Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring a taste of the islands right to your backyard. The name “Huli Huli” itself means “turn turn” in Hawaiian, hinting at the cooking process where the chicken is constantly flipped to get that perfect char and juicy interior. Ideal for summer gatherings or a festive weekend cookout, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and succulent texture.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 4-5 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
• Marinade:
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • Spice Mix:
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
    • 1 teaspoon each: ground ginger, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon each: ground cumin, salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon each: black pepper, cayenne pepper
• Huli Huli Sauce:
  • 1 cup canned pineapple juice
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha Sauce

Directions

1. Marinate:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients for the Spice Mix.
   • Remove one tablespoon of the Spice Mix and add it to a large bowl. Save the remaining spices for later use.
   • Add all the ingredients for the Huli Huli Sauce to the 1 tablespoon of Spice Mix and whisk to combine.
   • Reserve ½ cup of this sauce mixture and pour into a large freezer bag along with ⅓ cup olive oil.
   • Add the chicken to the bag, seal it after removing excess air, and turn to coat thoroughly. Marinate the chicken for 4 hours to overnight in the refrigerator.
   • Keep the remaining sauce and reserved spice mix in separate airtight containers in the fridge.
2. Spice Rub:
   • When ready to grill, remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and dab off any excess moisture.
   • On a baking sheet, combine the reserved spices with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and rub evenly over both sides of the chicken.
   • Allow the chicken to sit with the rub for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Glaze:
   • In the meantime, place the remaining Huli Huli Sauce in a small saucepan and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it reduces and thickens slightly. Stir occasionally.
4. Grill:
   • Preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly grease it.
   • Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
   • In the last 5 minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved ¼ cup of sauce.
   • Once off the grill, slather the cooked chicken with the reduced Huli Huli Glaze.
   • Optional: Garnish with sliced green onions for an extra pop of color and freshness.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 16 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 36 minutes
• Calories: 510 kcal per serving
• Servings: 5

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delectable Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken with a side of steamed rice, grilled pineapple slices, or a fresh salad to keep the meal light and refreshing. The sweetness of the pineapple juice and the tang of the apple cider vinegar in the sauce complement the smoky, spicy flavor of the chicken beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience.

This recipe not only offers a delicious meal but also brings a slice of Hawaiian tradition to your table, perfect for any occasion that calls for good food and good company. Enjoy the flavors of the islands with every savory bite!