Huli Huli Chicken Maui Diners Drive Ins And Dives
If you're a fan of Hawaiian cuisine, you may have heard of Huli Huli chicken. This delicious dish is a staple in Hawaii and can be found in many restaurants around the island. But what exactly is Huli Huli chicken, and why is it so popular? In this article, we'll dive into everything you need to know about Huli Huli chicken, including its history, preparation, and where to find it. So, let's get started!
What is Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli chicken is a Hawaiian dish that consists of grilled chicken that has been marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. The marinade typically includes soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice. The chicken is then grilled over an open flame, allowing the marinade to caramelize and create a delicious crust on the outside of the meat.
The name Huli Huli chicken comes from the Hawaiian word "huli," which means to turn over. The chicken is cooked on a spit, and as it cooks, it is turned over and over again, allowing the marinade to cook evenly throughout the meat. This method of cooking also gives the chicken a smoky flavor that is unique to Huli Huli chicken.
The History of Huli Huli Chicken
The history of Huli Huli chicken dates back to the 1950s when a man named Ernest Morgado was raising money for a local school in Hawaii. Morgado was a chicken farmer and decided to host a fundraiser where he would sell his grilled chicken. To make the chicken stand out, he came up with the idea of using a rotisserie to cook the meat, allowing it to cook evenly and stay moist.
Morgado also created a special marinade for the chicken, which he named Huli Huli sauce. The sauce was a hit, and soon, Morgado was selling his Huli Huli chicken all over the island. The dish became so popular that other chicken farmers started using the Huli Huli name to sell their own grilled chicken.
Where to Find Huli Huli Chicken
Today, Huli Huli chicken can be found all over Hawaii, from roadside stands to high-end restaurants. One of the best places to try Huli Huli chicken is at the Maui Diners Drive Ins and Dives. This restaurant has been featured on the popular food show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and is known for its delicious Huli Huli chicken.
The Maui Diners Drive Ins and Dives is located in Kahului, Maui, and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The restaurant serves up a variety of Hawaiian dishes, including Huli Huli chicken, which is a must-try for anyone visiting Maui.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken at Home
If you can't make it to Hawaii to try Huli Huli chicken, you can still make it at home. Here's a simple recipe that you can try:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup sherry
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, sherry, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Huli Huli chicken is a delicious Hawaiian dish that has a rich history and is loved by locals and tourists alike. Whether you try it at a restaurant or make it at home, it's a dish that is sure to please. So, if you're ever in Hawaii, be sure to give Huli Huli chicken a try!