Name: Huli Huli Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1.5-inch chunks); 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice (240ml); 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed) (100g); 1/2 cup soy sauce (120ml); 1/4 cup ketchup (60g); 2 tbsp fresh ginger (grated) (30g); 2 tbsp fresh garlic (minced) (30g); 1 tbsp sesame oil (15ml); 2 cups steamed white rice (long-grain); 3 stalks green onions (sliced); 1 tbsp white sesame seeds (toasted)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious Hawaiian dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. Grilling the chicken on skewers makes it easy to serve and eat. It’s a great choice for barbecues, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. If you’re looking for another tasty grilling option, you might enjoy these mini grilled cheese Hawaiian rolls.

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken

To create this delightful dish, you’ll be marinating the chicken in a flavorful mixture, then cooking it on skewers until it’s perfectly grilled.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1.5-inch chunks)
1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice (240ml)
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed) (100g)
1/2 cup soy sauce (120ml)
1/4 cup ketchup (60g)
2 tbsp fresh ginger (grated) (30g)
2 tbsp fresh garlic (minced) (30g)
1 tbsp sesame oil (15ml)
2 cups steamed white rice (long-grain)
3 stalks green onions (sliced)
1 tbsp white sesame seeds (toasted)

Directions

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a few hours for more flavor.
Cook the Skewers: Preheat your grill. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.

How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken

Serve the grilled chicken skewers on a platter over a bed of steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an attractive presentation. Pair them with some grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a full meal.

How to Store Huli Huli Chicken

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be good for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave or on the grill for a few minutes until heated through.

Tips to Make Huli Huli Chicken

Soak the skewers in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the skewers for added flavor and nutrition.

Variation

For a slightly spicy kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or another hot sauce to the marinade. This will give the chicken a nice heat that complements the sweet ingredients.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they may be a bit drier than thighs.

2. Is Huli Huli chicken spicy?
No, traditionally, Huli Huli chicken is not spicy. However, you can add spicy elements to the marinade if you prefer.

3. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Conclusion

Huli Huli Chicken is a fantastic recipe that brings a taste of Hawaii to your table. For a delightful pairing, try making Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken and Pineapple Skewers for your next grilling occasion!