The Best Pulehu Chicken for Grilling Fans
Pulehu Chicken is a simple yet flavor-packed Hawaiian-style grilled chicken featuring juicy thighs seasoned with sea salt, black pepper, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sesame oil. Each bite brings out a smoky char and savory tenderness that’s perfect for family dinners, backyard barbecues, or quick weeknight meals.
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
For the best results, let the seasoned chicken rest at room temperature before grilling. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.