Name: Huli Huli Chicken
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless; 1 cup pineapple juice; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish); Cooked white rice (for serving); Grilled pineapple slices (optional)

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Huli Huli Chicken is a delightful, Hawaiian-inspired dish that features juicy, tender chicken marinated in a sweet, tangy, and smoky pineapple-soy glaze. Whether you’re grilling in the summer or craving a tropical escape any time of year, this dish is guaranteed to elevate your dinner table. With its irresistible glaze and perfectly grilled chicken, Huli Huli Chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Huli Huli Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Huli Huli Chicken brings a vibrant mix of flavors to the table, from the sweet pineapple juice to the savory soy sauce and tangy rice vinegar. The marinade is simple yet flavorful, soaking deep into the chicken, making every bite juicy and tender. Grilling the chicken gives it a delicious smoky char that complements the sweet glaze beautifully. For a complete meal, serve it with fluffy white rice, grilled pineapple, and a sprinkle of green onions. This dish transports your taste buds straight to the Hawaiian islands, no matter where you are.

Ingredients

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

For the Chicken:

2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup rice vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked white rice (for serving)
Grilled pineapple slices (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper until fully combined. This will be the flavorful marinade that will soak into the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour half of the marinade over the chicken. Reserve the other half for basting later. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour or, ideally, overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and get that perfect sear.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the used marinade. Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, basting with the reserved marinade as it cooks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Step 5: Rest and Slice the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 3–5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken. After resting, slice the chicken into strips or serve whole.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the Huli Huli Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and add grilled pineapple slices if desired for a touch of sweetness and extra flavor.

Variations

Spicy Huli Huli Chicken: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinade to add some heat to the dish.
Vegan Option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same pineapple-soy glaze, and grilled for a delicious plant-based option.
Grilled Veggies: Serve the chicken with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.

Can I make the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.

How can I make the chicken more flavorful?

Letting the chicken marinate overnight will help the flavors penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in even more flavor.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Conclusion

Huli Huli Chicken is a tropical, savory, and sweet delight that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re grilling it for a family dinner or serving it at a backyard barbecue, this dish will quickly become a favorite. With its mouthwatering pineapple glaze and juicy chicken, it brings the taste of the islands right to your table. Enjoy this delightful dish with rice, grilled pineapple, and fresh green onions, and savor every bite of this island-inspired comfort food!