There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken wafting through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. Imagine juicy, tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce that dances on your taste buds while you’re grilling it to perfection. It’s a sensory experience that brings people together, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a cozy family dinner. For more inspiration, check out this dinner ideas 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?
- How long should I marinate Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken?
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- 📖 Recipe Card
As I recall my first attempt at making Huli Huli Chicken, I was armed with nothing but enthusiasm and a recipe I found online. The kitchen turned into a mini Hawaiian paradise with the sounds of sizzling chicken and the laughter of friends. The moment I served it, their delighted faces reminded me of why this dish holds a special place in my heart.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken offers quick prep time with maximum flavor impact
- Its sweet and tangy marinade caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating an irresistible glaze
- Vibrant colors make it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate
- Enjoy it as a main dish or slice it for salads, sandwiches, or wraps for versatile meal options
Sharing my Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken has always led to cheers and requests for more from friends and family. For more inspiration, check out this more main dish recipes recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for 3-4 pieces, depending on your crowd; they’re perfect for grilling.
Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves to ensure maximum flavor; minced garlic packs an aromatic punch.
Fresh Ginger: A small piece adds zest; peel and grate to unleash its spicy essence.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium is best; it controls saltiness while enhancing umami flavor.
Pineapple Juice: Freshly squeezed juice gives a tropical sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
Brown Sugar: It caramelizes beautifully during grilling, adding depth and sweetness.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle adds nuttiness; use it sparingly to avoid overpowering flavors.
Green Onions: Chopped as a garnish; they offer freshness and color contrast when serving.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted seeds provide crunch; sprinkle them on top for added texture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk until well blended; let those flavors mingle!
Marinate the Chicken: Place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring every piece gets coated. Seal or cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—overnight if you can bear the suspense!
Preheat Your Grill: Get that grill ready! Preheat it to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). If you’re using charcoal, wait until those coals are glowing red with ash before cooking.
Grill It Up!: Remove chicken from marinade (discard excess). Place each piece on the grill over direct heat. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have beautiful grill marks.
Add Finishing Touches: In the last minute of grilling, brush some reserved marinade onto the chicken for extra flavor and shine. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving—they add color and crunch.
Enjoy your masterpiece! Serve with rice or grilled veggies for a complete meal bursting with Hawaiian vibes.
This Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken transforms any meal into an occasion worth celebrating!
You Must Know
- This Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken is a flavorful delight that transports you straight to Hawaii
- The sweet and savory marinade makes the chicken incredibly succulent, perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners at home
- Plus, it’s a quick recipe that impresses guests effortlessly
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken for at least an hour to soak in all the delicious flavors. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for even cooking. Grill the chicken for about six to seven minutes per side, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this recipe! Substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option, or add pineapple slices on the grill for extra sweetness. Experiment with your favorite spices or herbs to give it a personal flair.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, warm gently in the oven at 350°F to keep it juicy and flavorful without drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly grilled chicken, always start with room temperature meat; it cooks more evenly
- Keep an eye on your grill temperature—too hot can lead to burnt outsides and raw insides
- Let the chicken rest after grilling; it helps retain moisture and flavor
Sharing this dish with friends at my last barbecue was unforgettable—their smiles and compliments made all my efforts worth it, especially when they asked for seconds!
FAQ
What is Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian dish featuring grilled chicken marinated in a sweet soy sauce mixture.
How long should I marinate Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken?
Marinating for at least one hour enhances the flavors significantly; overnight is ideal if possible.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day before grilling for deeper flavor infusion.
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: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken is a tropical delight that infuses your BBQ with Hawaiian flavor. This dish features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce enriched with garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice. Ideal for family gatherings or casual dinners, each bite offers a burst of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. Fire up the grill and enjoy the aromatic experience of grilling chicken that will impress your guests!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F).
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess marinade. Grill each piece for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- During the last minute of grilling, brush some reserved marinade onto the chicken for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg