Description
Hawaiian huli huli chicken delivers sweet-tangy flavors that highlight island grilling traditions. Marinade ingredients blend perfectly for succulent meat perfect for backyard barbecues and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
Sauce and Marinade Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
Garnish and Optional Ingredients:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 4–6 pineapple rings, grilled
- 2 bell peppers, cut into strips and grilled
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together tangy pineapple juice, umami-rich soy sauce, caramelizing brown sugar, zesty ketchup, acidic rice vinegar, aromatic ginger, pungent garlic, nutty sesame oil, robust Worcestershire sauce, and fiery sriracha.
- Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade within a sealed container, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply, with overnight marination recommended for maximum taste infusion.
- Heat grill to medium-high temperature, approximately 375-400°F. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and arrange on clean grill grates.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, rotating once to create beautiful crosshatch grill marks. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Enhance the dish by simultaneously grilling sweet pineapple rings and colorful bell pepper slices to complement the protein.
- Transfer grilled chicken to serving platter, adorning with finely chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves for textural contrast and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately with zesty lime wedges, allowing guests to squeeze fresh citrus over the dish for an extra bright flavor dimension.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, more robust flavor infusion that penetrates every fiber of the meat.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for maximum aromatic impact and authentic Hawaiian taste profile.
- Experiment with different protein options like tofu, pork, or salmon to adapt the recipe for various dietary preferences.
- Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a glaze during grilling, ensuring extra caramelization and depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg