Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Get ready to transport your taste buds to the islands with this mouthwatering Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl recipe. This dish is a delightful blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that will leave you craving more. Imagine juicy grilled chicken slathered in a sticky glaze, paired with caramelized pineapple, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s a taste of Hawaii that will make any weeknight feel like a special occasion.

Every bite of this Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl is a burst of sunshine and flavor, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or simply gathering around the family table, this dish is sure to be a hit. The grilled pineapple adds a touch of sweetness and juiciness that perfectly complements the tender chicken. With each mouthful, you’ll be transported to a tropical paradise where good food and good company reign supreme.

Originally created in Hawaii in the 1950s, Huli Huli chicken has since become a beloved classic known for its irresistible marinade and juicy results. By following this recipe, you’ll be able to recreate that authentic Hawaiian taste right in your own kitchen. So, fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and get ready to savor the flavors of summer with these unforgettable Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowls.

Quick Benefits

• Juicy and Flavorful: The sweet and tangy marinade creates sticky glazed chicken that is incredibly juicy and bursting with flavor.
• Versatile and Customizable: Swap ingredients like chicken breasts, vinegar, or soy sauce to suit dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
• Convenient Leftovers: Store leftover chicken and pineapple separately for easy meal prep, and freeze cooked chicken for quick future meals.
• Vibrant Presentation: Fresh green onions and grilled pineapple not only enhance the taste but also add vibrant color and visual appeal to the dish.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe Recipe

• The sticky glaze on the juicy grilled chicken and caramelized pineapple creates an addictive combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors.
• This recipe is a perfect way to bring a taste of Hawaii to your table, making it a unique and delicious meal option.
• The dish is a hit with kids, perfect for potlucks, and always impresses guests, making it a versatile option for various occasions.
• Grilling the pineapple enhances its sweetness and juiciness, adding a tropical touch to the meal that can transport you to a sunny family barbecue.
• The recipe provides storage and reheating tips, making it convenient for meal prep and leftovers for busy weekdays.
• The flexibility of ingredient substitutions, such as using boneless chicken breasts or adapting for allergies, makes this recipe accessible to a wide range of dietary preferences.
• Serving the dish over different types of rice or with additional toppings allows for customization and variation to suit individual tastes.
• The history and tradition behind Huli Huli chicken add a cultural element to the dish, enhancing the overall experience and appreciation of the recipe.
• The tangy marinade, inspired by Hawaiian flavors, brings a unique and refreshing twist to traditional grilled chicken dishes.
• Marinating the chicken for optimal flavor and using canned pineapple juice for consistency ensure the best results when preparing this dish.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Protein

• 1.8 kilograms boneless or bone-in chicken thighs

Marinade

• 120 millilitres light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 120 grams light brown sugar, packed
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 120 millilitres ketchup
• 240 millilitres canned pineapple juice (do not use fresh)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

To Serve

• Vegetable oil for grilling
• Fresh pineapple slices
• Sliced green onions for garnish

Pro Tips for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

For the most flavorful Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl, marinate the chicken for at least 4–6 hours or overnight in the fridge. This step allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors of the marinade, resulting in juicy and tender meat.

When grilling the pineapple, use canned pineapple juice instead of fresh to avoid any textural changes in the chicken. Grilling the pineapple slices enhances their sweetness and juiciness, adding a delightful tropical touch to your bowl.

To prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, brush the grill grates with vegetable oil before grilling the chicken. This simple step will help you achieve perfectly cooked, caramelized chicken thighs with beautiful grill marks. Fresh green onions and extra grilled veggies make great garnishes, adding freshness and color to your finished rice bowl.

How to Make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Marinade

Combine brown sugar, ketchup, canned pineapple juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a large resealable bag. Mix well.

Step 2: Reserve Marinade and Marinate Chicken

Set aside 120 milliliters of marinade and refrigerate. Place chicken thighs in the bag with the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, ideally overnight.

Step 3: Temper Chicken and Preheat Grill

Allow chicken to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil grates.

Step 4: Grill Chicken and Baste

Grill chicken for 6 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for about 3 minutes. Baste with reserved marinade, continue grilling, flipping and basting every 1–2 minutes until cooked through, approximately 15–16 minutes total. Rest chicken for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Grill Pineapple Slices

Grill pineapple slices on both sides until grill marks appear, about 1–2 minutes per side.

Step 6: Assemble and Garnish

Slice the grilled chicken and serve on top of steamed rice with grilled pineapple, then garnish with sliced green onions.

Storage Tips

To store leftover Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl, separate the grilled chicken and pineapple into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. To maintain the juicy texture of the chicken, reheat gently while covered. If you have extra cooked chicken, freeze it in portioned bags for up to two months. Thaw the frozen chicken in the fridge before enjoying it in wraps or salads.

For best results, marinate the chicken for 4–6 hours or overnight before cooking. When grilling, it’s recommended to brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. While fresh pineapple juice is delicious, canned pineapple juice is preferable as it avoids altering the texture of the chicken due to enzymes present in fresh juice. For added flavor and color, garnish the dish with fresh green onions and grilled pineapple slices.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer white meat, boneless chicken breasts can be used instead of chicken thighs, but monitor the cooking time carefully to prevent them from drying out. In the absence of apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar can be a suitable substitute for a similar tangy flavor. To make the dish gluten-free, opt for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. For a deeper smoky flavor, consider using a small amount of liquid smoke in place of smoked paprika.

When serving the Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl, jasmine or calrose rice is recommended, but for a lighter option, cauliflower rice can be a nutritious alternative. Adding extra grilled vegetables or toasted sesame seeds can enhance the texture and flavor of the dish. A side of crisp cabbage slaw complements the barbecue feel of the meal. Remember to marinate the chicken for 4–6 hours or overnight for the best flavor.

To ensure a successful outcome, it’s advised to use canned pineapple juice over fresh juice to prevent any undesired texture changes due to enzymes. While boneless chicken thighs provide moist and tender results, bone-in pieces can also be used for a different texture. Before grilling, remember to brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. Garnishing with fresh green onions and grilled pineapple adds a pop of color and flavor to the final presentation of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative twist on serving Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowls, try assembling them in individual pineapple halves for a fun tropical presentation. Simply cut a fresh pineapple in half lengthwise, hollow out the flesh, and fill each half with a generous portion of rice, grilled chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. This not only adds a decorative element to your dish but also infuses a burst of fresh pineapple flavor into each bite.

Another unique serving suggestion is to turn this dish into a DIY rice bowl bar for a casual gathering or family dinner. Set out bowls of steamed jasmine rice, grilled chicken, caramelized pineapple slices, sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a variety of additional toppings like shredded carrots, cucumber ribbons, and avocado slices. Let everyone customize their own Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl to suit their tastes, creating a fun and interactive dining experience that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

FAQs for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken pieces can be used for this Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 4-6 hours or overnight?

Marinating the chicken for at least 4-6 hours or overnight in the refrigerator is recommended for the best flavor. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade fully.

What can I use as a substitute for apple cider vinegar?

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, white wine vinegar can be used as a substitute in this recipe. It will provide a similar level of acidity and flavor.

How can I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Before grilling, make sure to brush the grill grates with vegetable oil. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

As you bring this delightful Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl to your table, may the savory flavors and tropical vibes transport you to a place of joy and togetherness. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to bring smiles and empty bowls every time.

Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own by adding your favorite twists and sides. The beauty of the Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl lies in its versatility and ability to create lasting memories around the dinner table. So, fire up the grill, marinate that chicken, and get ready to savor each delicious bite of this beloved Hawaiian classic. Cheers to good food, good company, and the magic of a well-made Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl!