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Pulehu Chicken

Pulehu chicken is a Hawaiian-style grilled chicken that offers a smoky, savory kick without drowning in heavy sauce. It's quick, easy to prepare, and perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard luaus.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce Can substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice Can substitute with lime juice for variation
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste

Chicken

  • 4 pieces chicken thighs or breasts Thighs are recommended for juiciness

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a bowl, mix soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, brown sugar, and black pepper to create the marinade.
  • Coat the chicken thighs or breasts with the marinade. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.

Cooking

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  • Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Avoid moving it too much to achieve nice grill marks.
  • Cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.

Serving

  • Let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing.

Notes

Basting the chicken with leftover marinade during the first few minutes of grilling can enhance flavor, but avoid basting with raw marinade at the end for food safety. Serve with jasmine rice, in tacos, or on salads.