There’s something truly magical about the aroma of grilled chicken wafting through the air, isn’t there? This Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken brings together the tropical flavors of Hawaii, infusing your backyard barbecue with a taste of paradise. Picture succulent chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, caramelized on the grill until it’s perfectly golden brown. You can almost hear the sizzle! For more inspiration, check out this appetizers and snacks recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is Huli Huli chicken?
- Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
- How long should I marinate the chicken?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let me take you back to a sunny day when I first tasted this dish at a family gathering. My uncle, sporting his classic Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops, dazzled us all with his grilling skills. The moment I took my first bite, it felt like a warm hug from an old friend—sweet, savory, and utterly unforgettable. Ideal for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners, this recipe promises to make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with just a few ingredients that pack a flavorful punch
- The marinade adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that everyone will adore
- Beautifully caramelized on the grill, it looks as delightful as it tastes!
- Perfect for gatherings but versatile enough for everyday dinners
I remember my friends’ faces lighting up after trying this chicken; one even declared it “better than any restaurant!”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for an aromatic punch that enhances flavor.
Fresh Ginger: Grate fresh ginger for a zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is best to manage saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
Pineapple Juice: Use 100% pure juice for natural sweetness and tropical vibes.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth and richness to the marinade; it caramelizes beautifully when grilled.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the dish with its citrusy zing.
Sesame Oil: A splash of sesame oil gives an extra layer of flavor and fragrance.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness as both a garnish and flavor enhancer.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Create the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and sesame oil. Mix until sugar dissolves completely.
Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over them ensuring they’re well-coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for maximum flavor).
Preheat Your Grill: Heat your grill over medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). If using charcoal, let coals burn until covered in ash for even heat.
Grill the Chicken : Remove chicken from marinade (discard leftover marinade). Place chicken on the grill; cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Add Finishing Touches : In the last minute of grilling, place pineapple slices on the grill until lightly charred. This adds extra sweetness to accompany your chicken.
Serve with Style : Once cooked, remove chicken from grill and let rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving alongside grilled pineapple slices.
Enjoy this Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken as part of your next backyard feast or cozy dinner at home! For more inspiration, check out this hearty dinner ideas recipe.
You Must Know
- This Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken is not just flavorful; it’s a breeze to prepare
- The tangy, sweet marinade creates an unforgettable taste that will have your guests asking for seconds
- With vibrant colors and irresistible aromas, this dish steals the show at any summer barbecue
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken for at least 30 minutes to absorb those delicious flavors. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different fruits in your marinade, like pineapple or mango, for a tropical twist. You can also add a hint of spice by including red pepper flakes or fresh ginger.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, grill briefly or microwave until warmed through, ensuring it stays juicy and flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect results, ensure your grill is well-oiled to prevent sticking
- Always let the chicken rest after grilling for juiciness
- Consider using fresh ingredients in the marinade for maximum flavor impact
My first attempt at making Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken was a hilarious disaster, but my friends loved it so much that they still ask for it every summer!
FAQ
What is Huli Huli chicken?
Huli Huli chicken is a Hawaiian dish known for its sweet and tangy grilled flavor.
Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, skinless chicken works well but may require careful monitoring while grilling.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken is a vibrant dish that brings the flavors of Hawaii straight to your backyard. This recipe features boneless chicken breasts marinated in a delicious sweet and tangy sauce, then grilled to perfection for a mouthwatering experience. Ideal for summer gatherings or cozy family dinners, this dish promises to impress your guests and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves.
- Place chicken in a resealable bag or dish; pour marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for better flavor).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Remove chicken from marinade (discard marinade) and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- During the last minute of grilling, add pineapple slices to the grill until charred.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving with garnished green onions and grilled pineapple.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg