Huli Huli chicken recipe is the perfect taste of Hawaiian-inspired comfort food, bringing together sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in every juicy bite. The rich marinade caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating tender chicken with irresistible charred edges and a glossy glaze. Whether you’re cooking for a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this recipe delivers bold tropical flavor that instantly transports you to island vibes and sunny evenings.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet and Smoky Flavor
The balance of brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice creates a rich Hawaiian-style glaze.
Perfect for Grilling
This chicken cooks beautifully on the grill with delicious caramelized edges.
Easy Make-Ahead Marinade
Prep the marinade in minutes and let the chicken soak up all the flavor overnight.
Family-Friendly Meal
Tender chicken thighs and bold flavors make this recipe a crowd favorite.
Huli Huli Chicken Recipe That Is Sweet, Smoky & Packed With Flavor
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl For whisking marinade
- 1 Whisk For mixing ingredients
- 1 Grill For cooking chicken
- 1 Tongs For flipping chicken
- 1 Instant-read thermometer To check doneness
- 1 Zip-top bag For marinating chicken
- 1 Aluminum foil For resting chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 pound Boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 0.75 cup Ketchup
- 0.75 cup Soy sauce
- 0.33 cup Pineapple juice
- 3 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger Minced
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Minced
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and garlic until smooth.
Step 2: Reserve Marinade
- Set aside a small amount of marinade for basting later if desired.
Step 3: Trim the Chicken
- Trim large excess fat pieces from the chicken thighs if needed.
Step 4: Marinate the Chicken
- Place chicken in a zip-top bag, pour marinade over it, seal, and refrigerate for 6–8 hours.
Step 5: Preheat the Grill
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Step 6: Grill the Chicken
- Cook chicken for about 5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 7: Baste the Chicken
- Brush chicken with reserved marinade and grill briefly on low heat.
Step 8: Rest the Chicken
- Cover loosely with foil and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 9: Serve
- Serve hot with rice, vegetables, or grilled pineapple.
Ingredients of the Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Main Ingredients
- 4–5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Sauce / Dressing
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Add-ins
- Extra marinade for basting (optional)
Equipment / Tools Needed for Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grill
- Tongs
- Instant-read thermometer
- Large zip-top bag
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions for Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, minced ginger, and minced garlic until smooth.
2. Reserve Marinade for Basting
If desired, set aside about 1/3 cup of the marinade in a sealed container for brushing the chicken later.
3. Trim the Chicken
Trim any large excess pieces of fat from the chicken thighs using kitchen shears if needed.
4. Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs into a large zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 6–8 hours.
5. Preheat the Grill
Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
6. Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken on the grill and close the lid. Cook for about 5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Baste the Chicken
Reduce the heat to low and brush the chicken with the reserved marinade. Grill for another minute on each side.
8. Rest the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the grill and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9. Serve
Serve the Huli Huli chicken hot with your favorite sides and extra glaze if desired.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Watch the Sugar Carefully
The sweet marinade can burn quickly, so keep an eye on the grill temperature.
Use Indirect Heat if Needed
Move the chicken to indirect heat if it begins charring too fast before cooking through.
Marinate Overnight for Best Flavor
Longer marinating time gives the chicken deeper flavor and tenderness.
Always Rest the Chicken
Resting helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with Rice
Steamed white rice pairs perfectly with the sweet and smoky glaze.
Add Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple enhances the tropical flavor beautifully.
Pair with Vegetables
Serve alongside grilled vegetables or fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Variations / Substitutions
Use Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
Make It Spicy
Add chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade for heat.
Try Oven Baking
Bake the chicken if grilling isn’t an option.
Nutritional Info
- Calories: 401 kcal
- Protein: 59 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
Conclusion
Huli Huli chicken recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines sweet, smoky, and savory flavors into one unforgettable meal. The tender grilled chicken and caramelized glaze make it perfect for family dinners, cookouts, or meal prep. Once you try this Hawaiian-inspired favorite, it’s sure to become a regular on your menu.
FAQ
What does Huli Huli mean?
“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to turning the chicken while grilling.
Can I bake Huli Huli chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake it in the oven until fully cooked and caramelized.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best flavor, marinate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Can I freeze marinated chicken?
Yes, freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 2 months.