Huli Huli Chicken

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Make the Marinade:**
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). The mixture should be smooth and well-combined.
– Reserve about 1/4 cup of the marinade to use as a glaze for the chicken while grilling. This will add an extra layer of flavor when basting the chicken.

#### 2. **Marinate the Chicken:**
– Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well-coated.
– Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally, marinate for 2-3 hours for maximum flavor. You can also marinate the chicken overnight for even better results.

#### 3. **Preheat the Grill:**
– Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Brush the grill grates with a little vegetable oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.

#### 4. **Grill the Chicken:**
– Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade (unless you reserved some for basting).
– Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, flipping occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the reserved marinade onto the chicken to glaze it and give it that signature Huli Huli flavor.
– The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is beautifully caramelized on the outside.

#### 5. **Serve and Garnish:**
– Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
– Garnish the chicken with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and color.

#### 6. **Serving Suggestions:**
– Serve your Huli Huli Chicken with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh pineapple salsa for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal. It also pairs well with a refreshing salad or coleslaw to balance out the sweetness of the chicken.

### Tips for the Perfect Huli Huli Chicken:
– **Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts:** While chicken breasts can be used, **chicken thighs** are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicier and more tender when grilled. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use chicken breasts, but be sure not to overcook them.
– **Grill or Stove:** If you don’t have access to a grill, you can easily cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or even in the oven. To cook in the oven, preheat to 400°F and bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, and baste with the reserved marinade.
– **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you like a sweeter flavor, you can add a bit more brown sugar or pineapple juice. For a more savory taste, feel free to reduce the sugar slightly and add more soy sauce or a dash of fish sauce.
– **Spicy Option:** To add a spicy kick, include more red pepper flakes in the marinade or drizzle with a bit of sriracha sauce when serving.

### Why You’ll Love Huli Huli Chicken:
– **Flavorful:** The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes each bite a burst of deliciousness.
– **Crowd-Pleaser:** Whether you’re grilling for family, friends, or at a backyard barbecue, Huli Huli Chicken is sure to be the star of the show.
– **Easy to Customize:** Adjust the sweetness, spice level, or marinade ingredients to suit your personal taste.

### Final Thoughts:
Huli Huli Chicken is a tropical-inspired dish that brings the flavors of Hawaii to your home kitchen. With its sweet, savory, and smoky profile, it’s perfect for any occasion—from a laid-back dinner to a fun outdoor barbecue. The marinade is simple to prepare but full of bold flavors, and grilling the chicken adds that irresistible smoky char that takes this dish to the next level.

Next time you’re craving something new, give Huli Huli Chicken a try—you won’t be disappointed!