Hui hui chicken is a delicious Chinese-inspired Hawaiian dish made with boneless skinless chicken thighs, soy sauce, ketchup, pineapple chunks, and other flavorful ingredients. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy!
The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a great go-to dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
In this article, I will share the hui hui chicken recipe, how to make it, and tips on making the best out of it. So, read on to learn more about this delicious dish.
What is Hui hui chicken?
Hui hui chicken is a Hawaiian-style barbecue dish made with chicken thighs or leg quarters marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. The dish was first trademarked by Ernest Morgado in 1967, and the name comes from the Hawaiian phrase “huli huli,” which means “turn, turn.”
The chicken is usually cooked over mesquite wood for an extra smoky flavor. The marinade typically includes pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, ginger root, garlic and other spices. The result is a juicy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for grilling or baking.
What does it taste like?
Hui hui chicken has a unique flavor that combines its ingredients’ sweet and savory elements. The soy sauce, ketchup, and Splenda or sugar give it a savory flavor, while the pineapple chunks provide sweetness.
The chicken is also very tender due to its marination and baking method, making it a great meal for those who enjoy a subtle yet flavorful dish.
How to make Hui hui chicken?
Making Hui hui chicken is easy and straightforward. Here are the ingredients you need to have on hand:
You can also checkout the following dinner Recipe :
Ingredients
- 12 ounces canned pineapple chunks n juice
- 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
- 6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 3 tbsp Ketchup
- 1/3 cup Chopped Green Scallions
- 1 1/2 tbsp Minced Ginger
- 1/3 cup Splenda, or sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp Minced Garlic
Directions
Step 1:
Mix together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, ketchup, Splenda, ginger and garlic in a medium bowl until combined.
Step 2:
Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish or pan. Pour the marinade over the thighs and stir until fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
Step 3:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place chicken on the grates of your preheated grill. Cook for about 4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
Step 4:
Serve hui hui chicken with steamed rice and top with chopped scallions for garnish.
Tips
• You can replace the chicken thighs with boneless skinless chicken breasts if preferred.
• For a spicier flavor, add ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes to the marinade mixture.
• To ensure the even cooking of the chicken, try to cut it into similar-sized pieces before adding them to the dish.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Grill
Ingredients
- 12 ounces canned pineapple chunks n juice
- 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
- 6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 3 tbsp Ketchup
- 1/3 cup Chopped Green Scallions
- 1 1/2 tbsp tbsp Minced Ginger
- 1/3 cup Splenda, or sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp Minced Garlic
Instructions
- Mix together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, ketchup, Splenda, ginger and garlic in a medium bowl until combined.
- Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish or pan. Pour the marinade over the thighs and stir until fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place chicken on the grates of your preheated grill. Cook for about 4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Serve hui hui chicken with steamed rice and top with chopped scallions for garnish.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 308
- Total Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 79 mg
- Sodium: 997 mg
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar 18 g
- Protein 28 g
What to serve with Hui hui chicken?
Hui hui chicken is best served with steamed white rice or noodles. Other side dishes that pair well include stir-fried vegetables, a green salad, and baked sweet potatoes. Also, don’t forget to have extra soy sauce or chili flakes on hand if you want an extra kick of flavor.
How to store leftover Hui hui chicken?
You can store leftover Hui hui chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving. Besides, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, a pregnant woman can enjoy Hui hui chicken as long as they are not allergic to any of the ingredients used in the dish. However, they should ensure that the chicken is cooked through and that all of the marinade ingredients have been completely absorbed into the chicken before consumption.
FAQs
Can I make this dish with boneless skinless chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving.
Wrapping Up
Hui hui chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish packed with flavor. It’s a great option for weeknight dinners and will surely be a hit with the whole family.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can have this dish on your table in no time! Try it out today and see for yourself how delicious Hui hui chicken really is!
Besides, you can also adjust the ingredients and cooking time according to your tastes. Moreover, it suits those on a calorie-controlled diet and makes a great meal prep dish.
Please share this recipe with your family and friends and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more