Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian-inspired dish featuring tender, juicy chicken glazed with a sweet and savory marinade. Grilled to perfection, it’s bursting with tropical flavors from pineapple, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger. Perfect for summer barbecues or a flavorful weeknight dinner, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make and full of vibrant flavor.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless)
soy sauce
pineapple juice
brown sugar
ginger (fresh or ground)
garlic (minced)
ketchup
rice vinegar
sesame oil
honey
green onions (optional, for garnish)
sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

directions

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is smooth.

Reserve about 1/4 of the marinade for glazing the chicken during grilling.

Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade.

Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, brush the reserved marinade over the chicken for a nice glaze.

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.

Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Grilling time: 12-14 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time)

Variations

Use chicken drumsticks or wings for a different cut of chicken.
For a smoky flavor, cook the chicken on a charcoal grill.
Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for some heat.
Try marinating with additional tropical fruits like mango or orange juice for a different twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, bake the marinated chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, the marinade can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

What if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook the chicken in a grill pan or broil it in the oven.

Can I make this recipe with tofu?
Yes, marinate tofu cubes and grill or pan-fry them for a vegetarian option.

How spicy is Huli Huli Chicken?
It’s not spicy unless you add extra heat like sriracha. The flavor is sweet and savory.

Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, freeze the marinated chicken before cooking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful, tropical dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for grilling season. With its sweet, savory glaze and tender meat, it brings the taste of Hawaii to your table in no time. Enjoy it with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.