Grilled Huli Huli Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian classic , sweet, tangy, smoky, and irresistibly juicy. 🍍 Made with a flavorful marinade of pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar, this dish delivers a perfect balance of tropical sweetness and savory depth. It’s the ultimate backyard BBQ meal that’s easy to make yet tastes like paradise.

Whether you’re grilling for family dinner, summer parties, or meal prep, this chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hawaiian Flavor Explosion – A perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky.
• Simple Ingredients – Mostly pantry staples with tropical flair.
• Tender & Juicy – Marinated to perfection for melt-in-your-mouth chicken.
• Crowd Favorite – Everyone will ask for seconds!
• Great for BBQ or Oven – Grill or bake for year-round enjoyment.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

2️⃣ Marinate the Chicken:
Place chicken in a large zip bag or container, pour marinade over it, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best flavor).

3️⃣ Grill the Chicken:
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with extra marinade, until golden and cooked through.

4️⃣ Caramelize:
Brush once more with marinade during the last minute for that glossy, sticky finish.

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice and grilled pineapple.

How to Serve

• Plating Tips: Slice chicken and drizzle with extra sauce for a glossy finish.
• Side Pairings: Coconut rice, macaroni salad, or grilled vegetables.
• Leftover Uses: Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or rice bowls.
• Beverage Pairing: Pair with pineapple lemonade or tropical iced tea.

Additional Tips

• Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
• Don’t skip the basting ,it creates the signature “Huli Huli” glaze.
• Use a grill pan or oven broiler if grilling outdoors isn’t possible.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Pineapple Twist: Grill fresh pineapple rings alongside the chicken.
• Ginger Boost: Double the ginger for extra warmth.
• Oven-Baked Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, broil for 3 minutes to finish.

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze: Up to 2 months (store cooked or raw marinated chicken).
• Reheat: Warm on grill or in skillet with a splash of marinade.

Special Equipment

• Outdoor grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.

Can I make this without a grill?
Yes ,bake or pan-sear, then broil for caramelization.

Can I reuse the marinade?
Only if it’s boiled first to kill bacteria.

Is it spicy?
Not by default, but you can add chili flakes for heat.

Conclusion

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken brings the taste of Hawaii straight to your plate ,smoky, juicy, and coated in a caramelized tropical glaze. It’s easy to make, irresistibly flavorful, and guaranteed to become a summer staple.

Print