You know those days when you just want something easy and full of flavor without making a huge mess in the kitchen? That’s exactly why I love Pulehu Chicken. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together with just a few simple ingredients, and it tastes like you spent hours planning it. No complicated marinades, no fancy gadgets — just good, honest cooking that brings everyone to the table.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what makes Pulehu Chicken special, how to grill it up beautifully, a few fun ways to change it up, and even tips for storing leftovers if you somehow manage to have any!
Why You’ll Love This Pulehu Chicken Recipe (Inspired by Mo Bettahs)
There’s something so satisfying about a meal that feels special without turning the kitchen upside down. That’s exactly what you get with Pulehu Chicken — simple ingredients, easy steps, and a flavor that brings everyone running to the table. If you’re someone who loves the idea of delicious grilled meals without all the fuss, this one’s going to be your new favorite.
Here’s why you’ll want to make Pulehu Chicken again and again:
- Quick and easy to make
A few everyday ingredients, a quick seasoning rub, and you’re ready to grill — no need to plan hours ahead or juggle a dozen steps. - Family-friendly flavors
The gentle seasoning of salt, pepper, garlic, and a hint of sesame oil makes this a crowd-pleaser for kids, teens, and adults alike. - Perfect for any occasion
Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a backyard barbecue, or a festive get-together, Pulehu Chicken fits right in without any extra stress. - Customizable to your taste
Want a little extra spice? A splash of soy sauce? Or maybe some citrus zest? This recipe is super easy to tweak so it matches your family’s favorite flavors. - Authentic island-style grilling
If you’ve ever wondered what is pulehu chicken and why it’s so beloved at places like Mo Bettahs, now you can bring those smoky, savory flavors right to your own grill. - Budget-friendly and satisfying
Using affordable cuts like chicken thighs or drumsticks means you can feed a crowd without stretching your grocery list. - Pairs well with everything
From simple rice bowls to bright, colorful salads, the smoky char and tender bite of Pulehu Chicken make it a perfect match for so many sides.
At the end of the day, this is the kind of meal that reminds you how rewarding it can be to keep things simple and let good ingredients shine. There’s just something about that smoky grill smell floating through the air that makes everyone a little hungrier — and a little happier. Now that you know why Pulehu Chicken deserves a spot on your grill, let’s take a closer look at the simple ingredients that make it all happen.
Ingredients for the Best Pulehu Chicken at Home
Gathering the ingredients for Pulehu Chicken feels like setting the stage for something truly delicious — and the best part? You don’t need anything fancy or hard to find. Every piece plays a simple but important role in making that island-style flavor come to life.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken thighs – 2 pounds (around 6–8 pieces)
Juicy and flavorful, perfect for grilling without drying out. - Hawaiian sea salt – 1½ teaspoons
Adds a clean, slightly briny flavor that brings out the natural taste of the chicken. - Freshly ground black pepper – 1 teaspoon
A little kick to balance the richness and wake up all the other flavors. - Garlic cloves, minced – 4 cloves
Brings a savory depth and that mouthwatering aroma you’ll smell the moment it hits the grill. - Fresh ginger, grated – 1 tablespoon
Adds a bright, slightly spicy lift that keeps the seasoning lively and fresh. - Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon
Brings a gentle nutty aroma that hugs the Pulehu Chicken with just the right touch of richness. - Brown sugar – 1 teaspoon
Just a whisper of sweetness that helps create those gorgeous grill marks and caramelized edges. - Green onions, finely sliced – 2 stalks (for garnish)
Sprinkled on top right before serving to add color and a fresh bite.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Chili flakes for a little heat if you love a tiny spark.
- Soy sauce for a deeper umami flavor (cut back slightly on the salt if you add this).
- Lemon or lime zest for a bright, citrusy twist.
Pro Tip:
Want to nudge this recipe toward different cuisines? Add a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a Japanese-style flair, or toss in a little smoked paprika for a gentle smoky spin. It’s easy to play around without losing the soul of the classic Pulehu Chicken.
With your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part — bringing this beautiful dish to life!
