Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Bring a taste of the islands to your kitchen with this Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken. It’s a sweet, savory, and smoky grilled chicken dish that’s incredibly flavorful thanks to a rich marinade made with tropical ingredients. “Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, which is exactly what you’ll do as the chicken grills to juicy perfection on both sides. Perfect for summer BBQs or a tropical-themed dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tropical Flavor Explosion – Pineapple, ginger, garlic, and soy combine for the ultimate island taste.
Juicy & Tender – The marinade keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
Perfect for Grilling – Ideal for outdoor cookouts or indoor grill pans.
Family-Friendly – Loved by both kids and adults.
Great for Leftovers – Use the leftovers in sandwiches, wraps, or salads.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Marinade:
1 cup pineapple juice
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ cup ketchup
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper

For the Chicken:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tbsp vegetable oil (for grilling)
Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish & Serving:
Chopped green onions
Toasted sesame seeds
Grilled pineapple slices
Steamed white rice or Hawaiian rolls
Macaroni salad (optional)

Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Zip-top bag or shallow dish for marinating
Grill or grill pan
Tongs
Basting brush
Meat thermometer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Set aside ½ cup of the marinade for basting later.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors soak in.
Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even marination.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat and lightly oil the grates with vegetable oil.
Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Discard used marinade.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on one side.
Flip (huli) and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the other side.
During the last few minutes, brush the reserved marinade onto the chicken to create a glossy, flavorful glaze.
Check internal temperature—it should read 165°F when done.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Transfer chicken to a serving platter and let rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and grilled pineapple slices.
Serve with steamed rice, Hawaiian rolls, or macaroni salad.

Tips for the Best Huli Huli Chicken
Marinate Overnight – The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the flavor.
Use Thighs – They’re more flavorful and stay juicy on the grill.
Don’t Skip the Baste – Brushing with fresh marinade enhances the glaze.
Grill Pineapple – Adds caramelized sweetness and pairs beautifully with the chicken.
Let Rest – Allow the chicken to rest before slicing to retain juices.

Serving Suggestions
Hawaiian Plate Lunch – Pair with rice and macaroni salad.
Tropical Taco Night – Slice and serve in soft tortillas with slaw.
BBQ Sandwich – Pile onto buns with grilled onions and a smear of mayo.
Island Bowl – Layer over rice with veggies, avocado, and a drizzle of sauce.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Grill: Reheat on a medium grill for a few minutes until warmed through.
Oven: Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Use short bursts on medium heat, covered with a damp paper towel.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned pineapple juice?
   Yes, canned works great. Just ensure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar.
2. What’s the best cut of chicken for this recipe?
   Boneless thighs are ideal for flavor and moisture, but breasts also work well.
3. Can I make this without a grill?
   Absolutely. A grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet will work indoors.
4. Is this dish spicy?
   No, but you can add chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade for heat.

Final Thoughts
Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken brings the spirit of Aloha to your dinner table. With its irresistible sweet and savory glaze, this dish is perfect for any occasion—from a family dinner to a backyard luau. Easy to prepare and full of tropical flair, it’s a must-try for chicken lovers.

Try it today and share your thoughts below! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us—your plate might inspire someone else’s tropical adventure.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 4-24 hours
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 600mg

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