Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a sweet, smoky, and savory grilled chicken dish that’s marinated in a bold tropical-style sauce. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for backyard cookouts or weeknight dinners. The name “Huli Huli” comes from the Hawaiian word “huli,” meaning “to turn,” which refers to the way the chicken is traditionally cooked—flipped over a grill for that perfect char.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe brings together a balance of sweet pineapple, tangy soy, and smoky grilled chicken. The marinade is simple but bold, and it infuses the meat with flavor from the inside out. Whether I’m using thighs, breasts, or drumsticks, the result is always tender, juicy chicken with a caramelized glaze that tastes like a tropical vacation. It’s great for meal prep, grilling parties, or any time I want something a little different from the usual.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless or bone-in chicken thighs (or breasts/drumsticks)
soy sauce
pineapple juice
brown sugar
ketchup
rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
fresh garlic (minced)
fresh ginger (grated or minced)
sesame oil
optional: green onions, crushed red pepper flakes, fresh pineapple slices

directions

1. In a mixing bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.

2. I place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. I cover and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor.

3. I preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.

4. I remove the chicken from the marinade (reserving some if I want to baste), then grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and has nice char marks.

5. I baste the chicken with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of grilling if desired.

6. I remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. I garnish it with green onions or serve it with grilled pineapple slices.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people. Prep takes around 15 minutes, marinating takes 2 to 24 hours, and cooking time is about 15 minutes. Total active time is just under 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add a bit of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicier kick. If I don’t have pineapple juice, I use orange juice with a splash of vinegar. For oven roasting, I bake the chicken at 400°F for 30–35 minutes, basting once or twice for a sticky finish. It also works well in a grill pan or air fryer if I’m not firing up the grill.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or warm it in a covered skillet with a splash of water or reserved sauce to keep it moist. It freezes well too—I wrap it tightly and thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What cut of chicken works best?

I like using boneless, skinless thighs for their juiciness and flavor, but drumsticks, breasts, or even wings all work well.

Can I cook this without a grill?

Yes, I’ve made it in the oven, on a grill pan, and even in an air fryer. I just adjust the cooking time and make sure the chicken reaches 165°F.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 2 hours, but overnight gives the best flavor. I avoid marinating too long (over 24 hours) to keep the texture just right.

Is Huli Huli Chicken spicy?

No, it’s mostly sweet and savory. I can add heat if I want by including chili flakes or hot sauce in the marinade.

What do I serve with it?

I usually serve it with white rice, grilled vegetables, macaroni salad, or a fresh pineapple slaw for a full Hawaiian-inspired meal.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that brings smoky-sweet island flavor right to my kitchen or backyard. With its tender grilled chicken and bold tropical marinade, it’s the kind of meal that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether I’m grilling for friends or prepping a family dinner, this dish never fails to impress.