If you’re ready for swoon-worthy flavors with island flair, you will absolutely love this Huli Huli Chicken. Juicy chicken thighs soak up a sweet and tangy pineapple marinade, then are kissed by the grill until caramelized, smoky, and utterly irresistible. Every bite bursts with tropical goodness, making it a family favorite for barbecues, weeknights, or whenever you crave a taste of Hawaii at home. Trust me, once you try Huli Huli Chicken, it’ll win a place in your regular recipe rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Huli Huli Chicken is how effortlessly the ingredients come together, each playing a starring role. From sweet pineapple juice to savory soy sauce and aromatic garlic and ginger, every component works magic on the chicken, creating big bold flavors with minimal fuss.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs deliver juiciness and flavor, standing up perfectly to grilling and bold marinades.
- Pineapple Juice: Adds tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken, infusing it with signature island vibes.
- Soy Sauce: Gives a savory, umami counterbalance to the sweetness while adding depth of flavor.
- Ketchup: A classic ingredient in Huli Huli Chicken, ketchup brings acidity, color, and a subtle tang to the marinade.
- Brown Sugar: Deepens caramel notes and helps the chicken achieve beautiful grill marks and a sticky finish.
- Rice Vinegar: Brings brightness, keeping the flavors lively and balanced.
- Sesame Oil: A splash of this richly aromatic oil enhances the savory profile and gives a nutty finish.
- Fresh Ginger: Use freshly grated for peppery, zesty notes that lift the entire dish.
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced, create savory warmth and round out the Hawaiian marinade.
- Smoked Paprika (optional): For a little hint of smokiness and color, smoked paprika is a fun optional touch.
- Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: These fresh, crunchy garnishes bring brightness and a little bit of crunch to the finished dish.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, garlic, and the optional smoked paprika until well combined. This quick sauce holds the secret to classic Huli Huli Chicken flavor—it’s the irresistible blend of sweet, tangy, savory, and a little bit of tropical sunshine.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Reserve about half a cup of the marinade for basting later. Place the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow container, then pour the remaining marinade over them. Make sure every piece is coated! Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or, if you’ve got time, let it soak overnight in the fridge for the boldest flavor infusion.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your barbecue (or grill pan) to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Remove chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Grill the thighs for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, generously basting with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is cooked through, the outside caramelizes, and beautiful grill marks form. This is when Huli Huli Chicken really earns its legendary reputation!
Step 4: Rest and Garnish
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes—this keeps it extra juicy. Just before serving, sprinkle a shower of sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top for that irresistible finishing touch. Now, grab your forks (or go Hawaiian style and use your hands!) and dig in.
How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken
Garnishes
A flourish of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds is the way to go with Huli Huli Chicken. They don’t just look pretty—they add crunch, color, and a bit of oniony zing that wakes up every bite. If you want to get even fancier, a scatter of thinly sliced red chili or a wedge of lime never hurts!
Side Dishes
You’ve got so many options. Huli Huli Chicken absolutely shines beside coconut-scented rice, grilled pineapple rings, or a colorful tropical slaw. Roasted sweet potatoes or even simple jasmine rice also pair beautifully, tying together the sweet-tart-savory balance that makes this meal sing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering chunks of marinated chicken for Huli Huli kebabs, or serve over a Hawaiian rice bowl loaded with veggies and extra pineapple. For a summery picnic, slice and tuck the chicken into slider buns with slaw for irresistible little sandwiches. However you serve it, you’ll bring the aloha spirit to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Huli Huli Chicken (trust me, it’s rare!), let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. The flavors mellow and meld overnight, making the leftovers just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze cooked Huli Huli Chicken for easy meals down the line. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, place in freezer bags, and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge so it retains maximum juiciness and flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Huli Huli Chicken in the oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying. Heat until warmed through—about 10–15 minutes should do it. You can also reheat slices gently in a skillet over medium heat or even in the microwave in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can swap in boneless, skinless chicken breasts for Huli Huli Chicken, though you might want to shorten the grilling time to prevent them from drying out. The marinade works beautifully either way, but thighs tend to stay juicier over the grill.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem at all! You can achieve fantastic Huli Huli Chicken flavor by using a grill pan on your stovetop, or bake the chicken in a 400°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through. Finish under the broiler for extra caramelization if you’d like.
Can I make the marinade in advance?
Definitely! The Huli Huli Chicken marinade can be whisked together a day or two ahead—just keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to use. Always remember to set aside a portion for basting before adding the raw chicken.
Is this recipe spicy?
By default, Huli Huli Chicken is all about sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, without heat. If you love a spicy kick, feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade—customize it to your taste!
Can I use the marinade for vegetables or tofu?
Absolutely! The Huli Huli Chicken marinade is super versatile. Try tossing pineapple, bell peppers, or cubes of tofu in the sauce and grilling alongside the chicken for a delicious, plant-friendly version with all that fabulous tropical flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something truly special and easy to pull off, make Huli Huli Chicken your next dinner. It’s a surefire way to bring people together, spark happy conversation, and transport everyone straight to a Hawaiian backyard barbecue—no plane ticket required. Give it a try and let your taste buds go on a mini vacation!
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Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian dish featuring tender grilled chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of pineapple, soy sauce, and spices. This recipe captures the essence of island cooking with its sweet and savory profile that is sure to transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and paprika until well combined. Reserve 1/2 cup for basting.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken in a zip-top bag or container. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade, until cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer chicken to a plate, let rest, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Huli Huli Chicken pairs well with coconut rice, grilled pineapple, or a fresh tropical slaw.
- If grilling isn’t an option, you can use a grill pan or bake the chicken at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
