If you’re craving a burst of tropical flavors that’s both delightfully sweet and irresistibly savory, this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Originating from the Hawaiian islands, this dish captures the perfect balance of tangy pineapple juice, umami-rich soy sauce, and a subtle kick of fresh ginger and garlic. Grilling chicken thighs while basting them in this luscious marinade results in juicy, flavorful bites with a beautifully caramelized char that simply melts in your mouth. This recipe is a fantastic way to bring a touch of island sunshine right into your kitchen or backyard barbecue.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is purposefully chosen to contribute to the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. These essentials are easy to find yet combine to create a marinade bursting with vibrant Hawaiian charm.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Choose bone-in for extra flavor, but boneless cooks faster and stays juicy.
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice: Adds sweetness and a slight acidity that tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce: Brings deep umami notes essential for that classic savory taste.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Balances saltiness with caramelized sweetness when grilled.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds subtle tang and thickens the marinade for perfect glaze.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides mild acidity to brighten the flavors and enhance balance.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Offers a fresh, spicy warmth and crisp aroma.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the marinade with savory depth and a classic punch.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Delivers a nutty undertone that complements the tropical profile.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds: Optional garnishes that add freshness and a delightful crunch.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Begin by whisking together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a medium bowl. This marinade is where the magic starts—it’s a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory elements that will deeply infuse your chicken. Next, place your chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece gets fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal to maximize flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Get Your Grill Ready
When it’s time to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Removing the chicken from the marinade, set the marinade aside to use as a basting sauce. Getting the grill hot enough will help create that signature char and caramelization that makes this recipe stand out. Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Grill and Baste the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side. While grilling, baste them occasionally with the reserved marinade for that shiny, sticky coating and enhanced flavor. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the exterior is beautifully caramelized with char marks. Remember to discard any leftover marinade that’s come into contact with raw chicken to keep things safe.
Step 4: Rest before Serving
Once grilled, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This step is crucial as it lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a more moist and tender bite. Finally, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like, adding a pop of color and a subtle crunch.
How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise. Sliced green onions lend a crisp, oniony brightness that contrasts beautifully with the smoky sweetness of the chicken, while sesame seeds add just the right amount of nutty crunch and visual appeal. Both are simple touches that make your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
The tropical vibe of this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic Hawaiian sides like steamed white rice or coconut rice, which soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. Grilled pineapple slices make for a naturally sweet counterpoint to the savory meat, while a simple green salad or sautéed vegetables add freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, try serving your grilled chicken on a bed of shredded cabbage slaw with a drizzle of spicy mayo or add it to warm tortillas for island-inspired wraps. You could also turn it into a hearty bowl with rice, black beans, and a squeeze of lime for a casual yet flavorful meal. The possibilities are endless with this versatile recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for next-day lunches or quick dinners. The flavors often deepen after resting, so the leftovers can be just as delightful.
Freezing
If you want to keep the deliciousness longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor. Freezing is a great way to have ready-made, flavorful meals on hand.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can dry out the meat. You can also add a splash of pineapple juice or a little water while reheating to keep the chicken moist and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and have richer flavor, you can substitute boneless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them since breasts dry out more quickly.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
Marinating overnight is recommended for the best flavor penetration and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, even 4 hours in the marinade will yield tasty results. The longer you marinate, the more pronounced the flavors become.
Can I cook Huli Huli chicken in the oven?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, bake the chicken at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes. Just make sure to baste it occasionally with the marinade toward the end of cooking for that sticky glaze effect.
What side dishes best complement this dish?
Steamed or coconut rice, grilled pineapple, fresh green salads, and sautéed vegetables all complement the sweet-savory profile of the Huli Huli Chicken Recipe beautifully, giving your meal a balanced and colorful presentation.
Can I add a smoky flavor to the marinade?
Definitely! Adding a dash of liquid smoke to your marinade introduces an extra layer of complexity and gives the chicken a wonderful barbecue essence that enhances the authentic Hawaiian vibe.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of grilling a juicy piece of chicken that’s been lovingly marinated in a sauce bursting with sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. This Huli Huli Chicken Recipe brings a little island magic to your table and is sure to become a family favorite for cookouts and everyday dinners alike. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Hawaii anytime you want—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus at least 4 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful Hawaiian grilled chicken dish marinated in a sweet and savory blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar. Perfect for summer cookouts or a tropical-inspired meal, this recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs with a caramelized glaze and charred finish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in for more flavor)
Marinade
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting. Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has a nice char. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Discard any leftover marinade. Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired, and serve alongside rice or grilled pineapple for a complete meal.
Notes
- This sweet and savory Hawaiian-style chicken is perfect for cookouts and casual gatherings.
- For a smoky twist, add a dash of liquid smoke to the marinade before marinating the chicken.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (204°C) for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
- Bone-in chicken thighs can be used instead of boneless for added flavor but may require slightly longer cooking time.
