Description
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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Ingredients
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)
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Hawaiian