Grilled Huli Huli Chicken: A Hawaiian BBQ Delight

Introduction

Huli Huli chicken brings authentic Hawaiian BBQ flavor to your backyard through its original grilled recipe which has been popular since the 1950s. The juicy chicken gets its name from the Hawaiian word “huli” which means “to turn” because it gets cooked by being turned over open flames until it reaches its ideal caramelized state. The secret lies in a tangy-sweet marinade featuring pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger that infuses every bite with tropical vibes. This recipe provides restaurant-quality results which common people can make at home for any summer cookout or family event when they want authentic Hawaiian grilled chicken. The grill will produce a smoky stickiness which perfectly complements both rice and fresh pineapple.

Ingredients for Huli Huli Chicken

• 4-6 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs or bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor which keeps thighs juiciest
• 1 cup of canned pineapple juice which is better than fresh pineapple juice because fresh pineapple causes meat to become mushy
• ½ cup of soy sauce which needs low sodium content for better results
• ½ cup of brown sugar which requires packing to choose between light or dark for better depth
• ½ cup of ketchup which gives the dish both tang and body
• 1-2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger
• 4-6 cloves of garlic which need to be minced
• 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika which provides additional smokiness

Vegetable oil serves as the grilling oil while fresh pineapple slices function as the dish’s serving platter

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken: Authentic Island Flavor on the Grill

Marinade and Preparation

This simple yet delicious marinade serves as the essential flavor base for authentic Huli Huli chicken while also working as a basting sauce. The bowl needs whisking with pineapple juice and soy sauce and brown sugar and ketchup and ginger and garlic and vinegar until sugar dissolves. The mixture needs to be divided into two portions which will be first used to marinate chicken while the second portion needs to be cooked through boiling for 5-10 minutes to create a safe glaze. The chicken should be placed in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish before adding the marinade which needs to be refrigerated for 4 hours or overnight to achieve optimal flavor after 8 hours.

Grilling Instructions

The grill should be preheated to medium-high which equals 375-400°F. The grates require thorough oiling to avoid food sticking during cooking. The Hawaiian experience becomes authentic through the use of mesquite or kiawe wood chips which people should use for their cooking.

The chicken needs to be removed from the marinade before being placed onto the grill using a new portion of chicken. The cooking process requires 6-8 minutes per side while turning the chicken according to “huli huli” style until its internal temperature reaches 165°F. The reserved boiled glaze needs to be applied during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to create the particular sticky caramelization effect.

Fresh pineapple slices require grilling for 2-3 minutes on each side to create the ideal sweet side dish. The chicken needs to rest for 5 minutes before you can slice it. The dish needs mac salad and steamed vegetables plus grilled pineapple to complete a Hawaiian plate which serves as a main dish with coconut rice.

Tips for the Best Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Bone-in pieces take longer to cook which requires 12-15 minutes per side but they produce superior flavor which traditional cooks prefer. The reserved marinade needs boiling because this process makes the food safe while producing a shiny glaze. The oven method requires you to bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes before you complete the process under the broiler to achieve charred results. Sriracha or red pepper flakes can be added to the marinade to enhance its spiciness.

Leftover food can be reheated well to create delicious sandwiches or salads for consumption on the following day.

Conclusion

Huli Huli chicken brings true Hawaiian BBQ flavor through its sweet pineapple and savory soy and smoky grill taste which combines into every juicy bite. The recipe allows people to create crowd-pleasing dishes which they can serve throughout the year with any protein choice including pork or shrimp. The grill needs to be turned on to create island flavors which people can enjoy while they host a luau or want to experience Hawaiian cuisine. Your taste buds will thank you for discovering this underrated Hawaiian gem.

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