How to Make Authentic Pulehu Chicken Step-by-Step
Cooking Pulehu Chicken feels almost like a little backyard adventure — the kind where good smells drift through the air and you can already hear the plates clinking. Here’s exactly how to make it happen, step-by-step:
- Pat the chicken dry and season generously
Grab a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently pat the chicken pieces dry. This helps the seasoning stick better and gives you that lovely grilled texture. In a big bowl, toss the chicken with the sea salt, black pepper, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Use your hands to really work the seasoning into every nook and cranny. - Let the chicken rest
Set the seasoned chicken aside at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This short resting time helps the flavors settle in and lets the chicken cook more evenly later. - Prepare the grill
Heat your charcoal grill to a medium-high temperature (around 425°F). You want glowing coals with just a light dusting of ash. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat two burners on medium-high and keep the lid closed while it heats. - Grill the chicken, skin-side down first
Place the chicken directly over the hottest part of the grill, skin-side down (or smooth side down if boneless). Listen for that happy sizzle! Grill for about 6 minutes, peeking underneath now and then to make sure it’s not burning. You’re looking for deep golden edges and a smoky aroma. - Flip and finish cooking
Turn the chicken over and grill for another 6 to 8 minutes, lid down if possible, until the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer poked into the thickest part reads 165°F. If the chicken darkens too quickly, simply move it to a cooler part of the grill and finish gently. - Rest and garnish
Once off the grill, let the chicken rest on a platter under a loose foil tent for about 5 minutes. This helps all those delicious juices settle back into the meat. Sprinkle with your sliced green onions just before serving for a fresh pop of flavor and color.
Troubleshooting Tip:
If the grill flares up a bit more than you’d like, no need to worry! Just shift the chicken to a cooler side and lower the lid to calm things down. A little char is delicious — too much fire isn’t.
There’s just something about that first juicy, smoky bite that makes you feel like you’re sitting by the ocean, plate in hand. Now that your kitchen (or backyard!) smells amazing, let’s chat about a few extra tips and ideas to make your Pulehu Chicken even more special!
Chef Tips and Easy Variations for Pulehu Chicken
Once you’ve got the basics down, Pulehu Chicken becomes even more fun to play with! Little tweaks and tricks can help you get it just the way your family loves it. Here’s how to bring your grilling game up a notch:
- Mind the flame
If you notice flare-ups while grilling, shift the chicken to a cooler part of the grill. Too much fire can char the outside before the inside is cooked just right. - Even seasoning matters
Rub the seasoning into every part of the chicken, including under the skin if you’re using bone-in pieces. It makes a big difference in flavor! - Go for two-zone grilling
Keep one side of your grill hotter and the other cooler. Start your chicken on the hot side for that beautiful char, then move it over to finish slowly if needed. - Brush for extra flavor
Channel the vibes of a pulehu chicken mo bettahs platter by brushing your chicken lightly with a mix of melted butter and a splash of soy sauce during the last minute of grilling. - Switch up the flavors
Love trying new things? Sprinkle a little smoked paprika for a gentle smoky twist, or add lemon zest after grilling for a bright, sunny pop of flavor. - Different cuts, different fun
You can also use boneless thighs or drumsticks if that’s what you have on hand. Boneless thighs cook faster and slice up perfectly for salads or wraps!
There’s no better feeling than seeing your family smile when you set down a platter piled high with beautifully grilled chicken. Next up, let’s talk about all the tasty ways you can serve this up!
Serving Ideas for Pulehu Chicken (Perfect for Any Occasion)
Once your Pulehu Chicken comes sizzling off the grill, the possibilities for serving are endless — and delicious! Whether it’s a cozy family meal or a backyard bash, there’s a way to fit this recipe right into the moment.
- Classic Hawaiian plate lunch
Pair it with fluffy steamed rice and a classic macaroni salad for a comforting taste of the islands. - Taco night favorite
Slice the grilled chicken thin and tuck it into warm tortillas with a little pineapple salsa or a handful of crisp cabbage slaw. - Fresh and light summer salad
Top a big bed of greens with juicy sliced chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a quick sesame vinaigrette. - Family barbecue spread
Add your Pulehu Chicken to a platter alongside grilled corn, buttery rolls, and fresh watermelon for a classic summer feast. - Pulehu vs Teriyaki challenge
Grill some teriyaki chicken alongside and have a taste-off at the table! It’s a fun way to let everyone pick their favorite.
No matter how you serve it, this dish brings a little spark of joy to every meal. Now, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let’s make sure they stay just as tasty!
