Nothing quite captures the vibrant spirit and mouthwatering flavors of the islands like this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe. With its irresistible combination of sweet pineapple, savory soy, and a touch of garlic and ginger, this dish brings an authentic Hawaiian barbecue experience straight to your backyard. Juicy, tender chicken infused with a beautifully balanced marinade and finished with a smoky char is pure comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners or lively gatherings. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a go-to recipe you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in building its signature sweet-savory profile. Every single element brings color, flavor, or texture to the plate, making the final dish pop with authenticity and deliciousness.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in for more flavor): Perfectly tender and juicy, thighs soak up marinade beautifully.
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice: Adds natural sweetness and tropical brightness, key to the signature Hawaiian flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings deep umami and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Caramelizes during grilling, giving the chicken a glossy, sticky glaze.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Provides subtle tang and helps bind the marinade together.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Introduces mild acidity that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a gentle spicy warmth and aromatic quality.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with classic savory depth and fragrance.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Delivers nuttiness and a wonderful toasted note.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle kick and balances the flavors.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional): For freshness, crunch, and visual appeal.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper until everything is perfectly blended. This marinade is where the magic begins, layering sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors that will soak deep into the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Reserve half a cup of the marinade for basting later. Pour the rest into a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and add the chicken. Seal it up or cover it tightly, then pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal to really let the flavors infuse beautifully.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
Whether you’re using an outdoor grill or a grill pan, heat it to medium heat. Proper grill temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly and develops those irresistible char marks that everyone loves.
Step 4: Grill and Bas
Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the used portion. Grill each piece for 6 to 8 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade for that glossy, caramelized finish. The key is to cook until the chicken is cooked through yet still juicy.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes after taking it off the heat. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in tender bites. Finish by sprinkling sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top if you like, adding fresh crunch and a touch of elegance.
How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple green onions and sesame seeds elevate the dish visually and texturally. The bright green onions add freshness and color, while sesame seeds introduce a toasty crunch that complements the charred chicken so well.
Side Dishes
Huli Huli Chicken shines alongside fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up every bit of the flavorful juices. Grilled pineapple slices add a sweet, smoky element that ties beautifully into the marinade. For a fresh balance, a crisp cabbage slaw with a light vinaigrette brightens and cuts through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests or family, try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of coconut rice garnished with tropical fruits like mango or papaya. You can also skewer the marinated chicken pieces for easy grilling and serve as handheld bites at parties. Wrapping slices in lettuce leaves with pickled veggies adds a fun, fresh twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more after sitting overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches.
Freezing
This Huli Huli Chicken Recipe also freezes well. Wrap the cooked portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture and flavor after storage, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved marinade or water to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving when possible, as that can dry it out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used if you prefer white meat, but be careful not to overcook them since they dry out more easily. Keep an eye on grill time, and consider reducing it slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Huli Huli Chicken Recipe?
While traditional Huli Huli is chicken-based, you can marinate tofu or tempeh in the same sauce and grill it for a tasty vegetarian alternative with similar sweet and savory notes.
Can I bake Huli Huli Chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake it at 400°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, basting halfway through. It will still capture much of that delicious flavor, albeit without the smoky char from the grill.
What if I don’t have pineapple juice on hand?
Pineapple juice is key for sweetness and acidity, but if unavailable, orange juice or a mix of apple juice and a little vinegar can work as substitutes, just keep an eye on the balance of flavors.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
While 2 hours is the minimum, marinating overnight is best for maximum flavor absorption. Avoid going beyond 24 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming too mushy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe enough if you want to bring a taste of Hawaiian sunshine into your kitchen. It’s straightforward, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. So fire up that grill, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy juicy, tangy, perfectly caramelized chicken in no time!
Print
Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 26 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. The chicken is grilled to perfection with a beautiful char and basted with a sweet and tangy reserved marinade, making it irresistibly juicy and flavorful. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, grilled pineapple, or a fresh slaw, bringing a taste of the islands to your table.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in for more flavor)
Marinade
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade for basting later. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken thighs placed in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Grill Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, discarding the used marinade. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side. During grilling, baste occasionally with the reserved marinade to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Rest and Garnish: Once cooked through with nice char marks, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired before serving.
Notes
- Huli Huli Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, grilled pineapple, or a simple slaw for a full Hawaiian feast.
- You can bake the chicken at 400°F (204°C) for 25–30 minutes, basting halfway through, as an alternative to grilling.
- Chicken breasts can be used, but take care not to overcook as they dry out faster than thighs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus at least 2 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
