Hawaiian Kiawe Grilled Ewa Chicken with Hoisin Sauce
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Description:
This tantalizing recipe from the heart of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine transforms the humble grilled chicken into something extraordinary. The burnished, crispy skin and the delightful combination of sweet and slightly pungent flavors in the meat make it a truly memorable dish. Made with fresh, locally raised Ewa chicken from Oahu, and flavored with the unique taste of Kiawe wood (Hawaiian mesquite), the chicken is perfectly complemented by the savory hoisin sauce, citrusy lime juice, and the aromatic punch of ginger, garlic, and lemongrass. Don’t worry if you don’t have access to Kiawe wood or Ewa chicken—this recipe is just as delicious when cooked with other types of chicken and grilled over a standard barbecue. Ideal for a casual outdoor meal or an unforgettable summer feast.
Recipe Category: Whole Chicken
Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Hawaiian, < 60 Mins
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hoisin Sauce | 1 cup |
| Fresh Cilantro | 1/2 cup |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh Lemongrass | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh Ginger (finely grated) | 12 tsp |
| Whole Chicken (cut into pieces) | 3 whole (approximately 4 lbs) |
| Fresh Lime Juice | 2 tbsp |
| Soy Sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Fresh Ginger (finely grated) | 4 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1271.8 kcal |
| Fat | 85.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 22.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 346.9 mg |
| Sodium | 1860.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 32.8 g |
| Fiber | 2.1 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Protein | 89.1 g |
Instructions
For the Sauce:
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Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly combined. The hoisin sauce, fresh cilantro, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, ginger, and lime juice should blend together into a fragrant and flavorful base for your chicken.
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Refrigerate the sauce: To allow the flavors to meld, cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least an hour, or up to 2 days ahead if you wish to prep in advance. The longer the sauce sits, the deeper the flavors will develop.
For the Chicken:
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Prepare the chicken: Start by placing the chicken pieces on a large baking sheet. These can be whole or cut into parts, depending on your preference and grill size.
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Brush with lime juice and soy sauce: Using a pastry brush, coat each piece of chicken with a mixture of fresh lime juice and soy sauce. This will help tenderize the meat and create a zesty base flavor.
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Rub with garlic and ginger: Finely mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger. Rub this mixture over the chicken, making sure to cover all surfaces for maximum flavor penetration.
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Marinate overnight: Cover the chicken and refrigerate overnight. This step is key to infusing the flavors into the meat and ensuring it remains moist and flavorful during grilling.
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Grill the chicken: Prepare your barbecue to a medium heat. Once ready, grill the chicken, turning occasionally for even cooking, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This will take approximately 45 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces and heat of your grill.
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Apply the hoisin sauce: After the chicken is fully cooked, brush it generously with the hoisin sauce mixture. Allow the sauce to caramelize on the chicken for about 5 more minutes on the grill, turning the chicken once more to ensure it is evenly glazed.
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Serve and enjoy: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with additional cilantro for garnish and enjoy this flavorful, Hawaiian-inspired dish.
Wine Pairing:
For a truly authentic experience, serve this dish with a glass of wine that complements its unique flavors. Consider a California version of Bonny Doon’s Clos de Gilroy or a Cotes-du-Rhone from France. If you prefer a softer option, a California Merlot with rich, ripe fruit flavors will beautifully balance the sweet and savory notes of the chicken.
Chef’s Tip: If you are not able to grill the chicken outdoors, you can easily achieve a similar result by roasting the chicken in the oven. Simply roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked, basting it with the hoisin sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
This Hawaiian Kiawe Grilled Ewa Chicken with Hoisin Sauce recipe brings a bit of the islands to your table, and even if you’re grilling in your backyard, you can savor the exotic flavors that make Hawaiian cuisine so unique. Enjoy the crispy skin, the tangy lime, and the savory, aromatic depth of this amazing dish!
