Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Nothing says “Aloha” quite like Huli Huli Chicken—Hawaii’s outrageously juicy, caramelized grilled chicken glazed with a sweet-tangy pineapple marinade. This recipe brings the spirit of the islands right to your backyard, filling the air with smoky, fruity aromas and making every bite a mini vacation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of kitchen staples and a few tropical accents are all you need for showstopping Huli Huli Chicken. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring out the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, umami, and a whisper of heat that makes this recipe impossible to resist.

• Chicken thighs (or breast): Boneless thighs deliver juiciness and gorgeous caramelization, but chicken breast works beautifully for a lighter option.
• Pineapple juice (canned/bottled, unsweetened): The secret to authentic island flavor and tender chicken—don’t use fresh juice, as it can over-tenderize.
• Fresh ginger & garlic: A microplane is your friend! Freshly grated adds zing and aromatic punch, but jarred pastes can be a speedy substitute.
• Tomato ketchup: Adds tang and rich color, making the glaze gloriously sticky and glossy.
• Soy sauce: Brings depth, saltiness, and a hit of umami that’s classic in Huli Huli Chicken.
• Sherry or Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing): Just a splash gives amazing complexity—mirin or chicken stock can stand in if needed.
• Brown sugar: For that signature caramelized sweetness and gorgeous char on the grill.
• Sriracha: Adds just the right level of gentle heat without overpowering the tropical elements.
• Rice vinegar: Brightens up the marinade, ensuring you get tanginess to balance out the sweet and salty.
• Sesame oil (toasted): A drizzle lends a deep, toasty aroma that rounds out every bite.
• Vegetable oil: For brushing your grill and keeping the chicken from sticking or tearing.
• Optional garnishes: Grilled pineapple slices and scallions are classic for presentation and an extra burst of flavor.

Variations

One of the best things about Huli Huli Chicken is how effortlessly you can tailor it to your taste or what’s in your pantry. Here are some tasty ideas to put your own twist on this island favorite—no passport required!

• Swap the protein: Try the marinade with pork chops, tofu, or shrimp for a delicious change of pace—just watch the cooking time accordingly.
• Go low-sugar: Cut the brown sugar by half or use a sugar substitute for a lighter, less sweet glaze that still packs major flavor.
• Spicy kick: Fire-lovers can double the Sriracha or add chili flakes for extra bold heat without losing the classic Huli Huli Chicken profile.
• Fresh herbs twist: Stir chopped cilantro or mint into the final garnish for a refreshing herbal note that plays beautifully with the pineapple.

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Mix the Marinade

Grab a large bowl and whisk together your pineapple juice, fresh ginger, garlic, ketchup, soy sauce, sherry or cooking wine, brown sugar, Sriracha, vinegar, and sesame oil. This is your magic island elixir! Don’t forget to set aside about 3/4 cup of the marinade—you’ll use this for brushing the chicken as it cooks, building those glossy, mouthwatering layers of flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs (or breasts) in a non-reactive dish—glass or ceramic is perfect. Pour the rest of the marinade over, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and let your chicken soak up those tropical flavors in the fridge for at least 24 hours (or up to 48 for max juiciness and taste). The wait is worth it!

Step 3: Get Grilling (or Searing)

If using a barbecue, brush your grill grates with oil and heat to medium-high. Prefer to cook inside? Just add oil to a skillet and crank the heat to medium-high. Drain the marinade from the chicken, then place each piece onto your hot grill or pan, giving them space to get nice and golden.

Step 4: Baste & Flip for Maximum Flavor

Let your chicken cook for about 2–3 minutes on the first side until it’s getting that gorgeous caramel color (lower the heat if it’s browning too fast). Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Then, every minute or so, baste with the reserved marinade and flip the pieces for a total cook time of around 10 minutes, until the chicken reaches the safe internal temp (see tips below). This “huli” flipping is what gives Huli Huli Chicken its name and its legendary sticky glaze!

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Transfer your finished chicken to a plate, loosely tent it with foil, and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in all its juices. Garnish with green onions and, if you want to make it extra festive, grilled pineapple slices that scream “tropical feast.”

How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken

Garnishes

Nothing says “vacation vibes” like a scattering of sliced green onions and juicy rings of grilled pineapple on top of your Huli Huli Chicken. These add a bright pop of color and just the right burst of fresh, sweet contrast to the savory marinade.

Side Dishes

This chicken shines with classic Hawaiian sides like steamed white rice, coconut rice, or macaroni salad. For fresh crunch, a quick cabbage slaw or a vibrant mango salad always perks up the plate, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For easy entertaining, slice Huli Huli Chicken and pile onto sliders with slaw for a luau-inspired party snack, or serve it atop a hearty grain bowl with charred pineapple, pickled veggies, and extra green onions for a weeknight meal with serious flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Huli Huli Chicken completely, then keep it sealed in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. It’s terrific tucked into sandwiches or sliced over salads the next day!

Freezing

Huli Huli Chicken freezes beautifully. Slice or keep pieces whole, then wrap tightly in foil and seal in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for an instant taste of Hawaii, anytime.

Reheating

Gently reheat chilled chicken in a skillet with a splash of water or extra marinade over low heat, or warm covered in a 325°F oven until just heated through—this keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for sunshine on your plate, give this Huli Huli Chicken a try. The flavors are bold, the steps are simple, and the results absolutely sing of aloha. Fire up your grill—or your skillet—and bring home a taste of paradise tonight!

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