Name: Irresistible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1/2 cup pineapple juice; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Chopped green onions; Sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re ready to bring a taste of the islands right to your backyard (or kitchen), you absolutely have to make this Irresistible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken. It’s everything you could dream of in a BBQ chicken: juicy, savory, tangy, kissed with tropical sweetness, and finished with that signature caramelized char. With a marinade bursting with pineapple, soy, ginger, and garlic, every bite will have you dreaming of warm breezes and swaying palm trees. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser and one that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds—or even thirds!

Irresistible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for incredibly simple but flavor-packed ingredients! Each one plays a crucial role, adding vibrant color, sweet notes, zingy tang, or mouthwatering umami. Here’s what you’ll need to create magic with Irresistible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken:

Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts—thighs are especially juicy, but breasts work beautifully if you prefer white meat.
Pineapple Juice: 1/2 cup—gives the marinade its iconic tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the meat.
Soy Sauce: 1/3 cup—brings savory, depth, and that elusive “umami” magic.
Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup—sweetens and caramelizes for those sticky, crispy edges you crave.
Ketchup: 1/4 cup—adds a tangy base and rich color to the marinade.
Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons—for a lift of acidity that brightens all the other flavors.
Fresh Ginger: 1 tablespoon grated—delivers an aromatic, gently spicy kick.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced—for that classic, flavorful punch that no savory marinade should be without.
Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon—a nutty depth that ties everything together.
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon—a subtle hint of smokiness with a little tang.
Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: Chopped, for garnish—add freshness and visual flair to finish off your platter.

How to Make Irresistible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

The secret to truly Irresistible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is all in the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. This combination creates a perfect sweet-and-savory bath that will infuse your chicken with lots of flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

To get maximum juiciness, pour all but 1/2 cup of your marinade into a large zip-top bag or bowl. Add the chicken, turning to make sure each piece is completely coated. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better!) so all the flavors soak right in. Don’t skip this step—it makes the chicken incredibly moist and tasty!

Step 3: Preheat and Prep Your Grill

When you’re ready to cook, heat up your grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade to keep things food-safe. If you’re using charcoal, you’ll get bonus smokiness, but any grill will give you those gorgeous char marks.

Step 4: Fire Up the Chicken

Grill the marinated chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juicy, with a golden brown exterior. About two minutes before you’re ready to pull the chicken off, brush it with the reserved marinade. This extra basting caramelizes into sticky-sweet perfection right at the end.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Transfer the chicken to a platter and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This little break keeps all the juices locked in. Then slice, pile onto plates, and shower with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Your Irresistible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is ready to wow!

How to Serve Irresistible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Garnishes

Scatter plenty of chopped green onions and a shower of sesame seeds on top for a fresh, vibrant look and an extra layer of flavor. If you have any pineapple on hand, grilled rings on the side or a pineapple salsa will look stunning and add that extra burst of the tropics.

Side Dishes

Irresistible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is the star, but it loves company! Serve it with steamed jasmine rice to soak up all those tasty juices, add grilled pineapple for sweet contrast, or throw together a crisp salad with a tangy dressing to balance every bite. Macaroni salad or coconut rice make excellent island-inspired options as well.

Creative Ways to Present

Make a platter that turns heads: arrange sliced chicken on a big serving dish with pineapple wedges and sprinkle with extra garnishes. Or try making Huli Huli Chicken sliders with Hawaiian sweet rolls for a fun, party-ready twist. You can even slice leftovers and tuck them into tacos, wraps, or atop a colorful grain bowl for lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Irresistible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers just as tantalizing for easy lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze portions in zip-top freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and juiciness. This makes meal prep or future cookouts incredibly easy and stress-free.

Reheating

Gently reheat your chicken in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pineapple juice if needed. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts until hot. Be careful not to overcook—just warm it through to keep that signature tenderness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken thighs and breasts work with this recipe. Thighs will stay juicier on the grill, but breasts will soak up all those delicious flavors and work beautifully for a leaner option.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! Simply bake the chicken in a 400°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, basting halfway through with the reserved marinade. You’ll still get gorgeous caramelization and flavor, oven style!

Is Irresistible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken gluten-free?

It can be! Just use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the marinade, and you’re good to go for a gluten-free feast that everyone will love.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours. If you have more time, an overnight soak means even bolder flavors and wonderfully tender meat.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales up easily, so just double or triple the ingredient amounts if you’re feeding a party. Grilling in batches is simple, and the aroma will have your guests gathering around in anticipation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to dazzle your friends and family with unforgettable backyard flavor, don’t hesitate to make Irresistible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken part of your menu. It’s simple, joyful, and packed with those bright, sunny flavors that make every meal feel like a celebration. Give it a try—you really can’t go wrong with a dish this delicious!

Irresistible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken recipe will transport your taste buds to the tropics with its sweet and savory flavors. Marinated in a blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and spices, this grilled chicken dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Marinade:

1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Garnish:

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and Worcestershire sauce. Reserve 1/2 cup for basting.
Marinate Chicken: Coat chicken with marinade in a bag or bowl. Marinate in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight.
Grill Chicken: Preheat grill. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade.
Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest, then slice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice, grilled pineapple, or salad.