the flavor profile.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor that rounds out the marinade.
The marinade is what transforms the chicken, infusing it with all these delicious flavors and ensuring it stays juicy and tender when grilled. It’s important to marinate the chicken for at least an hour, but for the best results, marinate it overnight to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
How to Make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
Making Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is simple and straightforward. The steps are easy to follow, and with a little time and care, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Here’s how to make the perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (Chicken Thighs work best for grilling)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, garlic, sesame oil, ketchup (optional), and crushed red pepper flakes (optional). Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are evenly heated. If you’re using a gas grill, set the temperature to medium-high. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has a golden-brown, slightly caramelized exterior. Be sure to flip the chicken occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The grilled Huli Huli Chicken is now ready to be enjoyed!
Serving Suggestions: Pairing Grilled Huli Huli Chicken with Sides
While Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate the meal and create a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some fantastic sides to serve alongside your Huli Huli Chicken:
1. Asian Pasta Salads
Asian Pasta Salads are a refreshing and vibrant side dish that pairs perfectly with Grilled Huli Huli Chicken. The crisp vegetables, tender pasta, and zesty dressing provide a light and flavorful contrast to the savory and sweet chicken. You can make an Asian-inspired pasta salad by combining cooked pasta with shredded carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, green onions, and a tangy sesame dressing. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
2. Steak Kebabs
If you’re looking for a way to round out the meal with another grilled dish, Steak Kebabs are an excellent choice. Marinate cubes of steak in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then thread them onto skewers with your favorite vegetables. Grill the kebabs until they’re tender and slightly charred. The rich, savory flavors of the steak complement the sweet and tangy Grilled Huli Huli Chicken perfectly.
3. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, are another fantastic side to serve with Grilled Huli Huli Chicken. The smoky flavor of the vegetables pairs well with the sweetness of the chicken, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
4. Hawaiian Rice
To complete the Hawaiian theme, serve your Grilled Huli Huli Chicken with a side of Hawaiian rice. This fluffy, slightly sweet rice is the perfect accompaniment to the savory and tangy chicken. You can add a bit of coconut milk to the rice for extra richness, or mix in some diced pineapple for a burst of tropical flavor.
Alternative Ways to Prepare the Chicken: Grilled Chicken Thighs and Other Variations
While Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is typically made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, there are many ways you can modify the recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few alternatives:
Grilled Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are a great option for grilling because they are juicy and flavorful, even when cooked over high heat. The higher fat content of chicken thighs helps keep them moist and tender, making them ideal for grilling. To make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken with thighs, follow the same recipe but use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor. Just be sure to grill the chicken over medium heat to avoid burning the skin.
Steak Kebabs
For a different take on the recipe, try swapping out the chicken for steak. Marinate cubes of steak in the Huli Huli marinade and skewer them with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Grill the kebabs until the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The smoky flavor of the grilled steak pairs wonderfully with the sweet and savory Huli Huli sauce.
Huli Huli Chicken Wings
For an appetizer or party snack, try making Huli Huli Chicken Wings. Coat the wings in the marinade and grill them until crispy and charred. The wings are perfect for dipping in extra Huli Huli sauce or serving alongside a tangy dipping sauce.
Conclusion
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a delectable dish that brings the flavors of Hawaii to your backyard. With its tender, juicy meat and sweet, savory marinade, this grilled chicken is sure to impress your family and guests. By pairing it with sides like Asian Pasta Salads, Grilled Vegetables, or Hawaiian Rice, you can create a complete meal that transports your taste buds straight to the islands.
Whether you’re using Chicken Thighs, Steak Kebabs, or Chicken Wings, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the delicious flavors of Huli Huli Chicken. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a flavorful Hawaiian feast with Grilled Huli Huli Chicken!
