Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

If you crave sun-soaked barbecue flavors and a sweet, tangy kick, this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is about to become your new backyard favorite! With juicy grilled chicken glazed in a sticky, pineapple-ginger marinade, every bite takes you straight to the Hawaiian islands—no plane ticket required.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe comes from a handful of classic Hawaiian flavors—each ingredient plays its part, from that iconic sweet pineapple marinade to the punch of ginger and smoky paprika. Here’s what makes it all work so beautifully!

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs (4-5 lbs): These stay extra-juicy on the grill and soak up the flavorful marinade like sponges.
• Packed light brown sugar (½ cup): Brings signature sweetness and helps the glaze get sticky and caramelized.
• Ketchup (½ cup): Adds tangy body and a gorgeous glossy finish to the sauce.
• Light soy sauce (½ cup): The salt and umami backbone—don’t use dark soy, as it can overpower the flavors.
• Pineapple juice (½ cup, canned): Gives that classic tropical tang and a hint of acidity to tenderize the chicken.
• Ginger paste or minced ginger (1 tbsp): Fresh, zesty, and lively—don’t skip it!
• Garlic paste or minced garlic (1 tbsp): For a savory punch, use fresh garlic for best flavor.
• Apple cider vinegar (3 tbsp): Adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
• Cumin (½ tsp): Subtle earthiness that grounds the sweet and savory flavors.
• Coarse black pepper (½ tsp): A gentle kick and aroma to round out the profile.
• Paprika, smoked or sweet (½ tsp): Smoked is extra lovely, but use whatever you have—brings a lovely warmth and color.
• Pineapple rings (1 fresh or 1 can, drained): For grilling and serving—don’t forget this final tropical finishing touch!
• Sliced green onions (½ cup): A bit of brightness and crunch for garnish.

Variations

One of the best things about the Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is how incredibly customizable it is. Mix it up to fit your cravings, family favorites, or what you’ve got tucked away in the pantry!

• Spicy Twist: Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a gentle heat that builds.
• Swap the Protein: Try chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even pork chops—the marinade works beautifully on all.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce to make this dish friendly for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Oven-Baked: If you’re grill-less, bake the marinated chicken on a baking sheet at 425°F, basting with sauce, until browned and cooked through.

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Marinade

Start by rinsing your chicken thighs and patting them dry—this helps the marinade cling so every piece gets coated in flavor. In a big mixing bowl or a large zip-top bag, combine brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, ginger, garlic, vinegar, cumin, pepper, and paprika. Whisk thoroughly to make sure all that sweet-salty goodness is perfectly blended.

Step 2: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Scoop out ½ cup of the marinade before adding the chicken—this will become your finishing sauce later. Add chicken thighs to the bowl or bag with the rest of the marinade, ensuring every piece gets a delicious bath. Cover or seal, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better for juicy, deeply flavored chicken).

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F) and brush the grates with a little oil to prevent sticking. Place marinated chicken on the hot grill. Let it cook, untouched, for 10 minutes so it gets those beautiful grill marks and sets the glaze.

Step 4: Flip and Grill with Pineapple

Flip each piece and keep cooking for about 10 minutes more, or until the chicken hits 165°F in the thickest part. Midway through grilling, add your pineapple rings—grill each side until golden and caramelized, bringing out their sweetness.

Step 5: Sauce, Finish, and Serve

Remove the grilled chicken and pineapple. Brush the reserved marinade over the chicken for one last kiss of sticky flavor. For an even thicker glaze, quickly heat the reserved sauce in a saucepan or under the broiler for a couple minutes—just until bubbly and glossy—before serving everything up family style!

How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

For a burst of freshness and color, sprinkle your platter with finely sliced green onions and maybe a little extra grilled pineapple on the side. A smattering of toasted sesame seeds adds subtle crunch and a touch of elegance if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

Huli Huli Chicken Recipe absolutely shines alongside coconut rice, a simple green salad, or classic Hawaiian mac salad. For a true backyard luau, serve with grilled corn and a bowl of tangy coleslaw on the side—it’s the ultimate summer meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken piled high on a platter lined with banana leaves for that island vibe, or skewer chunks of chicken and pineapple for a festive party presentation. Leftovers? Shred the chicken and pile it into Hawaiian buns for crowd-pleasing sliders!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Huli Huli Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The sweet-savory flavor deepens overnight, making your lunch or dinner just as irresistible the next day!

Freezing

Cool the chicken completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It keeps beautifully for up to 2 months. Just be sure to freeze without pineapple garnishes for best texture when thawed.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, splashed with a little extra reserved sauce to revive its juiciness. If reheating from frozen, allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for even warming.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall in love with this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe as quickly as my family did—each grill-out brings a wave of sunshine right to your table! Whether it’s a backyard bash or a weeknight treat, this dish promises smiles, flavor, and a taste of aloha in every bite.

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