Go Back
Pulehu chicken

Mo bettahs pulehu chicken Recipe

Maria
Pulehu chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make grilled dish featuring tender, juicy chicken marinated in a delicious combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and other savory ingredients. The marinade infuses the chicken with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, making it the perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings. With expert tips and variations, this recipe brings the taste of Hawaii to your grill.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4-6 pieces of bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce low-sodium if preferred
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • Hawaiian sea salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for grilling

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the Marinade

  • In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger
  • Lemon juice
  • Sesame oil
  • Stir well until the sugar dissolves and all ingredients are evenly mixed. This will create the flavorful marinade for the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

  • Place the chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks) into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully covered.
  • Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming too salty.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down to an even heat. If using a gas grill, simply turn it on and allow it to heat up.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess marinade, which helps prevent flare-ups on the grill.
  • Season the chicken with Hawaiian sea salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Grill the chicken on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If necessary, move the chicken to indirect heat to prevent over-charring.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

  • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
  • Serve the Pulehu chicken and enjoy!