Name: Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup pineapple juice; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for grilling; sliced green onions and pineapple rings for garnish (optional)

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Prepare to be transported to the Hawaiian islands with this irresistible Huli Huli Chicken Recipe! Juicy chicken thighs get bathed in a tangy-sweet pineapple marinade and grilled until caramelized and smoky — every bite is a burst of tropical joy. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or spicing up a weeknight dinner, this dish packs big flavor into a wonderfully simple preparation. If you love a savory-sweet combo and crave a taste of sunshine, this recipe quickly becomes a go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of accessible, vibrant ingredients come together to create such depth of flavor in this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe. Each element plays a special role, delivering moisture, zing, or a pop of color that makes this dish so craveable.

Chicken Thighs (2 pounds, boneless & skinless): Thighs stay incredibly juicy and soak up the marinade beautifully; you can substitute breasts if preferred, but monitor the cooking time.
Pineapple Juice (1/2 cup): The star ingredient adds natural sweetness and tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with tropical flair.
Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): Delivers the umami punch that balances the sweetness and helps season the meat throughout.
Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Caramelizes as the chicken grills, creating those signature sticky-sweet edges.
Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Adds a tangy, familiar base that works magic with the pineapple and soy.
Rice Vinegar (2 tablespoons): A splash of acidity lifts all the flavors and prevents the dish from becoming cloying.
Fresh Ginger, Grated (1 tablespoon): That zingy note wakes up your taste buds and is a nod to classic island flavors.
Garlic, Minced (2 cloves): A little aromatic punch that rounds out the marinade.
Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Enhances the marinade with a subtle nuttiness and adds depth.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to balance out the sweetness and give a gentle kick.
Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the chicken from sticking to the grill and promotes those beautiful grill marks.
Sliced Green Onions and Pineapple Rings (optional): These garnishes add brightness, crunch, and an extra burst of color for serving.

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and blend together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is just dissolved and everything smells absolutely amazing. Don’t forget to set aside half a cup of this marinade in a separate container for basting later — that’s where much of the flavor magic happens right on the grill!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add your chicken thighs to the bowl, turning them so each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. If you can swing an overnight marinade, even better! The longer soak lets the flavors penetrate the meat and keeps things juicy, which is truly the secret to this unforgettable Huli Huli Chicken Recipe.

Step 3: Prep the Grill

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grates with vegetable oil — this helps keep the chicken from sticking and promotes those gorgeous grill marks. If you want a little extra smoke and island authenticity, charcoal grilling is the way to go!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the leftover marinade from the bowl) and place the pieces directly onto the hot grill. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, brushing and basting with that reserved marinade as the chicken cooks. This step creates the sticky, shiny glaze and irresistible flavor crust. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and aim for those perfect golden brown char marks.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once your chicken is grilled to golden perfection, transfer it to a platter and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This short wait lets all the juices redistribute, so the chicken stays moist when you slice into it. Now, you’re ready for the finishing touches and the best part — digging in!

How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

For that classic island presentation, scatter sliced green onions and grilled pineapple rings over your Huli Huli Chicken Recipe. The sharp freshness of the scallions and the caramelized, golden pineapple make every serving feel special and irresistibly inviting.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with a scoop of fluffy steamed rice to soak up every drop of sauce and juice. For a true Hawaiian feast, round things out with classic macaroni salad, sweet Hawaiian rolls, or a bright, crunchy coleslaw. All of these pair perfectly, offering a balance of creaminess, crunch, or extra sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Try serving your Huli Huli Chicken Recipe over coconut rice with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for extra tropical flair, or slice the chicken and tuck it into warm tortillas with a zesty pineapple salsa for an island-inspired taco night. Skewering smaller pieces of the marinated chicken is another fun way to make it party-friendly and easy to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Huli Huli Chicken Recipe in an airtight container as soon as possible — it keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a bit as it sits, making for delicious next-day lunches or salads.

Freezing

If you want to freeze cooked Huli Huli Chicken, allow it to cool completely, then wrap portions tightly in foil or freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Frozen, it will retain its tropical flair for up to two months. Remember to label your packages for easy dinner planning!

Reheating

Gently reheat your chicken (thawed overnight in the fridge, if frozen) in a covered skillet with a splash of water or pineapple juice to help keep it moist. You can also warm it in a 300°F oven until heated through, or even use the microwave in short bursts. Garnish with fresh green onions or grilled pineapple before serving again, and you’ll recapture all that island magic.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs are juicier and more forgiving, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well too. Just keep an eye on the grilling time, as breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. You may want to pound them to even thickness for best results.

What does “Huli Huli” mean?

“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, and the original dish was made by turning chicken on a spit over an open fire, basting constantly with that signature glaze. The Huli Huli Chicken Recipe you make at home captures those same flavors, with less fuss!

Is there a way to make this recipe in the oven?

Yes! If you don’t have a grill or the weather isn’t cooperating, arrange the marinated chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil on high for about 4-5 minutes per side, basting with the reserved marinade, until caramelized and cooked through.

How spicy is Huli Huli Chicken Recipe?

This recipe is mild and family-friendly, focusing on sweet, tangy, and savory notes. If you want a little kick, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade!

Can I marinate the chicken too long?

While an overnight soak is ideal, don’t go much longer than 24 hours — the acidity from the pineapple and vinegar can start to make the chicken overly soft. Four to twelve hours is the marinating sweet spot for perfect flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Ready to bring a taste of Hawaii to your table? Give this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe a try and savor those bold tropical flavors that make every bite simply unforgettable. Once you share it with friends and family, don’t be surprised if you get plenty of requests for a repeat! Happy grilling!

Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Huli Huli Chicken recipe is a delicious Hawaiian-inspired dish featuring tender grilled chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and spices. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a taste of the tropics any time of year!

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil for grilling
sliced green onions and pineapple rings for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper. Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade.
Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken thighs to the remaining marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade, until cooked through.
Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with green onions and pineapple rings.