Huli Huli Chicken: A Hawaiian Delight
The Huli Huli Chicken is more than just a dish; it's a taste of Hawaiian sunshine and a celebration of island flavors. This iconic dish, characterized by its sweet and savory glaze, is a must-try for any barbecue enthusiast. This guide provides a comprehensive recipe and tips for achieving that perfect Huli Huli flavor.
What is Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken gets its name from the Hawaiian words "huli," meaning "to turn," and "huli," meaning "turn" again. This refers to the traditional method of cooking the chicken: continuously turning it over an open flame to ensure even cooking and caramelization of the glaze. While the traditional method uses a rotisserie, you can easily adapt this recipe for your grill or oven.
Ingredients for Authentic Huli Huli Chicken
This recipe yields enough glaze for about 4-6 pounds of chicken. Adjust quantities as needed.
For the Chicken:
- 4-6 lbs whole chicken, cut into pieces or bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks (about 2-3 lbs total) – using bone-in pieces will result in more flavor!
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Huli Huli Glaze:
- 1 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Achieving Huli Huli Perfection
Preparing the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry: This crucial step ensures a beautiful sear and crisp skin.
- Marinate (optional but recommended): For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in half of the glaze for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- Season: Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Making the Huli Huli Glaze:
- Combine ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together all glaze ingredients.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes). The glaze should coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken:
Grill Method:
- Preheat grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken: Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes.
- Baste and turn: Begin basting the chicken generously with the Huli Huli glaze. Continue grilling, basting frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized (about 20-30 minutes total, depending on the size and thickness of your pieces). Use tongs to carefully turn and baste. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-30 minutes, basting halfway through with the Huli Huli glaze. Continue basting until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Tips for the Best Huli Huli Chicken
- Don't overcrowd the grill: Allow space between the chicken pieces for even cooking and browning.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey.
- Add more heat: For spicier glaze, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately: Huli Huli Chicken tastes best fresh off the grill or out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Huli Huli Chicken with fluffy white rice, grilled pineapple, and a fresh green salad for a complete Hawaiian feast. Enjoy!
