Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this quick huli huli chicken! It’s seriously one of my go-to recipes when I want something bursting with flavor but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The sweet and tangy marinade, made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice, transforms simple chicken thighs into a tropical delight that’ll transport you straight to the Hawaiian islands with just one bite. I remember the first time I tried huli huli chicken at a beach luau; I was instantly hooked! Now, I whip it up on busy weeknights, and it’s a hit with my family every time. Trust me, you’ll be savoring every juicy, grilled piece and dreaming of sandy shores!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken thighs – bone-in or boneless, skinless preferred for easier grilling
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – make sure to use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – this adds a lovely caramelized sweetness, so don’t skimp!
- 1/4 cup ketchup – for that tangy kick that balances the sweetness perfectly
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice – fresh is best, but canned works just fine; it really enhances that tropical flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – don’t be shy, garlic adds depth to the marinade!
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated – fresh ginger gives a zing that’s oh-so-good
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – this adds a nutty aroma and flavor, elevating the dish
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – just a pinch to season everything nicely
How to Prepare Quick Huli Huli Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a mixing bowl and combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything’s nicely blended. This marinade is where the magic happens!
- Now, it’s time to marinate! Place your chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour that delicious marinade over the top. Make sure every piece is well coated. Seal it up or cover it, then pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it marinate for a couple of hours really amps up the flavor.
- Once the marinating is done, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get those beautiful grill marks on your chicken!
- Next, take the chicken out of the marinade (but don’t throw it away just yet!). Place the thighs on the grill and let them cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side. Then, flip them over and brush on some of that extra marinade while they cook on the other side. This keeps everything juicy and adds more flavor.
- After another 6-7 minutes, the chicken should be cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before diving in. This helps keep all those tasty juices locked in!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (1 chicken thigh) of this delicious quick huli huli chicken:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This dish is not only packed with flavor but also gives you a great protein boost, making it perfect for a satisfying meal! Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to something both tasty and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet and tangy marinade is a tropical delight that will have your taste buds dancing!
- Grill Mastery: Cooking on the grill gives the chicken those beautiful char marks and smoky flavor that everyone loves.
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the marinade with your favorite spices or add some chili flakes for a kick!
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, so you can serve it with confidence at any meal!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your quick huli huli chicken turns out absolutely perfect every single time! Here are my top tips:
- Marinating is Key: For the best flavor, aim to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but if you can swing it, go for a couple of hours or even overnight! The longer it sits, the more those delicious flavors soak in.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: After grilling, let your chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.
- Grill Temperature Matters: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps get those beautiful grill marks and a nice sear on the chicken, locking in the moisture.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. You’re looking for 165°F (75°C). This way, you won’t risk undercooking or overcooking your chicken.
- Flavor Boost: Want to kick it up a notch? Add a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions right before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with mouthwatering huli huli chicken. Happy grilling!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving quick huli huli chicken, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delicious ideas to create a well-rounded meal:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: This classic pairing soaks up the sweet and tangy marinade beautifully, making every bite a delight!
- Grilled Vegetables: Toss some bell peppers, zucchini, and corn on the grill alongside your chicken for a colorful and nutritious side.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that balances the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Pineapple Salsa: A zesty pineapple salsa with diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro brings a tropical twist that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a nice crunch and creaminess that pairs well with the grilled chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser!
Feel free to mix and match these sides to create your perfect plate. Trust me, every bite will be a flavor-packed celebration!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Storing your quick huli huli chicken is super easy, and I’ve got you covered on how to keep it tasting just as delicious as the first time around.
To store, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to prevent any funky fridge odors from creeping in!
If you want to save it for later, you can also freeze the chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy your huli huli chicken for up to 2 months! Just remember to label it with the date so you know when you made it.
When it’s time to reheat, you’ve got a couple of tasty options! For the best results, I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet, and cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just pop a piece on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps retain moisture), and heat in 30-second intervals until it’s hot. Just be cautious not to overdo it, or you might end up with a rubbery texture. Nobody wants that!
And there you have it! Easy storage and reheating tips to keep your quick huli huli chicken fabulous, even on day two (or three!). Enjoy!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly. Just keep an eye on the grill and check for that perfect internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you can let it sit for a couple of hours or even overnight, you’ll be rewarded with even more deliciousness!
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can easily cook this huli huli chicken in a skillet on the stove or even bake it in the oven. Just make sure to sear it first for that lovely caramelization, then finish cooking until it’s fully done.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Whip up the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using, and it’ll save you time on busy cooking days!
What sides pair well with huli huli chicken?
Oh, so many delicious options! I love serving it with steamed jasmine rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh green salad. You could even whip up a zesty pineapple salsa for that tropical vibe!
Quick Huli Huli Chicken: 5 Steps to Tropical Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Quick and easy recipe for Huli Huli Chicken.
Składniki
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instrukcje
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Marinate chicken thighs in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- Brush with additional marinade while grilling.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- Serve with rice or salad.
- Adjust spice level by adding chili flakes.
- Can use chicken breasts instead of thighs.
- Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 15 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Grilling
- Kuchnia: Hawaiian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 chicken thigh
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 12g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 7g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: quick huli huli chicken
