1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Juicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Juicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Featured in: Master the Art of Grilling and Barbecue

Huli Huli Chicken is a famous grilled Hawaiian dish bursting with tropical goodness. It’s flavored with a marinade of pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, leading to moist, flavor-packed chicken. What makes it unique is the constant flipping and basting during grilling, which creates a sticky, caramelized coating. Marinate the chicken for 1-2 days for the best outcome, but even a shorter time works. Stick to canned pineapple juice to avoid turning the meat too soft. Serve it up with grilled pineapple and fresh green onions to complete the Hawaiian vibe.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Updated on Sun, 02 Mar 2025 15:34:44 GMT
Huli Huli Chicken bursting with tropical flavor Pin it
Huli Huli Chicken bursting with tropical flavor | yummygusto.com

This authentic Hawaiian grilled chicken features a delectable pineapple-based marinade that creates an irresistible caramelized glaze. The sweet and savory flavors meld perfectly during grilling, producing tender, juicy meat with a beautiful char. The enticing aroma of this island favorite draws everyone to the grill as it cooks.

The balanced sweet-savory profile of this grilled chicken captures the essence of Hawaiian cooking. Each bite transports you to a beachside luau, where the fragrant smoke mingles with ocean breezes.

Key Ingredients

  • Bone-in chicken pieces: Choose thighs or breasts with skin on for best flavor and moisture
  • Canned pineapple juice: Provides consistent acidity and sweetness for the marinade
  • Fresh ginger: Select firm, aromatic roots for authentic flavor
  • Premium soy sauce: Creates the savory base of the marinade
  • Dark brown sugar: Ensures rich caramelization during grilling

Preparation Method

Marinade preparation
Combine ingredients until sugar fully dissolves. Reserve half for basting.
Marinating the chicken
Place chicken in container, coat with marinade. Refrigerate to develop flavors.
Grilling instructions
Heat grill to medium-high. Start with skin side up. Baste regularly.
Finishing steps
Cook until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest before serving.

The fresh ginger adds a distinctive warmth and aromatic quality that makes this dish truly special. Its complex flavors appeal to both adventurous and traditional palates.

Timing Guidelines

Traditional Huli Huli Chicken Pin it
Traditional Huli Huli Chicken | yummygusto.com

For optimal results, marinate chicken at least 3 hours or overnight. The cooking process requires attentive grilling with frequent turning to achieve the signature caramelized exterior while maintaining juicy meat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with classic Hawaiian sides like steamed white rice and creamy macaroni salad. Grilled pineapple rings make an excellent garnish and side dish, caramelizing beautifully on the grill.

Recipe Variations

Adapt the recipe using chicken breasts for a leaner option or pork for variety. Substitute coconut aminos for a gluten-free version. Adjust sugar levels to control sweetness while maintaining the signature glaze.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container up to three days. Reheat gently in foil with extra marinade to maintain moisture. Use a low-temperature oven for best results.

Close-up Huli Huli Chicken Recipe Pin it
Close-up Huli Huli Chicken Recipe | yummygusto.com

This Hawaiian-style grilled chicken delivers an authentic island experience through its perfect balance of sweet, savory and tangy flavors. The recipe brings tropical flair to any dining occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is fresh pineapple juice not recommended for this recipe?
Fresh pineapple juice contains powerful enzymes that can make the chicken overly soft and unpleasant. Use canned juice or shelf-stable bottles instead.
→ How long do I need to marinate the chicken?
Let the chicken soak in the marinade for 24 to 48 hours for maximum flavor. If you're in a rush, 3 hours works too, but be sure to baste more often while grilling.
→ What type of chicken is best for Huli Huli Chicken?
Boneless chicken thighs are the top pick since they stay juicy and caramelize well. You can also try chicken breasts if you'd like.
→ What sides pair well with this chicken?
Classic options include grilled pineapple, steamed rice, and macaroni salad. You can also try it with pineapple fried rice or crunchy Asian slaw.
→ How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. Chicken thighs should hit 75°C/167°F, and chicken breasts should reach 65°C/150°F at the thickest part.

Juicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Try this irresistible Huli Huli Chicken, a grilled Hawaiian classic marinated in a delicious mix of pineapple and savory seasonings.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
22 Minutes
By: Sandra

Category: Fire-Grilled Foods

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Hawaiian

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main

01 3 pounds (about 1.5 kg) of chicken thighs
02 1 tablespoon cooking oil

→ Marinade

03 Half a cup of ketchup
04 3/4 cup of unsweetened pineapple juice from a can
05 1 and a half tablespoons of freshly grated ginger
06 1 and a half tablespoons of garlic, freshly shredded
07 1/2 cup of soy sauce
08 1 tablespoon of spicy Sriracha
09 1/4 cup of brown sugar
10 1/4 cup of sherry or Chinese rice wine
11 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
12 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, toasted

→ Garnishes

13 Grilled slices of pineapple
14 Chopped green onions

Instructions

Step 01

Stir all the marinade ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Keep 3/4 cup (about 185 ml) aside to use while cooking, then pour the rest over the chicken in a ceramic or glass dish. Coat the chicken well, then pop it in the fridge for a full day or up to 2 days.

Step 02

Oil your BBQ grates and preheat the grill to medium-high. If you’re using a frying pan instead, heat some oil in it over medium-high heat.

Step 03

Take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. Place it on the BBQ or frying pan, and cook one side for 2-3 minutes until you see a golden color. Adjust the heat if you need to. Then flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes.

Step 04

Brush the chicken generously with the marinade you saved earlier, then flip it over and cook for another minute. Keep basting and flipping each minute for about 10 minutes total, or until the inside temperature hits 75°C/167°F for thighs or 65°C/150°F for chicken breast.

Step 05

Place the cooked chicken on a plate and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 3 minutes. If you like, top it with some green onions and grilled pineapple slices before serving.

Notes

  1. Fresh pineapple juice or puree isn’t a good idea here—it’ll make the chicken too mushy! Stick to the canned stuff.
  2. For the tastiest results, marinate the chicken for 1 to 2 days, but even 3 hours with extra basting will still be good.
  3. If the pineapple juice is sweetened, cut the sugar amount in half. If using pineapple canned in syrup, skip the sugar altogether.

Tools You'll Need

  • A BBQ grill or a large frying pan
  • A non-metallic dish for marinating
  • Grater or microplane to get the ginger and garlic fine

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has soy in it
  • Contains sesame

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 377
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 49 g