What does "huli huli" mean in Hawaiian?

"Huli" means "turn" in Hawaiian. The term "huli huli" (turn turn) refers to the traditional cooking method where chicken is placed between two grates and flipped over repeatedly during grilling. Workers would call out "huli!" when it was time to turn the chicken, leading to the dish's distinctive name.

How do you make authentic huli huli chicken?

Authentic huli huli chicken requires marinating chicken pieces in a sweet-savory blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, and green onions. After marinating for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight), the chicken is grilled or baked, being turned and basted frequently with the reserved marinade to build up layers of caramelized glaze.

What kind of chicken is best for huli huli chicken?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces work best for huli huli chicken. Thighs and drumsticks (dark meat) are particularly good choices as they stay juicy and tender during the cooking process. Whole chickens cut into pieces allow for variety, but you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer white meat, though they require careful cooking to avoid drying out.

Can you grill, bake, or pan-fry huli huli chicken?

Yes, huli huli chicken is versatile and can be prepared using various cooking methods. Grilling provides the most authentic flavor with natural smoke. Baking (as in our recipe) offers convenience and consistent results. Pan-frying works well for smaller pieces. You can even use a slow cooker or air fryer, though you might want to finish under a broiler to achieve the characteristic caramelization.

How long should you marinate huli huli chicken?

For best results, marinate huli huli chicken for a minimum of 4 hours. However, overnight marination (8-12 hours) is ideal as it allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat and tenderize it properly. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acids in the marinade can break down the meat too much and affect texture.

What sides go well with huli huli chicken?

Traditional Hawaiian sides include steamed white rice, macaroni salad, and grilled pineapple. Other complementary sides include coconut rice, Asian slaws, roasted sweet potatoes, stir-fried vegetables, cucumber salads, and grilled corn. Fresh tropical fruits like mango and papaya also pair beautifully with the sweet-savory flavors of the chicken.

Best Huli Huli Chicken: Authentic Hawaiian Grilled Delight

Huli Huli Chicken

Print Recipe

Authentic Hawaiian-style chicken with a sweet-savory glaze, perfect for grilling or baking.

Author: Chef Rina
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 45
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 1x
Category: Main Dish
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Ingredients

Scale

2 (3 pound) chickens, each cut into 8 pieces
1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
½ cup soy sauce
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup ketchup
¼ cup sherry
1 (2 inch) piece fresh ginger, crushed
3 cloves garlic, crushed
4 green onions, chopped
¼ teaspoon dry mustard

Instructions

Rinse chicken pieces and pat dry. Combine all marinade ingredients in a large resealable bag, stirring until sugar dissolves.
Add chicken to bag, seal, and massage to coat chicken thoroughly. Refrigerate 4 hours to overnight.
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) with rack positioned 6 inches from heat source.
Arrange chicken skin-side up on broiler pan and bake for 30-45 minutes, turning and basting with marinade every 10 minutes.
Chicken is done when juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Notes

For extra caramelization, finish under broiler for 1-2 minutes. Can also be prepared on a grill for more authentic flavor. Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8
Calories: 430Kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 49g
Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: huli huli chicken, Hawaiian chicken, grilled chicken, sweet-savory chicken

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/grilled-huli-huli-chicken-recipe/