Huli Huli Chicken (Hawaiian-Style)

Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian classic featuring tender chicken marinated in a sweet, tangy pineapple-soy glaze, grilled to caramelized perfection. The name “huli huli” means “turn turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the traditional method of flipping the chicken while basting it repeatedly for a delicious, sticky finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite
• Easy to prepare with simple, tropical ingredients
• Perfect for grilling and outdoor cookouts
• Make-ahead friendly with an overnight marinade
• A fun and flavorful alternative to everyday grilled chicken

Ingredients

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

Chicken

• Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless) or drumsticks

Marinade/Glaze

• Pineapple juice
• Soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, minced
• Rice vinegar or sherry (optional)
• Sesame oil (optional)
• Sriracha or chili flakes (optional for heat)

For serving

• Grilled pineapple slices
• Steamed rice or Hawaiian-style macaroni salad
• Chopped green onions

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha if using. Reserve 1 cup for basting.
2. Place chicken in a zip-top bag or dish. Pour in the marinade, seal, and refrigerate for 4–8 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high. Oil the grates.
4. Remove chicken from marinade (discard used marinade). Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, turning and basting frequently with the reserved glaze until caramelized and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F or 75°C).
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions and serve with rice and grilled pineapple.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4–6
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Marinate time: 4–8 hours
• Cook time: 15–20 minutes
• Total time: ~4–8 hours (mostly hands-off)

Variations

• Use chicken breasts for a leaner option (reduce cook time)
• Oven-roast at 400°F (200°C) for ~20 minutes, then broil to caramelize
• Swap chicken with pork chops or tofu for a twist
• Add chili garlic sauce for extra heat

Storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) to maintain texture
• Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months

FAQs

What does “huli huli” mean?

“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the method of turning the chicken repeatedly on the grill.

Can I cook this in the oven?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) and broil at the end to get that caramelized finish.

What if I don’t have pineapple juice?

Orange juice or apple juice can work, but pineapple gives the most authentic flavor.

Is this dish spicy?

No, it’s naturally sweet and savory, but you can add chili flakes or sriracha for heat.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely—it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What sides go well with Huli Huli Chicken?

Steamed rice, macaroni salad, grilled vegetables, or coleslaw are all excellent choices.

Can I use chicken wings?

Yes, just adjust the cook time—they’ll cook faster than thighs.

Can I freeze marinated chicken?

Yes—freeze chicken in the marinade and thaw overnight before grilling.

How do I prevent burning the glaze?

Grill over medium heat and baste frequently to build up the glaze without burning.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, just use the juice and freshen the flavor with lemon or lime if needed.

Conclusion

Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful, island-inspired dish perfect for grilling season or bringing a tropical twist to your dinner table. With its juicy texture and sticky-sweet glaze, it’s easy to see why this Hawaiian favorite has won hearts far beyond the islands. Whether grilled or oven-roasted, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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