Irresistible Grilled Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple

If you’ve been searching for a dish that masterfully combines sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, look no further than the Grilled Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple. This Hawaiian-inspired recipe features a luscious marinade that seeps into tender chicken, perfectly complemented by the caramelized juiciness of grilled pineapple. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a special family dinner, this dish brings a burst of vibrant flavors and irresistible aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavor Harmony: The sweet and smoky marinade creates a unique taste experience you won’t find in everyday grilled chicken.
• Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples come together for a surprisingly gourmet dish.
• Quick Prep Time: You can have this feast on the table in under an hour, perfect for busy days.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with a variety of sides or salads for a meal that fits any occasion.
• Every Bite Juicy: Grilling locks in the moisture, making every mouthful tender and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Grilled Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple recipe uses ingredients that are straightforward yet essential to achieving its classic taste and bright color. Each element plays an important part, bringing balance and vibrancy to every bite.

• Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for soaking up the marinade without drying out.
• Fresh pineapple slices: Adds natural sweetness and juicy caramelized texture.
• Soy sauce: Provides a salty umami base crucial to the marinade.
• Brown sugar: Offers caramel notes and balances the savory components.
• Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that brighten and lift the flavor profile.
• Rice vinegar: Gives a subtle tang that cuts through richness.
• Ketchup: Brings a hint of tomato sweetness and thickens the glaze.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the chicken moist and prevents sticking on the grill.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick to enhance complexity.

Variations for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. The flexibility of the Grilled Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple makes it easy to adapt flavors, ingredients, or cooking methods without losing the magic.

• Swap chicken cuts: Use bone-in breasts or drumsticks if you prefer a different texture or presentation.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to dial up the heat.
• Use pineapple juice: For a deeper infusion of fruity flavor, include pineapple juice in the marinade.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute tamari for soy sauce to keep this dish accessible to gluten-sensitive guests.
• Try a smoky twist: Finish on a charcoal grill or add smoked paprika to the marinade for extra depth.

How to Make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, ketchup, vegetable oil, and red pepper flakes until well combined and sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken thighs in a large zip-lock bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or preferably 2-4 hours for deeper flavor absorption.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Heat the grill to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear that locks in juices without burning.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken and Pineapple

Place chicken and pineapple slices on the grill. Cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through, basting with leftover marinade occasionally. Grill pineapple for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and tender.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken and pineapple from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Slice and serve with the grilled pineapple alongside or on top for a stunning presentation.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple

• Marinate longer: The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor penetration, but avoid exceeding 12 hours to prevent texture changes.
• Oil the grill grates: Prevent sticking by applying a thin layer of oil before heating your grill.
• Use a meat thermometer: Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
• Baste carefully: Reserve some marinade separately before adding raw chicken to brush on during grilling for a glossy finish.
• Don’t overcook pineapple: It should be caramelized but still juicy, so watch time closely.

How to Serve Grilled Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple

Garnishes

Freshly chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro add vibrant color and a pop of flavor that complements the grilled chicken beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside coconut rice, a light cucumber salad, or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a balanced and refreshing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try skewering chunks of chicken and pineapple on sticks for a fun kabob-style option, or layer the grilled chicken over a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of extra marinade as a dressing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover grilled Huli Huli chicken and pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken and pineapple separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or warm in the oven to preserve juiciness without drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture.

FAQs

What is Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken is a popular Hawaiian grilled chicken dish known for its flavorful marinade blending sweet, smoky, and tangy elements, traditionally cooked on an open grill.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work fine; just be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out faster than thighs.

Is this recipe spicy?

The classic recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or reducing the flakes.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely, making the marinade in advance enhances the flavors and saves time on prep day.

What’s the best grill temperature for cooking this chicken?

Medium-high heat (around 375-450°F) is ideal for achieving a nice char while cooking the chicken evenly through.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about the Grilled Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple—it’s like a warm Hawaiian breeze on a plate. With its beautiful balance of sweet and smoky flavors and simple ingredients, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home. Go ahead, fire up the grill and make some memories with this irresistible dish!

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