Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian classic known for its juicy, tender meat and sweet, smoky, and tangy glaze. Grilled to perfection and bursting with tropical flavor, it’s perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or anytime you’re craving a taste of the islands.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken thighs or drumstickssoy saucebrown sugarketchuppineapple juicegarlic (minced)ginger (grated)rice vinegar or apple cider vinegarsesame oil (optional)green onions (for garnish)
directions
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil if using.
Reserve ½ cup of the marinade for basting. Place chicken in a zip-top bag or bowl and pour remaining marinade over it. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard used marinade.
Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, basting occasionally with reserved marinade, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4–6Preparation time: 10 minutesMarinating time: 2–8 hoursGrilling time: 15–20 minutesTotal time: up to 8.5 hours
Variations
Use chicken breasts or wings if preferred.
Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick.
Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes if grilling isn’t an option.
Serve with rice, grilled pineapple, or macaroni salad for a traditional Hawaiian plate.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.Can be frozen after cooking for up to 2 months—thaw and reheat before serving.
FAQs
What does “Huli Huli” mean?
“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to flipping the chicken while cooking.
Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, it works great and is convenient for the marinade.
Do I need a grill?
No, you can also bake or pan-sear the chicken.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
How long should I marinate it?
At least 2 hours, but overnight yields the best flavor.
Conclusion
Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful and easy way to bring Hawaiian-style grilling to your home. With its caramelized glaze and smoky char, this dish is sure to be a hit whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue or a family dinner.
Print
Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian grilled dish featuring chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger, then grilled to caramelized perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening sauce)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade and refrigerate for basting or thickening later.
- Place chicken in a large zip-top bag or bowl and pour remaining marinade over it. Seal and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6–8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), basting occasionally with the reserved marinade.
- If desired, thicken reserved marinade in a saucepan with cornstarch slurry over medium heat, stirring until it thickens into a glaze.
- Serve chicken hot, drizzled with glaze and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- This recipe can also be cooked in the oven or on a stovetop grill pan.
- Pair with rice and grilled pineapple for a tropical meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with glaze
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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