Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian classic featuring juicy, marinated chicken that’s grilled to smoky perfection with a sweet and savory glaze. Bursting with tropical flavors from pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, this dish is perfect for cookouts, family dinners, or whenever you want a taste of the islands. Its name, “huli huli,” meaning “turn turn,” highlights the method of constant turning on the grill for even caramelization.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken thighs or drumstickssoy saucepineapple juicebrown sugarketchupginger (freshly grated)garlic (minced)rice vinegarWorcestershire saucesesame oil

directions

In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and sesame oil.

Reserve about 1 cup of the marinade for basting and refrigerate it separately.

Add the chicken pieces to the remaining marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Preheat your grill to medium heat.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade.

Place the chicken on the grill and cook, turning and basting with the reserved marinade every few minutes, for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful caramelized glaze.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesMarinating time: 4 hours (or overnight)Grilling time: 30-40 minutesTotal time: 4 hours 55 minutes

Variations

Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker grilling.

Add a splash of Sriracha or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.

Swap pineapple juice with mango juice for a different fruity flavor.

Grill pineapple slices alongside the chicken for a tropical side dish.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I bake Huli Huli Chicken instead of grilling?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, basting halfway through.

What sides go well with Huli Huli Chicken?

Serve with steamed rice, macaroni salad, or grilled vegetables.

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, but adjust grilling time to avoid drying them out.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I marinate the chicken too long?

More than 24 hours may break down the meat too much, making it mushy.

Is it necessary to reserve some marinade?

Yes, to avoid contamination from raw chicken juices.

What if I don’t have a grill?

Use a grill pan on the stove or broil the chicken in the oven.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just make sure to have extra marinade for basting.

Why is it called “Huli Huli”?

“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the turning of the chicken while grilling.

Can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the marinade to your taste.

Conclusion

Huli Huli Chicken is a mouthwatering, island-inspired dish that brings together sweet, savory, and smoky flavors with every bite. Perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you crave something tropical, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.