If you’re craving a dish that bursts with tropical flavor and smoky goodness, you absolutely have to try this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe. It’s a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken that balances the tangy sweetness of pineapple juice with the savory depth of soy sauce and ginger, all caramelized to perfection over a hot grill. Whether you’re gearing up for a summer barbecue or just want to bring a little aloha spirit to your dinner table, this recipe is simple to make and packed with bold, mouthwatering flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—from the tender chicken thighs providing juicy texture, to the marinade ingredients that create the signature sweet and savory tropical glaze.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfect for absorbing marinade and grilling evenly.
- ½ cup soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami-rich base to the marinade.
- ½ cup pineapple juice: Brings a natural sweetness and tropical tang.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Helps caramelize the chicken and adds warmth.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Gives subtle tomato sweetness and thickens the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds acidity for balance and brightness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated): Provides fresh, spicy warmth beneath the sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers savory depth that complements all other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Gives a nutty aroma and enriches the marinade.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like a bit of heat.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish): Fresh, crunchy, and colorful finishing touches.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want some heat. This combination forms the heart of your flavor, creating a marinade that is sweet, tangy, and packed with umami complexity.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Reserve about ¼ cup of your marinade for basting later, then pour the rest over the chicken thighs inside a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Seal or cover it tightly, then pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best. This slow soak lets all those incredible flavors sink deep into the meat for an unforgettable taste and juicy tenderness.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill is essential for that perfect char and caramelization that give Huli Huli Chicken its signature smoky-sweet crust.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard the excess. Grill the thighs for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and boasting those gorgeous grill marks. During the last few minutes of cooking, generously brush the reserved marinade over the chicken to build layers of glossy glaze and extra flavor.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Remove your beautiful chicken from the grill and let it rest a few minutes to retain juices. Then sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds to add fresh crunch and nutty brightness to your dish.
How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes truly lift this dish from everyday to special. Sliced green onions add a pop of color and mild sharpness, while toasty sesame seeds bring a nutty flavor and textural contrast that makes every bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
Huli Huli Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its bold flavors. Try serving it alongside fluffy steamed white rice, which soaks up the extra marinade glaze perfectly. Grilled pineapple adds an extra juicy and sweet Hawaiian touch, or a fresh crisp salad can provide a cool balance to the smoky chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the grilled chicken on a bed of coconut rice and sprinkle some toasted macadamia nuts on top. You can also skewer the marinated chicken pieces for kebabs at your next party. Another idea is to slice the chicken thinly and serve it over a vibrant Asian slaw for a light, refreshing meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, so leftovers taste fantastic cold or reheated.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze cooked chicken portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture tender.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent drying out. You can always brush a little reserved marinade or pineapple juice on the chicken while reheating to add moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well with this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe. Just be mindful to not overcook them since they are leaner and can dry out faster than thighs.
Is it necessary to marinate overnight?
While a short 4-hour marinade delivers good flavor, letting the chicken soak overnight really allows the sweet, savory notes to penetrate deeply, resulting in a juicier and tastier dish.
Can this recipe be made indoors without a grill?
Yes! You can cook the marinated chicken in a grill pan or under the broiler to mimic the charred effect. Just watch the chicken closely to avoid burning the sugars in the marinade.
What can I substitute for pineapple juice?
If pineapple juice isn’t available, you can use orange juice combined with a splash of lemon juice as a close substitute that still offers a nice citrus sweetness and acidity.
How spicy is this recipe with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add only a gentle heat that balances the sweetness. If you prefer no spice at all, simply omit them completely without losing any of the signature flavor.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe a try soon—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration every time you eat it. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory, tender chicken, and that irresistible caramelized glaze, it’s a recipe that warms the heart and delights the taste buds. Once you taste it, I’m betting it will become a favorite you return to again and again!
Print
Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4+ hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken dish known for its sweet and savory marinade featuring pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. This flavorful recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated and grilled to juicy perfection, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic tropical taste.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce balances sweetness with savory and tangy flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade for basting. Place the chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to deeply infuse the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking. This ensures a nice sear and slightly charred exterior.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Place chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and slightly charred, brushing with the reserved marinade during the final few minutes to boost flavor and moisture.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving to add freshness and crunch.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- This recipe also works well with chicken breasts or drumsticks for variety.
- Serve with steamed rice, grilled pineapple, or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
