Huli Huli Chicken Recipe: A Grilled Hawaiian Classic You’ll Crave Year-Round

If you’ve ever craved that perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky grilled chicken with a tropical twist, then this Huli Huli Chicken recipe is exactly what your taste buds need. Originating from the lush islands of Hawaii, Huli Huli Chicken has won over hearts and appetites worldwide with its bold flavors and tender, juicy texture. The term “Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to how the chicken is traditionally cooked — continuously flipped over a grill for that even, caramelized char we all love.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best homemade Huli Huli Chicken. From ingredients and cooking techniques to tips, variations, storage, and answers to your burning questions — consider this your ultimate guide to the perfect Huli Huli Chicken recipe.

Whether you’re throwing a backyard BBQ, prepping a quick weeknight dinner, or just exploring island-inspired meals, this guide has it all. Get ready to be transported straight to the Hawaiian islands — minus the airfare.

What is Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian grilled chicken dish that features a sticky-sweet glaze made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatic ingredients like garlic and ginger. It was originally developed in the 1950s by Ernest Morgado, who popularized it during fundraising events and community gatherings across Hawaii. Since then, it has become a staple not just in local Hawaiian cuisine but also in home kitchens across the mainland U.S. and beyond.

Unlike many typical barbecue chicken recipes, Huli Huli Chicken is marinated for hours — sometimes overnight — to soak up every drop of flavor. It’s then grilled over medium heat while being basted frequently, allowing the glaze to caramelize into a glossy, flavor-packed crust.

What makes this dish stand out is its balance of sweet, tangy, salty, and umami notes. When done right, it’s a mouthwatering showstopper that deserves a spot in your regular recipe rotation.

Ingredients for Huli Huli Chicken

Let’s start with the essentials. You don’t need a ton of ingredients, but each one plays an important role in building flavor:

• 4 boneless chicken thighs (or substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer white meat)
• ½ cup pineapple juice – adds sweetness and tropical acidity
• ¼ cup soy sauce – for a deep umami flavor
• ¼ cup brown sugar – brings sweetness and helps with caramelization
• 2 tablespoons ketchup – adds depth, tanginess, and color
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – for balance and brightness
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic – enhances savory richness
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger – provides a subtle, zesty kick

These simple ingredients come together to form a marinade that’s both powerful and perfectly balanced.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved and everything is evenly mixed.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want extra smooth consistency, blend the marinade in a food processor or whisk it vigorously.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) in a large zip-top bag or shallow container. Pour in the marinade, seal tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is best for maximum flavor infusion.

💡 Pro Tip: Turn the chicken halfway through marinating if you’re using a container instead of a bag.

Step 3: Preheat and Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat. If using charcoal, set up for indirect heat to avoid burning the sugary marinade. Once the grill is hot, oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Do not discard the marinade — you’ll use it for basting.

Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, flipping carefully to get nice grill marks and even cooking.

Step 4: Baste While Grilling

While grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade every couple of minutes. This builds flavor and creates that beautiful sticky glaze.

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure to boil the leftover marinade for at least 2–3 minutes before using it to eliminate any bacteria from the raw chicken.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F), remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain moisture and lets the juices redistribute.

Serve with steamed white rice, grilled pineapple slices, or a fresh tropical slaw for a complete island-inspired meal.

Why This Huli Huli Chicken Recipe Works

• Authentic flavors with easy-to-find ingredients
• Minimal prep but maximum flavor
• Perfect for grilling season, but can be made indoors on a grill pan
• Kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and completely customizable

This recipe delivers the true essence of Huli Huli Chicken — juicy meat, crisp edges, and a glaze that’s sticky, sweet, and savory all at once.

Expert Tips for Perfect Huli Huli Chicken

1. Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness. While breasts are leaner, thighs stay more tender on the grill.
2. Don’t rush the marinade. The longer it sits, the deeper the flavor. Overnight is ideal.
3. Baste frequently. That’s how you get that shiny, caramelized coating that defines Huli Huli Chicken.
4. Grill over indirect heat if the marinade starts burning too fast. The sugar content can cause flare-ups.
5. Always rest the meat before slicing to prevent dryness.

Flavor Variations and Customizations

Want to put your own twist on this Huli Huli Chicken recipe? Here are some creative and delicious ways to experiment:

• Spicy Huli Huli Chicken: Add 1 tsp of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Coconut Huli Huli Chicken: Swap half of the pineapple juice for coconut milk for a creamier tropical flavor.
• Oven-Baked Huli Huli Chicken: No grill? No problem. Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, basting halfway through.
• Huli Huli Chicken Skewers: Cut chicken into cubes, marinate, and thread onto skewers for easy serving and faster grilling.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Huli Huli Chicken

This dish is already a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides elevates the entire meal. Here are some go-to ideas:

• Steamed Jasmine or Coconut Rice
• Grilled Pineapple Rings
• Macaroni Salad (Hawaiian-style)
• Tropical Fruit Salad
• Corn on the Cob with Butter and Lime
• Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

And for drinks:

• Pineapple Mojito (non-alcoholic or traditional)
• Iced Hibiscus Tea
• Fresh Coconut Water

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (you probably won’t), here’s how to store and enjoy them later:

• Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a covered skillet with a splash of water or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Add a bit of sauce if available to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Huli Huli Chicken without a grill?

Absolutely. You can cook the chicken in a cast-iron skillet, oven, or even a broiler. Just remember to baste frequently and monitor for burning due to the sugar in the marinade.

What’s the best substitute for pineapple juice?

If you don’t have pineapple juice, a mix of orange juice and a splash of apple cider vinegar can mimic the sweet-tart profile. However, for true Huli Huli flavor, pineapple juice is ideal.

Is it okay to use skin-on chicken?

Yes! Skin-on chicken thighs will crisp up beautifully on the grill and hold in more flavor. Just watch out for flare-ups due to the fat.

Can I use the marinade as a sauce?

Yes, but only after boiling it for several minutes to ensure it’s safe. Alternatively, set aside a small amount before marinating to use as a finishing glaze.

How long should I marinate Huli Huli Chicken?

At least 2 hours, but 8–12 hours (or overnight) is ideal. The longer you marinate, the more flavor the chicken absorbs.

Is Huli Huli Chicken spicy?

Not inherently. It’s more sweet and savory than spicy. But feel free to add chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer heat.

Conclusion: Why You Need This Huli Huli Chicken Recipe in Your Life

In a world of endless chicken recipes, Huli Huli Chicken stands out as a bold, tropical, and wildly satisfying option. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and impossible to resist — a perfect blend of sweet pineapple, salty soy, rich brown sugar, and fragrant garlic and ginger.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself to something special, this Huli Huli Chicken recipe will transport you straight to the islands with every bite. And because it’s so adaptable, it works for summer grilling, cozy winter meals, and everything in between.

Now that you’ve got the full guide, it’s time to fire up the grill and make your own version of this Hawaiian classic. Trust me — you’ll be making this Huli Huli Chicken again and again.

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