How to Store and Reheat Pulehu Chicken for Fresh Flavor
There’s something extra satisfying about opening the fridge and seeing a container of Pulehu Chicken waiting for you. Keeping those leftovers just as juicy and flavorful is easy with a few simple steps:
- Refrigerate properly
Let the chicken cool slightly, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keeping it tightly sealed helps lock in all that smoky goodness. - Freeze for later
If you want to save some for busy days, wrap the cooked chicken tightly in foil or freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy. - Reheat on the grill
Warm your chicken gently over medium heat for a few minutes per side until heated through. It helps bring back that fresh-off-the-grill texture. - Oven method for easy dinners
Place chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10–12 minutes. A light splash of water before reheating helps the chicken stay nice and tender. - Microwave, but gently
If you’re short on time, microwave the chicken in short bursts (about 30 seconds at a time), covering it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
Good food is even better when you know you’ve got a little tucked away for another night.
Related Recipes You May Love
If you enjoyed making Pulehu Chicken, here are a few more delicious ideas you might want to try next:
- Discada Recipe – A sizzling Mexican-style mixed grill that’s perfect for sharing.
- Leche de Tigre Recipe – A bright and zesty Peruvian classic, great as a fresh starter.
- Terra Massoud Recipe – Flavor-packed and perfect for adding something new to your table.
The Best Pulehu Chicken for Grilling Fans
Equipment
- Charcoal or gas grill
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Instant-read thermometer
- Small knife and cutting board
- Foil for resting
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs bone-in or boneless
- 1½ teaspoons Hawaiian sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 green onions finely sliced (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients:
- Chili flakes for a little heat
- Soy sauce for extra umami, adjust salt accordingly
- Lemon or lime zest for a citrusy finish
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and toss with salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and brown sugar.
- Let the seasoned chicken rest for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high (around 425°F).
- Grill chicken skin-side down first for about 6 minutes until golden and aromatic.
- Flip and continue grilling for 6–8 more minutes until the thickest part reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes under foil.
- Sprinkle with green onions and serve hot.
Notes
Key Takeaways
- Pulehu Chicken uses simple seasoning and direct heat for big, smoky flavor.
- Every day, pantry staples bring a true island-style taste without bottled sauces.
- Bone-in thighs stay tender; boneless cuts are perfect for quick meals.
- A two-zone grill setup helps control the heat and avoid overcooking.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for easy meals later in the week.
Still have a few questions? Let’s tackle some of the most common ones next!
FAQs About Pulehu Chicken and Mo Bettahs Style Grilling
What is a Pulehu chicken?
Pulehu Chicken gets its name from the Hawaiian word “pulehu,” which means “to broil or roast over hot coals.” It’s all about simple, honest seasoning — just salt, pepper, garlic, and a little sesame — grilled directly over fire to create a smoky, savory crust that’s full of island flavor.
What is pulehu chicken at Mo Bettahs?
If you’ve ever tried pulehu chicken mo bettahs, you know it’s something special. They grill up tender chicken thighs with a light seasoning and a smoky char, then finish them with a buttery soy glaze that adds a rich, savory finish. It’s simple, bold, and seriously crave-worthy.
How do you say Pulehu?
It’s pronounced “poo-LEH-hoo.” Just give a little lift to the middle syllable, and you’ll sound like you’ve been grilling Hawaiian-style for years!
How does Mo Bettah make their chicken?
While Mo Bettahs keeps their exact method a secret, their pulehu chicken is based on traditional grilling techniques: lightly seasoned chicken, hot and fast grilling over coals, and a quick brush of soy-butter glaze at the end for extra flavor and shine. It’s the kind of meal that feels homey and special all at once.
Ready to fire up the grill? One last cheer, and then it’s your turn to bring a little island flavor to your backyard!
Conclusion
And just like that, you’ve got everything you need to bring the smoky, savory goodness of Pulehu Chicken right to your own table. With a few simple ingredients, a hot grill, and a little aloha spirit, you’ll have a meal that feels like a mini getaway, whether it’s a backyard cookout, a cozy weeknight dinner, or a weekend get-together with friends.
If you give this Pulehu Chicken a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a review and let me know how it turned out for you — your feedback always means so much and helps others find a new favorite too.
Ready for a quick peek at everything you’ll need? Scroll down for an easy-to-save recipe recap!