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To make Huli Huli Chicken, gather the following items: - 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup pineapple juice - 2 tablespoons ketchup - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice) - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Fresh pineapple slices (for grilling and garnish) You can add a few optional ingredients to make it your own. Consider adding some chili paste for more heat. If you like a sweeter taste, try using honey instead of brown sugar. Each serving of Huli Huli Chicken has about 350 calories. Here’s a breakdown of the main nutrients: - Protein: 24 grams - Carbohydrates: 30 grams - Fat: 18 grams This dish is not just tasty; it also provides a good mix of protein and carbs. Enjoy it with a side of veggies or rice for a complete meal. To make the marinade for Huli Huli Chicken, gather these ingredients: - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup pineapple juice - 2 tablespoons ketchup - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth. This mix brings a sweet and tangy flavor to your chicken. For the best taste, let the chicken soak in the marinade. Use a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the fridge. Marinate for at least one hour. For deep flavor, marinate overnight. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are mostly ashed over. While your grill heats up, slice fresh pineapple into rings. Grill these for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they show nice grill marks and caramelization. Remove the pineapple and set it aside. Now, take the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and grill for another 6-8 minutes. The chicken is done when it has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Always check with a meat thermometer to ensure safety. After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Slice the chicken and serve it next to the grilled pineapple. Add chopped green onions on top for color and flavor. This method makes grilling simple and tasty. Enjoy your flavorful Huli Huli Chicken! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. To get perfect grill marks on your chicken, follow these tips: - Preheat your grill: Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step helps sear the chicken and lock in juices. - Don't move the chicken too soon: Place the chicken skin-side down and let it cook for 6-7 minutes without touching it. This wait time creates those beautiful grill marks. - Flip with care: Use tongs to flip the chicken without piercing it. This keeps the juices sealed inside. Now, keeping your chicken moist is key. Here’s how: - Marinate properly: Let your chicken soak in the marinade for at least an hour. The longer, the better. Overnight is best for flavor. - Use bone-in, skin-on chicken: These cuts keep the meat juicy as they cook. Skin adds flavor, too! - Rest the chicken: After grilling, let it rest for five minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, making every bite tender. If you want to mix things up, consider these alternatives: - Use different fruits: Mango or coconut can replace pineapple juice. They add a unique twist to the flavor. - Swap soy sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos work well for a gluten-free option. - Add heat: If you like spice, try adding sriracha or chili paste to the marinade. For dietary needs, here are some adjustments: - Low-sugar option: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia in place of brown sugar. - Vegetarian choices: Use tofu or tempeh as a substitute for chicken. Marinate and grill them the same way. These tips can help you customize your Huli Huli chicken to fit your taste. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above! {{image_2}} You can make a Huli Huli-style dish using plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. To start, press the tofu for about 30 minutes to remove excess water. Cut it into thick slices or cubes. Marinate the tofu just like you would the chicken. The same marinade works great here. For cooking, you can grill or pan-fry the marinated tofu. If grilling, make sure the heat is medium-high. Cook the tofu for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This gives it a nice char while keeping it soft inside. Huli Huli Chicken comes from Hawaii and has many local twists. In some areas, people add local fruits like mango or papaya to the marinade. These fruits give the dish a fresh taste and a sweet touch. In other regions, cooks may use different types of meat, like pork or fish. Each version reflects the local culture and flavors. This dish shows how food can unite diverse communities while keeping the spirit of Huli Huli alive. To store leftover Huli Huli chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh. You can also wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge. Eat it within three to four days for the best taste. When you reheat the chicken, use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps it juicy. If using a microwave, heat for 1-2 minutes on medium power. Check it often to avoid drying it out. If you want to freeze Huli Huli chicken, wrap it well. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. The chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, defrost the chicken in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe and tasty. You can also use the microwave on the defrost setting if you're in a hurry. After thawing, reheat it right away. Enjoy it within a few days for the best flavor and quality. "Huli Huli" means "turn, turn" in Hawaiian. This term reflects the cooking method. The chicken is turned often on the grill to cook evenly and create a tasty crust. This dish has roots in Hawaii. It started as a roadside food sold by local vendors. Now, it brings tropical flavor to many meals. Yes, you can! To make Huli Huli chicken in the oven, follow these steps: - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Place marinated chicken on a baking sheet. - Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). - For a nice finish, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes to crisp the skin. This method gives you juicy chicken with a lovely glaze. Huli Huli chicken pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some tasty options: - Coconut rice - Grilled veggies - Macaroni salad - Pineapple coleslaw - Fresh fruit salad These sides complement the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. For the detailed recipe for Huli Huli Chicken, check out the Full Recipe. It guides you step-by-step to create this delicious dish. In this blog post, we explored how to make Huli Huli Chicken, from the key ingredients to cooking tips. You learned about creating a tasty marinade and grilling methods. We also discussed variations for vegetarians and how to store leftovers safely. Remember, Huli Huli means turn turn, a nod to how you grill the chicken. Whether on the grill or in the oven, this dish is versatile and delicious. Enjoy experimenting with flavors to make it your own. Happy cooking!

- Huli Huli Chicken

Impress your family with the mouthwatering flavors of Huli Huli Chicken, a delicious Hawaiian dish perfect for your next cookout. This recipe makes grilling simple and flavorful, guiding you step-by-step to marinate the chicken and achieve that perfect char. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or customize with your favorite flavors, you'll create a juicy masterpiece everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and start grilling today!
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup pineapple juice

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Fresh pineapple slices (for grilling and garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.

    Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator (or overnight for more flavor).

      Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure your coals are mostly ashed over.

        Grill the Pineapple: Slice fresh pineapple into rings and grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side until you achieve grill marks and caramelization. Remove and set aside.

          Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and place the chicken skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes, then flip and grill for another 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

            Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Then, slice the chicken and serve it on a plate alongside the grilled pineapple.

              Add Final Touches: Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and an added layer of flavor.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the Huli Huli chicken on a large platter with the grilled pineapple well-arranged, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for an attractive presentation.