Get ready to bring some island flavor straight to your kitchen with this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken! It’s juicy, smoky, sweet, and tangy all in one glorious bite. The chicken is marinated in a bold tropical blend of pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger then grilled to caramelized perfection. It’s one of those recipes that smells so good sizzling on the grill, your neighbors might come knocking. Trust me, this one’s a flavor vacation you don’t want to miss.

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for grilling season, meal prep, or weeknight dinners with a twist.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and chicken thighs big flavor, low cost.

Quick and Easy: The marinade does all the heavy lifting, and the grilling takes just minutes.

Customizable: Grill it, bake it, or pan-sear it. Add pineapple rings or a little chili heat if you’d like.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

This marinade is the magic. It’s sweet, savory, garlicky, and tangy and it transforms the chicken into a tropical masterpiece.

Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling. Boneless or bone-in both work.

Pineapple Juice: Adds sweetness and tropical flavor that tenderizes the chicken.

Soy Sauce: Brings salty umami balance to the sweetness.

Brown Sugar: Caramelizes on the grill and adds rich, molasses-like depth.

Ketchup: Adds body and a hint of tangy sweetness.

Garlic: Bold, aromatic, and essential for that signature Huli Huli punch.

Fresh Ginger: A warm, zesty note that brightens up the marinade.

Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bit of acidity to balance everything out.

Sesame Oil (optional): Adds a subtle nutty depth to round out the flavors.

Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: For garnish and a little extra flair at serving time.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Combine Ingredients: In a bowl or large zip-top bag, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and vinegar. Add chicken and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Reserve a small portion of marinade (before adding the raw chicken) to use as a basting sauce during grilling.

Assemble the Dish: Place chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Baste occasionally with the reserved marinade.

Cook to Perfection: Grill until the chicken is caramelized, slightly charred in spots, and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F/74°C).

Finishing Touches: Transfer to a platter and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with rice, grilled pineapple, or a side of slaw for a tropical feast.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 390

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (active)

How to Serve Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with steamed jasmine or coconut rice for soaking up the extra sauce
Pair with grilled pineapple slices for extra tropical flair
Add a scoop of Hawaiian-style macaroni salad or slaw
Serve in lettuce wraps or over a fresh salad for a lighter option
Turn leftovers into tacos or sandwiches with a tangy slaw topping

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use chicken thighs for juicier results, but breasts work too just don’t overcook them
Marinate overnight for the deepest flavor infusion
Don’t skip the basting while grilling it builds up that gorgeous sticky glaze
If using wooden skewers for kabobs, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand
Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken if you plan to use it as a sauce

FAQ’s

1 Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but be careful not to overcook them they dry out faster than thighs.

2 What does “Huli Huli” mean?
“Huli” means “to turn” in Hawaiian. The chicken is traditionally turned and basted frequently as it cooks.

3 Can I cook this in the oven?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for about 25–30 minutes, basting halfway through.

4 Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, just make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar.

5 How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal for the best flavor.

6 Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! Marinate the chicken the night before and grill when ready to eat.

7 What’s a good side dish for this?
Rice, slaw, grilled veggies, or macaroni salad are all perfect pairings.

8 Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Yes! Combine raw chicken and marinade in a freezer bag, freeze, and thaw when ready to grill.

9 Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

10 Can I use fresh pineapple in the marinade?
Avoid fresh pineapple juice it contains enzymes that can break down the chicken too much and make it mushy.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is your ticket to a mini vacation on a plate smoky, sweet, sticky, and unbelievably juicy. Whether you’re grilling out in the sunshine or craving a taste of the tropics at home, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and impossible not to love. So fire up the grill, pour a little extra pineapple juice, and let this chicken transport you straight to the islands.

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