If you are craving a dish that bursts with tropical flavors and perfectly smoky grilled goodness, you will absolutely love this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe. It’s a beloved Hawaiian classic that brings together a sweet and tangy marinade, tender grilled chicken, and just the right hint of spice. This recipe is not only straightforward to make but also packed with layers of flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to the islands. Whether you’re having a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a backyard barbecue, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing the sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors that define this dish. Fresh aromatics, sweet pineapple juice, and robust soy sauce work together to create an unforgettable marinade that clings perfectly to your chicken.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs offer juiciness and flavor, but breasts are leaner and still work great.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: Provides savory depth and saltiness, the foundation of the marinade.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds rich sweetness and helps create that beautiful caramelized glaze.
- 1/3 cup ketchup: Brings a tangy tomato base, rounding out the flavors with subtle acidity.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice: Infuses tropical sweetness and tenderizes the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Ginger’s spicy warmth gives the marinade a fresh zing.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for its aromatic punch and savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty undertone that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat for those who enjoy a slight kick.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish: These add freshness and crunch when serving.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, pineapple juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. This mixture is your flavor powerhouse. Remember to reserve about half a cup of this marinade before adding the chicken, as this will be used later for basting. Setting aside the reserved marinade is key to building that characteristic glossy finish on the grilled chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs or breasts into a large zip-top bag or bowl, then pour the remaining marinade over them, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, but ideally overnight. This marinating time lets the flavors soak deep into the meat, resulting in tender, juicy chicken with that signature Hawaiian allure.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard this used marinade) and lay the pieces on the grill. Grill each side for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully charred. During the last few minutes, use the reserved marinade to baste the chicken, flipping it once to ensure the glaze becomes sticky and shiny.
Step 4: Rest and Garnish
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for about five minutes. This resting stage allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful. Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top to add a lovely fresh crunch and earthy notes before serving.
How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like bright chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds are fantastic—their crunch and freshness complement the sweet and smoky chicken perfectly. You can also add a few thin slices of fresh chili if you want to amp up the heat and add a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This Huli Huli Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with classic Hawaiian sides. Think steamed white or jasmine rice soaked in the savory juices, grilled pineapple slices for extra sweetness, or a refreshing cucumber salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to keep everything balanced and vibrant on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this chicken over a bed of coconut rice topped with chopped macadamia nuts or pair it with a tropical fruit salsa made with mango, pineapple, and mint. Wrapping sliced chicken in a soft tortilla with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of sriracha mayo also makes a delicious and playful handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and who knows if you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the chicken will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover grilled Huli Huli Chicken by placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice to keep the chicken moist. Alternatively, warm it in the microwave covered loosely with a damp paper towel. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in the Huli Huli Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but be careful not to overcook them. Thighs are a bit more forgiving and stay juicier, but if you prefer breasts, grilling them just until cooked through keeps the texture nice and tender.
Is there a substitute for pineapple juice if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have pineapple juice on hand, you can substitute with orange juice or a mix of apple juice and a splash of lemon juice. Just keep in mind that pineapple juice gives the marinade its signature tropical sweetness and slight acidity.
Do I need a grill to make this recipe?
While grilling is traditional and gives the chicken that wonderful char, you can also use a grill pan or even bake the chicken in the oven. If baking, baste with the reserved marinade and broil at the end to get a caramelized glaze.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
For the most flavorful and tender results, marinate the chicken overnight. However, if you’re short on time, even a 2-hour marinating period will give you delicious results.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free tamari or soy sauce substitute, and ensure your ketchup and other ingredients are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy all the deliciousness safely.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe enough for anyone looking to bring a little aloha spirit into their kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, full of vibrant flavors, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give yourself the gift of tropical sunshine on a plate and enjoy every bite of this grilled delight!
Print
Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken dish marinated in a tangy and sweet sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and spices. This recipe features juicy boneless chicken thighs or breasts that are marinated for deep flavor, then grilled to perfection and basted with a glossy glaze. Perfect for summer barbecues or a flavorful weeknight dinner, served with steamed rice or fresh salad.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, pineapple juice, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade for basting later and set aside. Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow bowl, pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat the grill: About 30 minutes before cooking, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat to ensure it is adequately hot and ready for grilling the chicken.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the chicken pieces on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks.
- Baste with reserved marinade: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the reserved marinade on each side of the chicken to create a beautiful, glossy glaze. Flip once more to ensure even coverage.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice if desired, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, then serve hot with your favorite sides such as steamed rice or grilled pineapple.
Notes
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Serve with steamed rice, grilled pineapple, or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal.
- Chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness, but breasts can also be used if cooked carefully to avoid dryness.
