Oh, let me tell you about *quick huli huli chicken*! This dish is a delightful taste of Hawaii that brings sunshine right to your dinner table. I stumbled upon this recipe during a summer trip to the islands, and I was instantly hooked by its sweet and savory flavors. It’s the perfect balance of tangy soy sauce, rich brown sugar, and a hint of garlic that dances on your taste buds. What I love most about it is how easy it is to whip up—seriously, you can have it on the table in no time! Whether you’re grilling up a feast for friends or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, this dish never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming of those Hawaiian beaches with every bite!
Ingredients List
To make this delicious *quick huli huli chicken*, you’ll need the following ingredients. I’ve made sure to specify the measurements clearly so you can grab everything without a hitch!
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs (skinless and boneless for easier eating)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (I like to use low-sodium to keep it balanced)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (the darker, the better for that deep flavor!)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (trust me, it adds a wonderful tang)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar (for a touch of acidity that brightens everything)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (fresh ginger works too, if you have it!)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (just enough for a subtle kick)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for that nutty aroma)
How to Prepare Quick Huli Huli Chicken
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this fabulous *quick huli huli chicken*! I promise, the steps are simple and straightforward, so you’ll be savoring that delicious flavor in no time. Just follow along, and you’ll have a Hawaiian feast on your plate!
Step 1: Mix the Marinade
First things first, grab a large mixing bowl. You’re going to combine all those fantastic flavors into a marinade! Start by adding the soy sauce, followed by the brown sugar, ketchup, and rice vinegar. Next, toss in the minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Finally, add that lovely sesame oil for that nutty flair. Whisk it all together until the sugar dissolves, and everything is well combined. It should smell amazing already!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Now, let’s get that chicken nice and flavorful! Place your chicken thighs into a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. If you’re using a bag, seal it up tightly and give it a little massage to distribute the marinade evenly. Let this sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—but if you can spare an hour or two, even better! The longer it marinates, the more those flavors will soak in.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While your chicken is soaking up all that goodness, go ahead and preheat your grill! Aim for a medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). This is super important because you want to achieve those perfect grill marks and a nice char. Preheating usually takes about 10-15 minutes, so use this time to mentally prepare for the deliciousness that’s about to happen!
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Alright, your grill should be nice and hot now! Carefully place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes on one side, then flip them over and grill for another 6-7 minutes on the other side. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), or you can cut one open to check that it’s no longer pink inside. Don’t forget to brush on any leftover marinade during grilling for that extra layer of flavor!
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once the chicken is off the grill, let it rest for just a few minutes—this is key! Resting allows the juices to redistribute, so you get tender and juicy chicken. After about 5 minutes, slice it up and get ready to serve. Trust me, that first bite will be pure bliss, bursting with sweet and savory goodness!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your *quick huli huli chicken* turns out absolutely perfect every single time!
- Use skinless, boneless thighs: They stay juicy and cook evenly, making for a wonderfully tender bite.
- Don’t skip the marination: If you can, let the chicken marinate for longer than 30 minutes—up to 2 hours works wonders for flavor!
- Monitor your grill temperature: A hot grill is key for that lovely char. If it’s too hot, the outside might cook too quickly while the inside stays raw, so keep an eye on it!
- Brush with marinade: Brushing on the leftover marinade while grilling adds a delicious layer of flavor, but make sure to discard any that touched raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling really makes a difference in how juicy it is. Resist the urge to dive right in!
- Pair it right: Serve your huli huli chicken with coconut rice or a refreshing salad to balance those sweet flavors beautifully.
- Experiment: Feel free to adjust the marinade to your taste—add more ginger for spice or a splash of pineapple juice for an extra tropical twist!
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying this *quick huli huli chicken*, it’s always nice to know what you’re putting into your body. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving—just keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
This hearty dish is not only flavorful but also packs a protein punch, making it a satisfying choice for any meal. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect *quick huli huli chicken*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my best answers to help you out.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts if you prefer, just keep in mind that they might dry out a little quicker. Make sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly, as they can cook faster than thighs.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for even deeper flavor, I recommend marinating it for up to 2 hours. Just don’t go overboard—more than that can make the chicken too salty.
What can I serve with huli huli chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with coconut rice, a fresh salad, or grilled veggies. The sweet and savory flavors really complement a variety of sides, so feel free to get creative!
Can I grill this chicken indoors?
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can definitely use a grill pan or even bake it in the oven. If using the oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it to marinate your chicken!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this *quick huli huli chicken* can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Just double-check your ingredients to be sure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This *quick huli huli chicken* comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Flavorful Delight: The combination of sweet and savory ingredients creates a mouthwatering flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Versatile: It pairs wonderfully with rice, salads, or grilled veggies—feel free to mix and match with your favorite sides!
- Great for Gatherings: Impress your friends and family at BBQs or parties with this crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to be a hit.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and gluten-free (with a simple swap), it’s a guilt-free indulgence everyone can enjoy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can marinate the chicken in advance, making it even easier to throw on the grill when you’re ready to eat.
- Authentic Hawaiian Taste: Experience the vibrant flavors of Hawaii right in your kitchen, bringing a little island magic to your meals.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious *quick huli huli chicken* and have some leftovers—great news! Proper storage and reheating can help you enjoy those amazing flavors all over again. Here’s how to do it right:
First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Once it’s cooled, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and prevent any unwanted odors from mingling in your fridge. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes beautifully! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag, and it can last up to 2 months.
Now, when it comes time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key to maintaining that juicy goodness. If you’re reheating from the fridge, the best method is to warm the chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps retain that flavor and prevents it from drying out.
If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat it in the microwave, but keep in mind that it might not be as juicy. Just place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals of about 1 minute until warmed. Be careful not to overcook it, or you’ll lose that tender texture!
Enjoy those leftovers just as much as the first round, and trust me, the flavors will still shine through!
Print
Quick Huli Huli Chicken: 5 Steps to Savory Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy recipe for huli huli chicken, a Hawaiian-style grilled chicken dish with a sweet and savory flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and sesame oil.
- Add chicken thighs to the mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
- Brush with remaining marinade during grilling.
- Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Can substitute chicken breasts if preferred.
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness.
- Serve with rice or salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: quick huli huli chicken
