Posted On:August 12th, 2024

Why Huli Huli Chicken Will Become Your New Favorite BBQ Recipe

If you want to elevate your grilling game with a flavorful dish, look no further than Huli Huli Chicken. This Hawaiian favourite is known for its perfect blend of sweet and savoury notes, thanks to a rich marinade infused with ginger, garlic, and pineapple juice. The result is a smoky, sticky glaze that turns ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

The Origin Of Huli Huli Chicken

The story of Huli Huli Chicken dates back to 1955 in Honolulu. A local businessman, Ernest Morgado, introduced this dish using a family recipe for marinated grilled chicken. The term “Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, reflecting the frequent turning of the chicken as it grills. This frequent turning ensures the chicken is evenly cooked, and the marinade caramelizes beautifully, creating a deliciously sticky and flavorful coating.

Ingredients

To make authentic Huli Huli Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Boneless chicken thighs 12 pieces
• Brown sugar 1 cup
• Ketchup 3/4 cup
• Soy sauce 3/4 cup
• Sherry or Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) 1/3 cup
• Pineapple juice 3/4 cup (from a can of sliced pineapple in natural juice)
• Ginger 2 tablespoons, grated
• Garlic 2 tablespoons, grated

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: Take a small bowl and mix the brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, sherry, pineapple juice, grated ginger, and grated garlic. Set aside 1-1/3 cups of this mixture for basting. Cover and refrigerate the reserved marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Divide the remaining marinade between two large shallow dishes. Add the chicken thighs to the dishes, turning to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least eight hours or overnight for the best results.
3. Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, even a quick marinating period can add flavour while you preheat the grill. However, avoid marinating more than overnight to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.
4. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Here’s a simpler version: Take the chicken out of the marinade and throw away the leftover marinade. Put the chicken on a grill that has been oiled. Cook it with the grill covered for 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer says it’s 170°F. During the last five minutes of grilling, occasionally baste the chicken with the reserved marinade to enhance the flavour and create a sticky glaze.

Recipe Variations

While the traditional Huli Huli Chicken recipe is fantastic on its own, there are a few recipe variations you can try to suit your taste:

• Spicy Huli Huli Chicken: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or another hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Citrus Huli Huli Chicken: Substitute half of the pineapple juice with orange juice for a citrusy twist.
• Herbed Huli Huli Chicken: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the marinade for an extra layer of flavour.

Tips For Perfect Huli Huli Chicken

1. Use Thighs for Best Results: Boneless chicken thighs are ideal for grilling chicken meat juicy and flavorful.
2. Canned Pineapple Juice Only: Fresh pineapple juice contains enzymes that can overly tenderize the chicken, producing a mushy texture. Always use canned or bottled juice for this recipe.
3. Grate Ginger and Garlic: Using a microplane to grate unpeeled ginger and garlic will give you the best flavour. The skins will naturally separate, leaving you with just the grated flesh.
4. Don’t Skip the Sherry: Sherry or Chinese cooking wine adds a unique depth of flavour that sets this dish apart. Mirin or low-sodium chicken stock can be substituted if you don’t have it.

Suggested Side Dishes

Huli Huli Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few recommendations:

• Krill Salad: A fresh and light antarctic krill side that complements the rich flavours of the chicken.
• Krill California Roll: Adds a touch of sushi-inspired roll elegance to your meal.
• Fried Rice: Use leftover pineapple pieces to make pineapple fried rice, a perfect companion to the chicken.
• Keto Pizza: Combining Huli Huli chicken with keto pizza, make a perfect date night in the comfort of your own home.
• Purple Potato: Purple potatoes add colour and a unique flavour to your plate.

Krill Meat: Elevate Your Huli Huli Chicken!

Conclusion

Huli Huli Chicken is more than just a dish; it tastes Hawaiian culture and tradition. Whether grilling for a summer barbecue or wanting to try something easy in the kitchen, this Huli recipe promises to delight your taste buds with its sweet, savoury, and smoky flavours. Following these recipe steps and tips, you can bring a piece of Hawaii to your table and impress your family and friends with this delicious, finger-licking meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does “Huli Huli” Mean In Hawaiian?

“Huli Huli” translates to “turn” in Hawaiian. This name is fitting because the chicken is traditionally grilled between two racks and turned halfway through the cooking process to ensure even chicken cooking and caramelization.

How Does Huli Huli Chicken Differ From Teriyaki Chicken?

The primary difference between Huli Huli Chicken and Teriyaki Chicken lies in the flavour profiles of their respective sauces. Huli sauce is typically sweeter with a hint of spiciness, while Teriyaki sauce leans more towards a salty, umami flavour.

What Is The Significance Of “Huli Huli” In The Recipe Name?

The term “Huli Huli” refers to the frequent turning of the chicken during grilling. This method was so popular that Ernest Morgado named his dish “Huli Huli Chicken” when he began marketing it.