It’s time to take your taste buds on a tropical vacation with Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken! Imagine succulent chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, grilled to perfection, with hints of pineapple and soy sauce that will have you dreaming of sandy beaches and warm sunsets. The aroma wafting from the grill is enough to make anyone abandon their dinner plans just to snag a plate. For more inspiration, check out this tasty dinner recipes recipe.
I remember the first time I tried Huli Huli Chicken at a family gathering. My uncle Steve, who fancies himself a grill master, was flipping chicken like it was a disc in a backyard luau. Not only did it taste incredible, but watching everyone dive into that juicy goodness made it clear that this dish would become a staple for years to come.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for any cook
- The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates an unforgettable taste experience
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table
- Enjoy it at barbecues or family dinners for versatile culinary joy
I’ll never forget the joy on my friends’ faces when I served them this dish during our summer cookout; they couldn’t get enough!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this delicious lunch ideas recipe.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
- Pineapple Juice: Opt for 100% juice for authentic sweetness without additives.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness.
- Brown Sugar: This adds a caramelized sweetness; light brown works best.
- Ground Ginger: Fresh ginger gives an extra zing; however, ground ginger is convenient.
- Sesame Oil: A dash of this oil enhances the dish’s Asian flair.
- Pineapple Slices: Grilled pineapple adds depth and sweetness; fresh or canned will do.
- Green Onions: A sprinkle on top adds color and flavor at the end.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Mixing the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil until well blended. The mix should smell heavenly!
Marinating the Chicken: Add chicken breasts to the marinade ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour; overnight will enhance flavors even more.
Prepping Your Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). Make sure to clean the grates thoroughly so nothing sticks.
Grilling Time!: Place marinated chicken on the hot grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side. Look for those beautiful grill marks as an indicator of doneness!
Add Grilled Pineapple Slices: In the last few minutes of grilling, add pineapple slices alongside chicken. Grill until caramelized—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Let It Rest Before Serving!: Once done, transfer chicken onto a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps all those juices locked in!
Now gather your friends or family around because there’s nothing quite like serving Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken straight off the grill—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
You Must Know
- Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a tropical delight that combines sweet and savory flavors
- This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, offering a burst of sunshine on your plate
- The marinade infuses the chicken with mouthwatering taste, making it unforgettable
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour; then grill it over medium heat until it’s perfectly charred and juicy. This sequence ensures maximum flavor infusion and tenderness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or veggies for a vegetarian twist. You can also add pineapple chunks to the grill for extra sweetness and texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve moisture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When grilling, ensure your grill is properly preheated for even cooking
- Always let the chicken rest after grilling to retain juices
- Don’t skip marinating; it’s key for maximum flavor in your Huli Huli Chicken
Sharing this recipe with friends always brings back memories of laughter and delicious flavors at our summer gatherings. Everyone enjoys their plates piled high with Huli Huli Chicken!
FAQ
What is Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken made of?
Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is made with chicken, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar.
How long should I marinate Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken?
Marinate Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken for at least one hour for optimal flavor absorption.
Can I make Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken in the oven?
Yes, you can bake Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken at 375°F until cooked through and golden brown.
Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a vibrant dish that transports your taste buds to the tropics. This mouthwatering recipe features juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and spices, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and delightful aroma. Serve it alongside grilled pineapple slices for an unforgettable dining experience!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup fresh garlic (minced, about 6 cloves)
- 1 cup pineapple juice (100% juice)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light)
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 cup pineapple slices (fresh or canned)
- 2 green onions (sliced for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil until combined.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C) and clean the grates thoroughly.
- Grill marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and grill marks appear.
- In the last few minutes of grilling, add pineapple slices alongside the chicken until caramelized (about 3-4 minutes).
- Transfer chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with pineapple (about 150g)
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg