Get ready to transport your taste buds to the tropics with this incredible Huli Huli Chicken recipe. This isn’t just any grilled chicken; it’s a mouthwatering experience of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, all thanks to a signature pineapple and ginger marinade that caramelizes to perfection. If you’re looking for a dish that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, you’ve found it.
We’ll walk you through everything, from creating the authentic marinade to achieving that perfect char on the grill. This is the ultimate Hawaiian-inspired meal for any occasion.
What is Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken is a beloved Hawaiian dish characterized by its sweet and savory glaze. The name itself comes from the Hawaiian word “huli,” which means “turn.” Traditionally, the chicken was cooked on a grill between two racks and turned halfway through cooking, with onlookers shouting “huli!” to signal it was time to flip.
The heart of this dish is its marinade, a tantalizing blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh ginger, and garlic. This mixture tenderizes the chicken and creates a sticky, caramelized glaze as it cooks over the fire.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create that signature taste.
For the Chicken
- Chicken Thighs: We highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are incredibly forgiving on the grill, staying juicy and tender.
For the Huli Huli Marinade
- Pineapple Juice: This is the star of the show, providing a sweet, tangy base that tenderizes the chicken.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a deep, savory, and salty umami flavor. Use a low-sodium version if you prefer.
- Brown Sugar: Helps create the perfect caramelized glaze on the grill.
- Ketchup: Provides a subtle tang and contributes to the glaze’s consistency.
- Fresh Ginger & Garlic: These aromatics provide a warm, zesty kick that is essential to the flavor profile.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount adds a rich, nutty aroma.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken (Step-by-Step)
This recipe is surprisingly simple to make. Just follow these steps for juicy, flavorful chicken every time. The key is giving the chicken enough time to marinate.
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, minced ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil until the sugar is fully dissolved. This vibrant mixture is the secret to delicious Huli Huli Chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Reserve about 1 cup of the marinade and set it aside for later to use as a glaze. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight for the best flavor.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side. Remember to “huli” (turn) the chicken!
Step 4: Create the Glaze
While the chicken is grilling, pour the reserved 1 cup of marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened into a glossy glaze. In the last few minutes of cooking, brush this glaze generously over both sides of the chicken. This will create a beautiful, caramelized crust. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
No Grill? No Problem!
Don’t let a lack of a grill stop you from enjoying this amazing Huli Huli Chicken. Here are two fantastic alternatives.
Oven-Baked Huli Huli Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with the prepared glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking and broil for 1-2 minutes to get a nice char.
Pan-Seared Huli Huli Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. In the last couple of minutes, pour the thickened glaze over the chicken and let it bubble and coat each piece.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t Skip the Marinating Time: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be. Aim for at least 4 hours.
- Reserve the Marinade Safely: It’s crucial to set aside marinade for the glaze *before* it touches the raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- Watch the Glaze: The sugar in the glaze can burn quickly. Keep a close eye on the chicken after you’ve brushed it on, especially on the grill.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and delicious. For another great grilling recipe, check out this Chicken Yakitori (coming soon).
What to Serve with Your Chicken
Huli Huli Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Traditional choices include steamed white rice and a simple macaroni salad. For a healthier option, serve it with grilled pineapple slices, a fresh Cucumber Avocado Salad (coming soon), or some steamed vegetables. For a truly hearty meal, this Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich recipe offers a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat. It’s also delicious served cold and sliced over a salad. If you enjoy make-ahead meals, this Hobo Casserole is another fantastic option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can get great results by baking the chicken in the oven at 425°F (220°C) or by pan-searing it in a skillet over medium-high heat. Be sure to use the thickened glaze at the end of cooking for both methods.
For the best results, you should marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours. If you have the time, marinating it overnight will result in even more flavor and more tender chicken.
In Hawaiian, ‘huli’ means ‘turn.’ The dish got its name from its traditional cooking method, where chickens were cooked on a rotisserie or between two racks and turned over the fire.
Huli Huli sauce is typically made from a base of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Common additions include ketchup for tang, and aromatics like fresh ginger and garlic to create its signature sweet and savory flavor.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are highly recommended because they are naturally juicy and remain tender during grilling. However, chicken breasts or drumsticks can also be used; just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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Huli Huli Chicken: The Perfect Hawaiian Grilled Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, minced ginger, garlic, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves.
- Reserve 1 cup of the marinade for the glaze. Pour the rest over the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or dish. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Pour the reserved 1 cup of marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens into a glaze.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F/200°C). Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
- In the final few minutes of cooking, brush the thickened glaze generously over both sides of the chicken. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Watch the chicken closely after applying the glaze, as the sugar can cause it to char quickly.
Tip 3: This marinade also works wonderfully with pork or shrimp.
Share Your Creation!
We are sure this Huli Huli Chicken will become a new favorite in your home. It’s a taste of paradise that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a weekend barbecue. If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Share a photo and tag us on Pinterest.
