What makes Hawaiian-style BBQ so irresistible? This huli huli chicken recipe is a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution, featuring tender chicken smothered in a sweet and tangy homemade sauce, all thanks to a simple grill method. Save this idea for your next family favorite meal.

Huli Huli Chicken BBQ

Introduction

Huli Huli Chicken BBQ is a dish that embodies the perfect blend of ease, flavor, and creativity, making it an ideal choice for any BBQ enthusiast. This traditional Hawaiian-style BBQ chicken recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and everyday ingredients. The name “Huli Huli” roughly translates to “rotisserie” in Hawaiian, which refers to the traditional method of cooking the chicken. However, you don’t need a rotisserie to achieve this mouth-watering dish. With a few simple steps and some basic ingredients, you can create a Huli Huli Chicken BBQ that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of ketchup, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce creates a rich and savory sauce that complements the chicken perfectly. Most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making it easy to whip up a batch.
• Ease of preparation: The recipe requires minimal prep work, and the sauce can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your BBQ.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, Huli Huli Chicken BBQ presents beautifully and tastes amazing, making it perfect for casual gatherings or special occasions.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for Huli Huli Chicken BBQ include chicken breasts or thighs, ketchup, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. You can also add some sliced bell peppers and onions to the grill for extra flavor and texture. For a more authentic touch, consider adding some Hawaiian sea salt and chopped fresh cilantro. If you don’t have soy sauce, you can substitute it with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Chop the ginger and garlic, and slice the bell peppers and onions. In a blender or food processor, combine ketchup, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. Blend until smooth to create the Huli Huli sauce.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish, and pour the Huli Huli sauce over it. Massage the sauce into the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. During the last few minutes of grilling, add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the grill, and cook until they’re tender and lightly charred.
4. Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly. Serve with the grilled bell peppers and onions, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of Hawaiian sea salt.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to adjust the amount of ginger and garlic to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.
• Consider adding some pineapple chunks or wedges to the grill for a sweet and savory contrast to the savory chicken.

Heat Control

When grilling the chicken, aim for a medium-high heat of around 375°F to 400°F. This will help create a nice char on the outside while cooking the chicken evenly. Make sure to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning or undercooking.

Crunch Factor

The Huli Huli Chicken BBQ should have a nice char on the outside, while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. To achieve this, make sure to not overcrowd the grill, and cook the chicken in batches if necessary. This will allow for even cooking and a nice crunch on the outside.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a cast-iron or stainless steel pan to grill the chicken, as these retain heat well and can achieve a nice sear.
• Don’t press down on the chicken with your spatula while it’s grilling, as this can squeeze out juices and make the chicken dry.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing, as this allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to stay moist.

Storage Tips

• Leftover Huli Huli Chicken BBQ can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the chicken in the oven or on the grill until it’s warmed through, and serve with additional Huli Huli sauce if desired.
• Consider freezing the chicken for up to 2 months, and thawing it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give Huli Huli Chicken BBQ as a gift, consider packaging it in a decorative jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. You can include a bag of Hawaiian sea salt, a bottle of soy sauce, and some chopped fresh cilantro for a complete gift. Alternatively, you can wrap the chicken in foil or parchment paper and tie it with a ribbon, along with a card containing the recipe and cooking instructions.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding some Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) or smoked paprika to the Huli Huli sauce for a spicy kick.
• Creative toppings: Add some diced pineapple, chopped macadamia nuts, or shredded coconut to the chicken for a sweet and savory contrast.
• Ingredient swaps: Substitute the chicken with pork or beef for a different twist, or use tofu or tempeh for a vegan option.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the chicken is too dry, it may be overcooked. Try reducing the cooking time or using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have soy sauce, you can substitute it with tamari or coconut aminos. If you don’t have ginger, you can omit it or substitute it with a pinch of ground ginger.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the chicken is undercooked, it will be pink in the center. If it’s overcooked, it will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the Huli Huli Chicken BBQ for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe contains soy sauce, which typically contains gluten. However, you can substitute it with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Huli Huli Chicken BBQ is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any BBQ enthusiast. With its rich and savory sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor variations and ingredient swaps to make the recipe your own. And remember, the key to a successful Huli Huli Chicken BBQ is to cook the chicken with love and care, and to serve it with a side of aloha spirit.