Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: Quick Huli Huli Chicken! This dish is a delightful taste of Hawaii, bursting with sweet and tangy flavors that’ll transport you straight to the islands with every bite. The magic is in the marinade, a perfect blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of ginger, bringing out the juiciness of the chicken thighs. And the best part? You can whip it up in just about 25 minutes! Imagine grilling up these succulent thighs while the sun sets, and the aroma fills your kitchen—it’s pure bliss! Trust me, once you try this quick huli huli chicken, it’ll become a go-to in your meal rotation!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make your Quick Huli Huli Chicken absolutely delicious:
- 4 chicken thighs: Bone-in or boneless, skin-on for extra flavor and juiciness.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: A classic for that umami punch—low-sodium works too!
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: This adds a lovely sweetness to balance the savory soy sauce.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: It brings a tangy richness that complements the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: For a hint of acidity that brightens everything up.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aromatic kick.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and spice—fresh ginger is even better if you have it!
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a touch to enhance all those lovely flavors.
- 2 green onions, sliced: These are for garnishing and add a fresh, crunchy finish.
How to Prepare Quick Huli Huli Chicken
Getting your Quick Huli Huli Chicken ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be savoring this delightful dish in no time.
- First, grab a medium bowl and mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. This marinade is where the magic happens!
- Next, add your chicken thighs to the bowl, making sure they’re all well-coated in that delicious mixture. For the best flavor, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can plan ahead, overnight is even better!
- Once your chicken is marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is crucial for getting those lovely grill marks and keeping the meat juicy.
- Now, it’s time to grill! Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- After grilling, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This step is key to keeping them juicy!
- Finally, garnish with sliced green onions before serving, and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: You can have this dish ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed: The sweet and tangy marinade elevates the chicken to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Versatile: It’s fantastic for family dinners, barbecues, or even meal prep for the week.
- Healthy option: With juicy chicken thighs and a gluten-free marinade, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Kid-friendly: Kids love the sweet flavors, making it a hit for the whole family!
Tips for Success
To really nail your Quick Huli Huli Chicken, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, if you can, marinate the chicken thighs overnight. This allows those flavors to really soak in, making every bite even more mouthwatering. Also, don’t skip the resting time after grilling; it helps the juices redistribute for that perfect tender bite. When grilling, keep an eye on the temperature—medium-high heat is key to getting those beautiful char marks without drying out the chicken. And remember, you can always customize the marinade by adding a splash of pineapple juice for an extra Hawaiian twist!
Serving Suggestions
To make your Quick Huli Huli Chicken truly shine, I love serving it with a side of fluffy white rice or coconut rice. The rice soaks up that delicious marinade, creating a perfect balance! Grilled vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn, add a lovely crunch and vibrant colors to your plate. If you’re feeling a little tropical, a fresh pineapple salsa or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the sweet and tangy flavors beautifully. Trust me, these sides will make your meal feel like a mini Hawaiian getaway!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional values for each serving of Quick Huli Huli Chicken (approximately one chicken thigh):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods, but it gives you a great idea of what to expect. Enjoy this flavorful dish without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work just fine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since they may cook faster.
Is Quick Huli Huli Chicken gluten-free? Yes! Just ensure you’re using gluten-free soy sauce. This dish is perfect for those needing a gluten-free option!
Can I make the marinade ahead of time? Definitely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the chicken when you’re ready to grill!
What other meats can I use? Feel free to experiment! This marinade is also fantastic with pork or shrimp—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is it? This recipe isn’t spicy at all, but if you want a kick, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of your Quick Huli Huli Chicken, no worries! Just let the chicken cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it—just heat in short bursts to keep the chicken juicy. Enjoy those delicious flavors again!
Quick Huli Huli Chicken: 25-Minute Blissful Dinner
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful Hawaiian dish made with grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Serve with rice or grilled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: quick huli huli chicken, grilled chicken, Hawaiian chicken
