Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken changed my whole weekend cookout game! Seriously, the first time I made this, my neighbors literally followed their noses to my backyard. That sweet-savory glaze caramelizing on the grill creates this irresistible smell that’ll make anyone hungry. What makes this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken special is how the marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something magical – tender inside, slightly charred outside, and bursting with tropical flavors. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients create something so impressive. Keep reading to discover my secret for the most flavorful Huli Huli Chicken you’ll ever taste!
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Okay so you’re probably wondering why this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation. First off, it solves that common “boring chicken” problem we all face. The marinade does all the heavy lifting – just mix, marinate, and grill!
I remember making this for my sister who claims she’s “over chicken” (whatever that means lol). After one bite she was like “umm can I have this recipe?” That’s when I knew this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken was something special.
What’s awesome is you can adjust the sweetness or spiciness depending on what your family likes. Works great with chicken thighs, breasts, or even a whole cut-up bird. Plus it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners or when you’re feeding a crowd.
Now let’s get into how you actually make this magic happen…
Ingredients for Perfect Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup pineapple juice – gives authentic Hawaiian flavor and tenderizes the meat
- 1/2 cup soy sauce – go low sodium if you’re watching salt intake
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – creates that amazing caramelization
- 1/3 cup ketchup – adds tang and helps thicken the glaze
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar – white vinegar works too in a pinch
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is best but pre-minced saves time
- 2 tbsp ginger, grated – dont skip this! critical flavor component
- 2 green onions, chopped – adds mild onion flavor
- 2 tbsp sesame oil – gives nutty undertone
For the Chicken:
- 3-4 pounds chicken pieces (thighs work best!) – skin-on for extra flavor
- Cooking spray or oil for grill – prevents sticking
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, pineapple slices
The chicken thighs really are ideal here because they stay juicy through the grilling process. If you need a gluten-free version, just swap regular soy sauce for tamari. For less sugar, you can reduce the brown sugar slightly but don’t eliminate it completely since it helps with that signature caramelization that makes Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken so special.
How to Make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
- Prep the marinade – Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk until sugar dissolves completely. Should look glossy and smell amazing with that ginger-garlic punch.
- Marinate the chicken – Place chicken in a large ziplock bag or container and pour marinade over it. Seal and turn several times to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavor soaks in!
- Prep your grill – Heat to medium (about 350-375°F). Clean and oil grates well to prevent sticking. If using charcoal, create zones for direct and indirect heat.
- Reserve some marinade – Before grilling, remove about 1 cup of marinade and set aside for basting. Never reuse marinade that’s touched raw chicken without cooking it first!
- Start grilling – Place chicken skin-side up on indirect heat first. Close lid and cook for about 15 minutes.
- Flip and baste – This is where the “huli huli” part happens! Flip chicken (“huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian) and baste with reserved marinade. Cook another 15 minutes.
- Caramelize – Move chicken to direct heat, skin-side down. Baste again and watch carefully as the sugar can burn quick! Flip one more time and baste until chicken reaches 165°F internal temp and has gorgeous mahogany color.
- Rest before serving – Let chicken rest 5-10 mins before serving to keep juices inside.
The key visual cue you’re looking for is that deep amber caramelization on the skin. When you see those beautiful dark spots forming, you’re getting close! Just make sure not to let it go too far or the sugar will burn.
Tasty Variations of Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Spicy Huli Huli
Add 1-2 tbsp sriracha or sambal oelek to the marinade for a nice kick. Balances perfectly with the sweetness!
Huli Huli Chicken Skewers
Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes, marinate, then thread onto skewers with pineapple chunks, bell peppers and onions. Grill 8-10 mins, turning frequently.
Slow Cooker Version
For busy days, pour marinade over chicken in slow cooker, cook on low 6 hours, then broil 5 mins to get that caramelized exterior.
Citrus Twist
Replace half the pineapple juice with orange juice and add 1 tbsp orange zest for bright citrusy profile.
Coconut Huli Huli
Add 1/2 cup coconut milk to marinade for tropical creaminess. Amazing with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes as garnish!
