Description
Craving the smoky flavor of the islands? Master the art of grilling pulehu chicken with our essential tips! Discover the perfect recipe today!
Ingredients
For the pulehu chicken marinade:
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- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can use breast meat, but thighs stay juicier)
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- 6 cloves garlic, minced
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- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
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- ¼ cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option)
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- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a less refined option)
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- 3 tablespoons ketchup
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- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
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- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)
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- 1 teaspoon black pepper
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- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
For serving:
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- Lime wedges
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- Sliced green onions
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- Optional: pineapple slices for grilling
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, Worcestershire sauce, sliced green onions, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
I usually do this step in the morning before heading out to my office space. The marinade takes just five minutes to throw together, and it can hang out in the fridge all day, ready for the chicken whenever you are.
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a large zip-top bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 4-24 hours for the most flavor. If you’re in a real time crunch, even 15 minutes will impart some flavor, but longer is definitely better!
Mom Hack: I often prepare this the night before while cleaning up after dinner. The next day, dinner prep is practically done!
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Clean the grates thoroughly and oil them lightly to prevent sticking. This is crucial for getting those beautiful grill marks without losing half your chicken to the grill gods!
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
The sugar in the marinade helps create that gorgeous caramelization that makes pulehu chicken so irresistible. But it can also cause flare-ups, so keep a close eye on your grill and move pieces to cooler spots if needed.
Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period is non-negotiable! It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Serve garnished with sliced green onions and lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 ounces
- Calories: 280
Keywords: pulehu chicken recipe, Hawaiian grilled chicken, authentic pulehu chicken, easy Hawaiian chicken marinade, tropical chicken recipe