This authentic Huli Huli Chicken Recipe brings Hawaiian flavors to your backyard. The sweet and savory marinade creates juicy, caramelized chicken.
“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the constant flipping technique. This traditional grilling method ensures even cooking and beautiful char marks.
This Huli Huli Chicken Recipe transforms ordinary chicken into tropical paradise. The pineapple juice tenderizes meat while soy sauce adds umami depth.
Brown sugar creates that signature sticky glaze everyone loves. Perfect for summer barbecues or family dinners year-round.
When I First Got Introduced
I discovered this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe during my Hawaii vacation. A local food truck served the most incredible grilled chicken.
The owner shared his family’s secret marinade recipe. The combination of sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce amazed me.
I’ve been perfecting this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe ever since that memorable trip.
Equipment List
- Gas or charcoal grill
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs for turning chicken
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Mix pineapple juice and soy sauce together.
- Add brown sugar to the mixture.
- Stir in rice vinegar until combined.
- Add minced garlic and fresh ginger.
- Place chicken in large bowl.
- Pour marinade over chicken pieces.
- Marinate for 2 hours minimum.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade.
- Grill for 6 minutes per side.
- Turn chicken frequently during cooking.
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Recipe Tips
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor penetration
- Reserve some marinade for basting during grilling
- Don’t flip chicken too frequently to prevent sticking
- Use bone-in thighs for juicier, more flavorful results
- Let chicken rest before serving to retain juices
What to Serve With Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
- Coconut Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk adds tropical sweetness that complements the savory chicken perfectly.
- Grilled Pineapple: Fresh pineapple slices grilled until caramelized enhance the Hawaiian theme while adding natural sweetness.
Conclusion
This Huli Huli Chicken Recipe delivers restaurant-quality Hawaiian flavors at home. The simple marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.
Perfect for entertaining guests or family weeknight dinners. Master this technique once, and it becomes your go-to grilling recipe forever.
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Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Gas or charcoal grill
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs for turning chicken
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
Instructions
- Mix pineapple juice and soy sauce together.
- Add brown sugar to the mixture.
- Stir in rice vinegar until combined.
- Add minced garlic and fresh ginger.
- Place chicken in large bowl.
- Pour marinade over chicken pieces.
- Marinate for 2 hours minimum.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade.
- Grill for 6 minutes per side.
- Turn chicken frequently during cooking.
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor penetration
- Reserve some marinade for basting during grilling
- Don’t flip chicken too frequently to prevent sticking
- Use bone-in thighs for juicier, more flavorful results
- Let chicken rest before serving to retain juices
I’m Bella Rose, and I’m here to rescue your busy weeknights with quick, delicious, and easy family recipes. From comforting classics to simple, seasoned dishes your kids will actually eat, find everyday meal inspiration that saves you time without sacrificing flavor.