I’m totally obsessed with the skewer version for parties – always disappears first!
Storage and Leftovers
Leftover Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken keeps great in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. For reheating, avoid microwave if possible as it can make the skin soggy. Instead, reheat in oven at 350°F for about 15 mins or until warmed through.
You can also make the marinade ahead and freeze it for up to 3 months! Just thaw overnight when you’re ready to use it.
For an easy meal prep option, try shredding leftover Huli Huli Chicken for amazing tacos or grain bowls during the week.
Make This Hawaiian Tradition Your Own
The first time I made Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken was for a backyard party where I wanted something different from the usual BBQ fare. When I saw everyone going back for seconds and thirds, I knew this recipe was special.
What makes this dish amazing is how it balances traditional Hawaiian flavors while still being totally accessible for home cooks. The technique might have roots in island tradition, but the flavors work for practically everyone.
So fire up your grill, get that sweet-savory glaze caramelizing, and prepare for the incredible aroma that’ll have your whole neighborhood wondering what you’re cooking! And if you love this Hawaiian-inspired dish, you might also enjoy our Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken or try something with a Korean twist like our Gochujang Chicken for your next meal!
Make it your own – adjust the sweetness, play with the spice level, or try one of the variations. That’s the beauty of homemade Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken – it’s traditional yet totally customizable!
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Mixing bowl
- Ziplock bag or container
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- For the Marinade:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 green onions chopped
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- For the Chicken:
- 3 –4 pounds chicken pieces preferably thighs, skin-on
- Cooking spray or oil for grill
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions sesame seeds, grilled pineapple slices
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until sugar is dissolved.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in a ziplock bag or container. Pour marinade over and refrigerate for 4–24 hours, turning occasionally.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat to medium (350–375°F). Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Reserve Marinade: Remove 1 cup of marinade before grilling to use for basting.
- Start Grilling: Place chicken skin-side up on indirect heat. Close lid and grill for 15 minutes.
- Flip and Baste: Flip chicken and baste with reserved marinade. Cook another 15 minutes.
- Caramelize: Move to direct heat, skin-side down. Baste again and grill until internal temp reaches 165°F and skin is caramelized.
Notes
Nutrition
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken FAQs
What is huli huli sauce made of?
Huli huli sauce is made of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sometimes sesame oil. These ingredients create that perfect balance of sweet, savory, tangy flavors that makes Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken so addictive. The pineapple juice also helps tenderize the meat while adding authentic Hawaiian flavor.
What is the difference between teriyaki and huli huli?
Teriyaki and huli huli sauces seem similar but have distinct differences. Teriyaki typically has a simpler flavor profile with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin as main ingredients, while huli huli sauce includes pineapple juice, ketchup and more complex ingredients. Huli huli also refers to the cooking method of repeatedly turning the chicken while basting. Teriyaki is Japanese while huli huli is Hawaiian and usually has a tangier, fruitier profile from the pineapple.
What does huli huli mean in Hawaiian?
Huli huli literally means “turn turn” in Hawaiian. This refers to the traditional cooking method where chicken is turned repeatedly between two grills while being basted with the signature sauce. The term perfectly describes the technique of flipping the chicken multiple times to develop those amazing layers of flavor and caramelization that make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken so special.
How long to marinate huli huli chicken?
For best results, marinate huli huli chicken for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight (8-24 hours). The longer marinating time allows the pineapple enzymes to tenderize the meat while the flavors fully penetrate. If you’re really in a rush, even 1-2 hours will give decent flavor, but you won’t get that signature tenderness and depth that makes perfect Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.
What sides go with huli huli chicken?
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed white rice or coconut rice
- Hawaiian mac salad
- Grilled pineapple slices
- Asian slaw with sesame dressing
- Grilled vegetables
- Hawaiian sweet rolls
- Poi or taro if you want authentic Hawaiian sides
My personal fave combo is serving it with coconut rice and grilled pineapple – the rice soaks up all that amazing sauce!
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