Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Hey, Welcome to the Huli Huli Chicken Recipe. Huli Huli Chicken is a sweet and savory Hawaiian grilled chicken glazed with a pineapple-soy marinade.

I still remember the first time I made this in my backyard, and the smell alone made everyone walk straight to the grill.

If you love juicy grilled chicken with a sticky, caramelized glaze, you’re going to enjoy this one.

Let me show you how you can bring a little Hawaiian flavor right to your kitchen in the United States.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 4 hours marination)
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: About 4 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Cuisine: Hawaiian-American
• Category: Main Dish

History and Origin

Huli Huli Chicken originated in Hawaii in the 1950s and became popular at roadside fundraisers and community gatherings.

The word “huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to how the chicken is turned repeatedly over the grill while cooking.

What does it taste like?

It tastes sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy with a deep umami flavor from soy sauce.

The pineapple juice caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving you that sticky glaze and juicy inside that’s hard to resist.

By the way, you can also try the Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to start making the Huli Huli Chicken Recipe:

Ingredient	Quantity
Boneless skinless chicken thighs	2 pounds
Pineapple juice	1 cup
Soy sauce	½ cup
Brown sugar	½ cup
Ketchup	⅓ cup
Rice vinegar	2 tablespoons
Fresh ginger (grated)	1 tablespoon
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves
Sesame oil	1 teaspoon
Green onions (chopped)	For garnish
Pineapple slices (optional)	For grilling

Equipments

Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Huli Huli Chicken Recipe:

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grill or grill pan
• Tongs
• Basting brush
• Zip-top bag or marination container
• Meat thermometer

How to make Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

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

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or container and pour the marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for a deeper flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375–400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve some for basting). Grill for 6–7 minutes per side, turning occasionally. This turning process is the “huli” part!

Step 5: Baste and Caramelize

Brush the reserved marinade over the chicken while grilling. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze is beautifully caramelized.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped green onions and grilled pineapple slices.

Recipe Card

Nutritional Information

Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Huli Huli Chicken Recipe:

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbohydrates	24 g
Sugars	20 g
Fat	12 g
Sodium	780 mg

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this with steamed white rice or coconut rice to soak up the extra glaze.

You can also pair it with grilled veggies or a simple macaroni salad for a full Hawaiian-style plate lunch.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken of Huli Huli Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

You can also freeze it for up to 2 months and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.

Grilling Tips for Maximum Flavor

To get that perfect caramelized glaze, I recommend grilling over medium heat and brushing the marinade in light layers.

Let each side cook properly before you “huli” (turn) it so you build deep flavor without burning the sugars.

Choosing the Right Chicken Cut

I personally prefer boneless, skinless thighs because they stay juicy and tender on the grill.

If you like leaner meat, chicken breasts work too—just pound them evenly so they cook without drying out.

Oven and Indoor Cooking Option

If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken at 400°F and broil it for a few minutes at the end. This gives you that sticky, slightly charred finish even when cooking indoors.

Turning It into a Hawaiian Plate Lunch

You can serve Huli Huli Chicken Recipe as a classic Hawaiian-style plate lunch with white rice and macaroni salad.

This simple combination is inspired by traditional meals served across Hawaii and loved throughout the U.S.

Flavor Variations You Can Try

I like adding a splash of orange juice for extra brightness or a drizzle of honey for more sweetness. You can even sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you want a subtle spicy kick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One mistake to avoid is grilling over very high heat because the sugar in the marinade can burn quickly.

Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking so the juices stay locked in.

Making It for Parties and BBQs

If you’re hosting a summer BBQ, simply double or triple the marinade while keeping the same ingredient ratio.

You can grill in batches and lightly reheat with extra glaze right before serving.

Conclusion

This Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is perfect for summer BBQs, family dinners, or even meal prep. Once you try that sweet and smoky glaze, you’ll want to make it again and again.

With these lines, we come to the end of the article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!

Happy Cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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