Molokai chicken is a beloved Hawaiian specialty, renowned for its irresistible sweet and savory flavor. This island-style grilled chicken is a culinary icon deeply rooted in the rich culture and traditions of Molokai.
A Brief History of Molokai Chicken
Molokai chicken originated on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. It’s unclear exactly when it was first created, but local lore traces its roots back centuries to early Hawaiian cooking methods.
The dish probably came about because people on the island needed a tasty and useful way to use all the chicken they had. Before, chicken was cooked in an imu, which was an underground oven buried in the ground and lined with hot stones and banana leaves. The chicken tasted amazing because of the steam and heat from the stones.
Over time, people on Molokai started trying different marinades until they came up with the perfect sweet soy glaze for Molokai chicken. When cooking, kiawe wood, which smells good, became the most popular choice.
Simple yet flavorful, Molokai chicken encapsulates the soul of island living. It remains a staple at family luaus, beachside gatherings, and backyard get-togethers. For locals, it conjures nostalgic memories of home and celebration.
What Makes It Special
So what sets Molokai chicken apart from ordinary grilled chicken? Here are some of its defining characteristics
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The Signature Marinade – A flavor-packed blend usually containing soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, green onions, and sometimes citrus juice or vinegar. This marinade tenderizes and infuses the chicken with sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
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Smoking with Kiawe Wood – Grilling over kiawe wood (Hawaiian mesquite) imparts a subtle smoky aroma and depth of flavor. It adds a quintessential touch to authentic Molokai chicken.
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Simple: Molokai chicken is beautiful because it only needs a few ingredients. It shows how resourceful island food can be with just a few pantry staples.
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Juicy and tender: If you marinate and grill the chicken the right way, it will stay juicy and tender. The meat pulls easily from the bone in tender shreds.
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Char and Caramelization – The marinade caramelizes into a sticky glaze, while the grill adds delightful crispy char bits. This textural contrast is part of the appeal.
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Soul of Hawaii – More than just a recipe, Molokai chicken embodies the spirit of community, tradition, and resourcefulness intrinsic to Hawaiian culture.
How to Make Authentic Molokai Chicken
Here are some tips for achieving the perfect Molokai chicken:
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Marinade – The key is allowing enough marinating time for the chicken to soak up all the flavors. Aim for a minimum of 4 hours, but ideally 12-24 hours.
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Meat – Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work best. The bones help keep the meat juicy and add flavor. Skin-on is preferred.
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Grilling – Grill over medium heat, turning frequently and basting with marinade. Target an internal temperature of 165°F. Kiawe wood or mesquite add nice smoky notes.
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Resting – Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute.
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Sides – White rice, mac salad, and fresh pineapple make classic accompaniments.
Sample Molokai Chicken Marinade
While recipes vary, this basic marinade offers an excellent starting point:
- 1⁄2 cup soy sauce
- 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
Whisk together all ingredients until blended. Pour over chicken pieces and marinate in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about this Hawaiian specialty:
Is it spicy?
Not inherently, but you can add chili peppers or hot sauce to the marinade if you want to give it some heat.
What chicken parts work best?
Bone-in thighs and drumsticks are ideal. The bones help retain moisture. Lean breast meat can dry out easily.
Can I use a regular grill?
Yes! While kiawe wood adds authentic flavor, a regular charcoal or gas grill will still impart nice char and smokiness. Add some mesquite wood chunks if you can.
What are good side dishes?
The usual Hawaiian pairings like rice, macaroni salad, and fresh pineapple work great. You could also do veggies, potatoes, bread, or a green salad.
How long does it keep?
About 3-4 days stored in the fridge. The flavors continue developing as it sits. You can freeze it for longer storage.
Can I use other proteins?
Yes, the marinade works great on pork, shrimp, fish, and tofu. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
The Spirit of Molokai Chicken
More than a recipe, Molokai chicken represents the Hawaiian values of community, simplicity, and living off the land. It brings people together through food and celebration of island life. This soulful dish tells a story with every bite.
From its humble roots to its enduring status as a Hawaiian favorite, Molokai chicken is so much more than just great grilled meat. It offers a taste of island culture and the unique charm of Molokai. Like a familiar embrace, it’s a dish that evokes the spirit of ohana – family.
So next time you fire up the grill, give Molokai chicken a try. Let the sweet and smoky flavors transport you right to a beachside luau under swaying palms. Aloha!
HOW TO MAKE HAWAIIAN CHICKEN
- Mix Asian sweet chili sauce, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and spices in a bowl or measuring cup with a whisk to make a tasty marinade.
- This step ensures every bite is packed with flavour.
- Put the chicken in a freezer bag, press out any extra air, and then add the marinade.
- Seal the bag and refrigerate for 4-24 hours.
- This chicken goes well with Luau Pig for a full island feast if you like Hawaiian-style BBQ.
- Grilling: Grill the chicken for a smoky flavour.
- Baking: Bake in the oven on a baking sheet.
- Stovetop: Cook in a skillet for an easy, juicy meal.
- For quick cooking, set the oven to 553°F if you’re using one.
- As the chicken cooks, use a basting brush to cover it with extra marinade.
- If grilling, scrape the grates to prevent sticking.
- For a traditional plate lunch, serve with white rice and macaroni salad.
- Put leftovers in a container that won’t let air in or freeze them for later use.
- Serve with a protein milk smoothie or a side of steak for extra protein.
- Hawaiian BBQ places like Dutch Bros serve similar flavors, so this is a great way to make your own.
- A standard portion is about 7 oz of chicken (0. 25 lbs), with approximately 910 calories.
- Based on your needs, divide the food into 50, 24, or 41 portions for meal prep.
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken
- Kabobs: Grill pineapple, bell peppers, and onions and put them on skewers with chicken.
- Wraps – Use flatbread, chicken, veggies, and guacamole.
- Bib lettuce, BBQ chicken, avocado crema, and other toppings can be used to make lettuce wraps.
- Tacos: Put black beans, cilantro, mango salsa, and lime juice on tortillas and roll them up.
- Grain bowls: Put grains, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, sprouts, and dressing in a bowl and serve.
- Mix greens, sweet corn, cashews, and macadamia nuts together in a salad.
- Stir-Fry: Make it in a pan and put it on top of spaghetti squash.
- Sandwiches – Layer on Hawaiian rolls with bacon.
- Quesadillas – Stuff with Monterey Jack cheese.
- Fajitas – Serve with bell peppers and pico de gallo.