Introduction
Ever craved a grilled chicken that’s smoky, savory, and straight from the islands? That’s Pulehu Chicken—a simple, flavorful Hawaiian classic made with a light marinade and fire-grilled to perfection. It’s lighter than teriyaki chicken but packed with bold, garlicky-sesame flavor. Whether you’ve seen it at Mo’ Bettahs or just love island-style BBQ, this recipe brings that authentic taste right to your kitchen. Let’s get grilling!
Table of Contents
Key Benefits for Pulehu Chicken
- Authentic Island Flavor: Get the true taste of Hawaii with every bite—smoky, savory, and unforgettable.
- Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a go-to weeknight or weekend grill recipe.
- Halal-Friendly: Made with halal chicken and alcohol-free ingredients for peace of mind.
- Versatile Cooking: Perfect on the grill, stovetop, or even baked—great for any season.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at BBQs, family dinners, or meal prep for the week.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs halal chicken thighs (boneless, skin-on or off)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (halal-certified, alcohol-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (or rice vinegar if available)
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Optional Add-ons:
1 tbsp pineapple juice (for a tropical twist)
1 tsp chili flakes (for heat)
Let’s Make Authentic Pulehu Chicken – Step-by-Step
Whisk Up the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Want a spicier kick? Add chili flakes. Craving more island flair? A splash of pineapple juice does the trick.
Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to a large zip-top bag or shallow container. Add the chicken and stir or shake gently so the marinade touches every part evenly.
Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour—but if you can, let it sit overnight for richer flavor.
Preheat Your Grill
Heat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking and ensure that beautiful sear.
Grill the Chicken
Lift the chicken out of the marinade, letting the extra liquid drip off before grilling. Grill for 6–8 minutes per side, turning once, until the outside is lightly charred and the inside is fully cooked (165°F / 74°C internal temp). Don’t press the chicken—it keeps it juicy!
Rest, Slice & Serve
Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Give the chicken a few minutes to rest—this helps keep every bite tender and juicy. Slice, serve, and enjoy that smoky island-style flavor!
Pro Tips & Variations
Want to take your Pulehu Chicken from great to unforgettable? Here are a few tried-and-true tips to get the most out of this island-style favorite:
Pro Tips
- Don’t skip the marinade time: At least 1 hour is good—but if you can, leave it overnight. The depth of flavor will be noticeably better.
- Use skin-on, bone-in thighs for max flavor: They hold up well on the grill and stay juicy. But boneless thighs or chicken breast work too!
- Let the grill do its magic: Avoid flipping the chicken too often. One solid flip helps develop that beautiful pulehu chicken flavor—smoky, savory, and lightly charred.
- No grill? No problem: You can cook this on a stovetop grill pan or even broil it in the oven. Just keep an eye on the cook time and color.
Variations to Try
Spicy lovers: Mix in some crushed red pepper or a dab of sriracha for extra kick.
Pulehu Steak: The same marinade works beautifully with beef—try it on flank or sirloin for an island twist on steak night.
Halal Teriyaki Twist: Want it saucier? Add a quick glaze of honey, soy sauce, and garlic toward the end of grilling.
Low-sodium version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the added salt for a heart-friendlier option.
Serving Suggestions
Pulehu Chicken shines as the star of your plate, but pairing it with the right sides brings out its full tropical charm. Here are some simple, satisfying ways to serve it:
- Island-style: Pair it with steamed white rice or coconut rice, and a side of fresh pineapple or mango salsa.
- Lighter meal: Slice it over a crisp green salad with sesame dressing or a cabbage slaw for a refreshing twist.
- Meal prep win: Pack with roasted veggies and quinoa for a balanced, grab-and-go lunch.
- BBQ upgrade: Serve it in buns with lettuce, grilled onions, and a drizzle of teriyaki mayo for a next-level chicken sandwich.
Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests at your next BBQ, this Hawaiian grilled chicken pairs perfectly with just about anything.
Conclusion
There you have it—authentic Pulehu Chicken made easy at home. With its smoky, garlicky-sesame flavor and simple ingredients, this Hawaiian classic is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re team pulehu chicken vs teriyaki chicken, one bite of this grilled goodness might just win you over.
Tried it? Share your version and let the island vibes shine at your table!
What is a Pulehu chicken?
Pulehu chicken is a traditional Hawaiian grilled chicken, marinated in a simple blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. It’s cooked over an open flame to bring out a smoky, savory flavor unique to the pulehu method.
What is pulehu chicken at Mo’ Bettahs?
At Mo’ Bettahs, pulehu chicken is one of their signature dishes—grilled chicken marinated Hawaiian-style and flame-cooked to deliver that authentic island BBQ flavor.
What does pulehu mean in Hawaiian?
Pulehu means “to cook over hot coals” in Hawaiian. It refers to a traditional grilling technique that imparts a charred, smoky taste to meats like chicken or pulehu steak.
Is pulehu chicken healthy?
Yes! Pulehu chicken is grilled, not fried, and made with a light marinade. When paired with healthy sides, it’s a great option for a balanced, flavorful meal.
What is a chicken breast with wings called?
That cut is known as an airline chicken breast—a boneless breast with the first wing joint attached. It’s often used for elegant plating and extra juiciness.
Pulehu Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs halal chicken thighs boneless, skin-on or off
- 3 tbsp soy sauce halal-certified, alcohol-free
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar optional
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Optional: 1 tsp chili flakes or 1 tbsp pineapple juice
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken to a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over and coat thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and oil the surface.
- Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off.
- Grill chicken 6–8 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temp).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition (Estimate per serving):
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: ~700mg
