The Small Town Chef

Sticky, smoky, sweet and just spicy enough—with fresh pineapple getting its own turn on the grill. There are certain recipes that almost seem made for summer grilling, and Huli Huli chicken is one of them. Sweet pineapple, salty soy, ginger, garlic and a sticky glaze hitting a hot grill? I'm already interested. Add juicy chicken thighs, fresh pineapple rounds and a couple of jalapeños straight from the garden, and now we're talking. Huli Huli chicken is Hawaiian-style grilled chicken marinated and glazed with a sweet-savory mixture of pineapple, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and garlic. My version uses boneless chicken thighs, fresh grilled pineapple and garden jalapeños for a little extra heat. Huli Huli chicken originated in Hawai‘i in the 1950s, when Ernest Morgado began grilling his teriyaki-style chicken for gatherings and fundraisers. Huli means “turn”—a reference to turning the chicken over the fire as it cooked. That repeated turning and glazing is still part of what ...

Big flavor, no marinade required—just rub, rest, and roast or grill. If you’ve got chicken and 5 minutes, you’ve got dinner that tastes like you spent all day. Dry rubs are one of my favorite ways to season chicken—especially when grilling or roasting—because they’re quick, flavorful, and easy to tweak depending on what you’re in the mood for.   These three rubs bring serious global flavor: one rooted in smoky North Africa, one bright and lemony from the Middle East, and one that’s all about authentic Jamaican Jerk heat. Each is punchy, aromatic, and dead simple to pull off. Let’s get into it. 🔥 1. Authentic Jamaican Jerk Rub This is not your sweet “BBQ jerk chicken” nonsense. This is bold, peppery, herby, and deeply aromatic—exactly what jerk should be. Built on allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet-level heat, this dry rub is an absolute beast on the grill, especially with dark meat.   What’s in it: 1 tbsp ground allspice 2 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground gi...

  My Go-To Summer Chicken Marinade Summer is in full swing, and that means it's time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious, fire-kissed meals. Today, I want to share one of my absolute favorite summer chicken marinades: my Greek-inspired Lemon Garlic Marinade. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your summer cooking repertoire.   Ingredients for Greek Lemon-Garlic Marinade Lemon. This is the star of the show. The citrusy zing is what gives this marinade its refreshing and vibrant flavor. Extra Virgin Olive Oil. A good quality, imported olive oil helps to coat the chicken and keep it moist while grilling. Soy Sauce. Adds a bit of umami and balances the acidity of the lemon. Raw Sugar. For a touch of sweetness to counterbalance the tartness. Greek Oregano. This herb is essential for that authentic Greek flavor. Thyme. Adds a subtle earthiness Rosemary. Another must-have herb that pairs beautifully with chicken.   Garlic. Because garlic makes...