Huli Huli Chicken BBQ

Huli Huli Chicken is one of those recipes that brings big Hawaiian barbecue flavor to your backyard with almost no fuss at all. A sweet and tangy marinade soaks deep into juicy chicken thighs and the char from the grill just seals it all in. The real treat is biting into the caramelized pineapple rings that sizzle alongside the chicken. It is seriously a crowd pleaser and will make any regular weeknight dinner feel like a celebration.

Every time I make this for guests they ask for the recipe before the meal is even finished The aroma itself draws everyone outside and reminds me of family summers spent grilling until sunset

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: juicy and guaranteed not to dry out Choose ones with uniform size for even cooking
• Light brown sugar: for deep sweetness use fresh soft sugar for the best result
• Ketchup: gives body and a subtle tang opt for one without high-fructose corn syrup if you can
• Light soy sauce: for a balanced salty touch look for naturally brewed types for fuller flavor
• Pineapple juice: brings tropical brightness canned is totally fine and keeps things easy
• Ginger paste or minced ginger: adds warm zest use fresh if possible for a lively kick
• Garlic paste or minced garlic: brings aroma and depth go for plump cloves with no blemishes
• Apple cider vinegar: wakes up all the flavors in the marinade select raw unfiltered for extra tang
• Cumin: gives a mild earthy note buy it freshly ground for bolder flavor
• Coarse black pepper: for bite use freshly cracked if you can
• Paprika smoked or sweet: amps up the aroma pick smoked paprika if you prefer a subtle barbecue feel
• Pineapple rings: grill up golden and juicy choose a ripe fresh pineapple or quality canned slices
• Sliced green onions: for garnish bring a final pop of color and mild onion sharpness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Marinade:

Whisk together all the ingredients except chicken in a large mixing bowl until the sugar dissolves fully You want the mixture to be glossy and smooth to ensure the chicken gets evenly coated

Reserve Some Sauce:

Set aside about half a cup of your marinade before adding chicken This extra will be used to glaze at the end for big flavor without raw meat contamination

Marinate the Chicken:

Toss the chicken thighs into the bowl with the remaining marinade Mix well so every piece is fully submerged Cover and refrigerate at least four hours or up to overnight The longer rest means juicier more flavorful chicken

Prepare the Grill:

Preheat your grill to medium high at around four hundred degrees Fahrenheit Brush the grates with oil using tongs and a folded paper towel to prevent any sticking

Grill the Chicken:

Place the marinated chicken on the hot grates Let it cook about ten minutes before attempting to flip This develops a smoky caramelized crust Flip carefully and let it cook another ten minutes until the internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit If some pieces finish early pull them off to keep them juicy

Grill the Pineapple:

When chicken is halfway done arrange pineapple rings on the grill as well Cook them until both sides are deeply golden and slightly caramelized The heat boosts their sweetness

Finish and Glaze:

Remove the chicken and pineapple to a platter Heat the reserved marinade either under a broiler for a couple minutes or warm it in a saucepan until thickened Brush generously over your hot chicken and serve topped with sliced green onions

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My favorite part of making Huli Huli Chicken is seeing the pineapple rings char and bubble up They remind me of the time my youngest demanded a second helping before even finishing the first That sweet tangy fruit turns the meal from good to unforgettable

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for one to two days To freeze let everything cool then package in a single layer to avoid sticking and freezer burn Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating Never refreeze if you used previously frozen chicken

Ingredient Substitutions

If thighs are not available swap for chicken breasts or drumsticks Be aware that larger or bone-in pieces will need a longer cook time For gluten free swap soy sauce for tamari If you are out of pineapple juice orange juice can work but will make the dish a bit less tangy

Serving Suggestions

Pile the chicken and pineapple slices onto a platter with steamed rice and a simple green salad For a backyard party offer soft buns and let everyone build their own barbecue sandwiches Leftovers make great additions to fried rice or wraps

A Taste of Hawaii at Home

Huli Huli translates to turn turn in Hawaiian and it refers to flipping the chicken while it cooks on open flames Born at roadside fundraisers the dish quickly became a statewide classic that symbolizes the welcoming spirit of island gatherings I love how it brings people together and never fails to spark a few good memories or stories at the table

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cut of chicken is best for Huli Huli Chicken?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for Huli Huli Chicken as they remain juicy and flavorful when grilled. However, you can use other cuts like drumsticks or bone-in thighs, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

→ How should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor absorption. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the marinade during this time.

→ Can I cook Huli Huli Chicken without a grill?

Yes! If you do not have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan on the stovetop or bake it in the oven at 400°F, turning halfway through to ensure it cooks evenly.

→ How do I prevent the chicken from burning on the grill?

Brush the grill grates with oil before placing the chicken. Shake off any excess marinade from the chicken before grilling to avoid flare-ups. Cook over medium-high heat and monitor closely to prevent burning.

→ What side dishes go well with Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, fresh salads, or even Hawaiian-style mac salad. Grilled pineapple adds a perfect touch of sweetness.