Quick & Zesty Huli Huli Chicken Recipe for Island-Style Dinner

Succulent huli huli chicken captures the vibrant essence of Hawaiian culinary traditions with its sweet and tangy marinades.

Grilling techniques from pacific island kitchens transform ordinary poultry into an extraordinary feast.

Marinated pieces caramelize beautifully, creating a glossy exterior that locks in rich flavors.

Pineapple juice and soy sauce blend perfectly to craft an irresistible coating for each tender morsel.

Backyard barbecues come alive with this simple yet impressive dish that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Summer gatherings demand something special, and this recipe delivers pure tropical excitement.

Come see how you can master this island classic and impress everyone at your next meal.

Ways to Serve Up Huli Huli Chicken

• Tropical Luau Plate: Serve chicken over fluffy coconut rice with grilled pineapple slices creating a vibrant Hawaiian-inspired meal.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Pack cooled chicken with grilled pineapple wedges, rice salad, and crisp coleslaw for an amazing outdoor lunch.
• Family Style Feast: Arrange chicken on a large wooden board with grilled pineapple, fresh herb sprigs, and pass-around sides like mac salad and roasted vegetables.
• Sandwich Transformation: Slice chicken, layer on Hawaiian sweet rolls with grilled pineapple and extra sauce for a delicious handheld version of the recipe.

Storing Your Huli Huli Chicken Leftovers

• Store leftover Huli Huli chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, preventing dryness.
• Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture and restore original flavor.

FAQs

• What is Huli Huli Chicken?

A traditional Hawaiian dish featuring chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, typically grilled and known for its rich, caramelized flavor profile.

• Where does Huli Huli Chicken originate?

Created in Hawaii by Ernest Morgado in the 1950s, who first developed the recipe at a farmers market and later turned it into a popular local food business.

The name comes from the Hawaiian word “huli” meaning “turn”, referring to the technique of constantly turning the chicken while grilling to ensure even cooking and caramelization.

Hawaiian Flair: Huli Huli Chicken is Here

• Savor Bold Hawaiian Flavors: Experience a burst of sweet, tangy, and smoky tastes that transport you straight to a tropical paradise with this authentic huli huli chicken recipe.
• Master Quick Grilling Technique: Easily prepare a restaurant-quality meal with simple marinating and grilling steps that guarantee juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every single time.
• Customize for Family Dinner: Adaptable recipe works great for casual weeknight meals or weekend gatherings, allowing everyone to enjoy a delicious dish that's packed with exciting Hawaiian-inspired ingredients.
• Impress with Minimal Effort: Combine common pantry ingredients to create a stunning meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours preparing, making you the kitchen hero without complicated cooking skills.

What You Need for Huli Huli Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful cut of chicken that absorbs the marinade perfectly.
• Pineapple Rings: Fresh fruit that adds a sweet and caramelized touch when grilled.
• Green Onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright garnish.

• Brown Sugar, Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Pineapple Juice: Create a sweet, tangy, and savory base for the marinade.
• Vinegar: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.

• Ginger, Garlic: Provide aromatic and zesty flavor to the marinade.
• Cumin, Black Pepper, Paprika: Add depth and warmth to the overall taste profile.

Huli Huli Chicken – Grilling Steps Made Easy

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whisk together a vibrant mixture of brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and spices in a bowl.

• Ginger
• Garlic
• Vinegar
• Cumin
• Black pepper
• Paprika

The combination creates a sweet and tangy sauce that will make your chicken sing with Hawaiian-inspired flavors.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Transfer chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag or dish.

Pour the marinade completely over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated.

Seal and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature.

This ensures a perfect caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Place marinated chicken thighs on the grill.

Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, rotating once.

Chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 5: Caramelize Pineapple

Grill pineapple rings until they develop light char marks, approximately 2 minutes per side.

The grilling brings out the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Plate the grilled chicken and top with the caramelized pineapple rings.

Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, zesty finish.

Enjoy your tropical-inspired feast!

Tips for Classic Huli Huli Flavor

• Let chicken soak in the marinade for at least 2 hours or overnight to enhance flavor penetration and tenderize the meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing undercooking while maintaining juiciness.
• Brush pineapple rings with a light coat of oil before grilling to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful caramelized grill marks.
• Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia for a keto-friendly version of the dish.
• If grilling isn't possible, bake chicken in a preheated 400°F oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time.

Fun Variations on Huli Huli Chicken

• Vegetarian Hawaiian Tofu: Replace chicken with firm tofu, marinate in the same sauce, and grill until crispy and caramelized.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: Roast chicken in a preheated 400°F oven for 25-30 minutes, brushing with marinade periodically for rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional sides.

Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Grilled pineapple-glazed chicken promises a delicious journey through island-inspired cuisine that will transport you to tropical paradise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4–5 pounds (1.8–2.3 kg) boneless skinless chicken thighs

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) light soy sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) pineapple juice (canned)
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) ginger paste or minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) garlic paste or minced garlic

Spices and Garnish:

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 1 pineapple or 1 can of pineapple rings (drained)
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) sliced green onions

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, minced ginger, crushed garlic, vinegar, cumin, black pepper, and paprika in a mixing bowl.
2. Transfer chicken thighs into a sealed container or large marinating dish, thoroughly coat with the prepared sauce, and refrigerate for 120 minutes to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
3. Heat outdoor grill to 375-400°F, ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
4. Position marinated chicken on the grill, cooking 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops a caramelized, golden-brown crust.
5. While chicken cooks, place pineapple rings directly on grill, rotating after 1-2 minutes to achieve beautiful char marks and enhance natural sweetness.
6. Remove chicken and pineapple from grill, letting meat rest for 3-4 minutes to redistribute internal juices.
7. Plate the grilled chicken, crown with charred pineapple rings, and sprinkle freshly sliced green onions for a burst of color and zesty flavor.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor absorption, aiming for at least 4-6 hours or overnight for deeper taste profile.
• Adjust marinade sweetness by reducing brown sugar for low-sugar diets or substituting with honey or maple syrup for alternative sweeteners.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and easier preparation, ensuring consistent heat distribution and preventing dryness.
• Create a gluten-free version by replacing soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, maintaining the authentic Hawaiian-inspired flavor without wheat ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg