Sizzling Huli Huli Chicken Recipe: Island-Style Magic on a Plate

Hawaii’s tropical breezes carry the sweet and tangy aroma of huli huli chicken, a dish that dances with extraordinary flavor.

Succulent chicken marinated in a rich, caramelized sauce captures the essence of island cuisine.

This classic Hawaiian huli huli chicken recipe brings the spirit of local grilling directly to your kitchen.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory notes that will transport you to sun-drenched beaches.

The secret lies in the perfectly balanced marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece.

Tender, juicy chicken glazed with a sticky-sweet sauce promises a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist the irresistible charm of this crowd-pleasing island favorite.

Steps To Make Huli Huli Chicken Juicy

• Whip Up The Marinade

Blend pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, crushed garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of sesame oil into a zesty mixture.

• Soak The Chicken

Pour marinade over chicken in a sealed container and let it chill in the refrigerator for 4-8 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

• Fire Up The Grill

Warm the grill to a medium-high temperature, removing chicken from marinade while keeping the liquid for basting.

• Grill With Passion

Cook chicken on the grill, turning occasionally and brushing with reserved marinade. Ensure each side gets golden and crispy, cooking until internal temperature hits 165°F.

• Create A Luscious Sauce

Transfer remaining marinade to a saucepan, boil then simmer. Thicken by mixing cornstarch with water and stirring into the sauce until it reaches a glossy, rich consistency.

Tips To Boost Huli Huli Chicken Flavor

• Grill Master's Flavor Enhancers: Simple tips to elevate your Huli Huli Chicken game.
• Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak overnight for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace brown sugar with monk sweetener or stevia for a diabetes-friendly version.
• Tropical Oven Alternative: Can't grill? Bake chicken at 425F for 25-30 minutes, brushing with marinade every 10 minutes.
• Protein Swap Options: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, pork tenderloin, or salmon for diverse meal experiences.

Serving Huli Huli Chicken With Aloha Style

• Island-Style Plating: Arrange grilled huli huli chicken over fluffy white rice, garnished with fresh chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a vibrant tropical presentation.
• Pineapple Companion: Serve alongside grilled pineapple rings or a fresh pineapple salsa to complement the sweet and tangy marinade flavors of the chicken.
• Hawaiian Feast Pairing: Create a complete meal with sides like macaroni salad, steamed edamame, or a crisp Asian-inspired coleslaw to balance the rich, sweet chicken.
• Sauce Drizzle Technique: After thickening the reserved marinade, generously drizzle the glossy sauce over the sliced chicken just before serving to enhance moisture and intensify the flavor profile.

Keep Huli Huli Chicken Juicy And Stored

• Smart Marinating Strategy: Maximize flavor by reserving a portion of marinade before adding raw chicken, allowing safe basting during cooking without cross-contamination risks.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover grilled chicken in airtight containers for 3-4 days, keeping meat moist by adding a tablespoon of remaining sauce to prevent drying.
• Freezing Solution: Slice cooled chicken and freeze flat in sealed freezer bags for up to 3 months, ensuring each portion is separated by parchment paper for easy individual removal.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in microwave with a damp paper towel or reheat in skillet with splash of pineapple juice to restore original juiciness and prevent toughness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 11

Island Ingredients For Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

• Pineapple Juice: Adds tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken with natural enzymes.
• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and brings saltiness to balance the sweet notes.
• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelization and adds rich, molasses-like depth to the marinade.
• Ketchup: Introduces tangy complexity and helps create a glossy coating on the chicken.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds bright acidity to cut through the richness and balance flavors.

• Garlic, Ginger: Bring zesty, warming spice that elevates the entire dish with their intense flavors.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes nutty, toasted undertones that enhance the overall Hawaiian-inspired profile.

• Chicken: Select bone-in, skin-on pieces for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to transform the marinade into a luscious, clingy sauce.
• Water: Used to create a slurry with cornstarch for smooth sauce consistency.

Tools For Grilling Huli Huli Chicken Right

• Grill: Main cooking surface for achieving those perfect char marks and smoky flavor.
• Large bowl: Essential for whisking marinade ingredients together smoothly.
• Zip-top bag or shallow dish: Perfect for marinating chicken and ensuring even coating.
• Small saucepan: Needed for reducing and thickening the marinade sauce.
• Whisk: Great for blending marinade ingredients without lumps.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely turning and handling chicken on the grill.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient proportions.

Mouthwatering Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Authentic Hawaiian huli huli chicken blends sweet and tangy flavors into a delectable grilled dish. Succulent marinade and precise cooking techniques guarantee a memorable island-inspired meal for passionate cooks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 23 lbs (10.4 kg) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 cup (240 ml) pineapple juice
• ½ cup (120 ml) soy sauce
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) ketchup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil (optional)
• 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) water
• Green onions (for garnish, optional)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Whisk pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a large bowl until ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a flavor-packed liquid.
2. Marinating Process: Immerse chicken pieces completely in prepared marinade within a sealed container, ensuring total coverage. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours, allowing flavors to deeply infuse the meat’s texture.
3. Grill Preparation: Heat outdoor or indoor grill to medium-high temperature. Remove chicken, gently blotting excess marinade with paper towels to promote optimal caramelization.
4. Cooking Technique: Arrange chicken on preheated grill grates, maintaining even spacing. Grill for 12-14 minutes total, turning midway to create crisp exterior and guarantee internal temperature reaches 165°F. Intermittently brush with reserved marinade to intensify flavor profile.
5. Sauce Refinement: Meanwhile, transfer remaining marinade to a saucepan. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat. Simmer until liquid condenses, whisking in cornstarch slurry to create a glossy, rich sauce for final drizzling.
6. Serving Presentation: Allow grilled chicken to rest briefly, enabling juice redistribution. Slice professionally and garnish with reduced sauce, presenting alongside complementary side dishes for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Prevent Cross-Contamination: Always use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken to avoid harmful bacteria spread, and wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
• Marinade Magic: Reserve a portion of the marinade before adding raw chicken for basting and creating a sauce, preventing potential foodborne illness from uncooked chicken juices.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exactly 165°F internally, ensuring safe consumption while maintaining maximum juiciness and tenderness.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising the rich, complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg