Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian favorite known for its juicy, flame-grilled chicken soaked in a sweet and savory marinade made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. The term “huli huli” means “turn turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the traditional method of rotating the chicken on a grill. This dish is packed with bold tropical flavors and is perfect for summer cookouts or a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, sweet, and savory Hawaiian flavors
• Juicy, tender chicken with caramelized grill marks
• Easy marinade using pantry staples
• Great for grilling, baking, or pan-searing
• A crowd-pleasing dish that tastes like a tropical vacation

Ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in for more flavor)
• Pineapple juice
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Garlic, minced
• Sesame oil (optional)
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

1. Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour in the marinade, making sure the chicken is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Preheat the grill: Heat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
4. Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade (reserve excess marinade for basting). Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred.
5. Garnish and serve: Remove from grill and let rest a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinate time: 4–24 hours
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: About 4 hours 25 minutes (including marinating)

Variations

• Use chicken breasts or drumsticks if preferred
• Add a touch of sriracha or chili flakes for heat
• Bake in the oven at 400°F for 25–30 minutes if you don’t have a grill
• Use canned pineapple rings on the grill for a sweet side
• Serve over rice with grilled vegetables or tropical slaw

storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What does “Huli Huli” mean?

“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian. The name comes from the traditional rotisserie-style cooking, where the chicken is turned over and over while grilling.

Can I use canned pineapple juice?

Yes, canned or bottled pineapple juice works perfectly in this recipe.

Is this dish spicy?

Not as written, but you can easily add heat with chili flakes or hot sauce.

Can I grill this indoors?

Yes, use a stovetop grill pan or broil in the oven for a similar effect.

What sides go well with Huli Huli Chicken?

Steamed white rice, grilled pineapple, macaroni salad, or a tropical fruit salad are great choices.

Can I bake this instead of grilling?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, basting halfway through.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Use chicken thighs and avoid overcooking. Let the chicken rest after grilling to retain juices.

Can I reuse the marinade?

No, not without boiling it first for safety. If you want to use it as a sauce, bring it to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes before serving.

Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?

Yes, combine chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag, then freeze. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.

Conclusion

Huli Huli Chicken brings the flavors of Hawaii straight to your backyard with its sweet, savory marinade and char-grilled finish. It’s simple to prepare, deeply flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next meal or barbecue. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical escape or just want a bold, juicy chicken dinner, this recipe is a must-try.

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