Huli Huli Chicken

The bold and tangy flavors of Hawaii come alive in this Huli Huli Chicken, a grilled favorite known for its mouthwatering pineapple-soy glaze. Marinated to perfection, the chicken is juicy, sweet, and smoky — a combination that brings sunshine to your dinner table no matter the season.

Perfect for grilling enthusiasts and fans of tropical cuisine, this dish is a showstopper at any gathering. Serve it with fluffy white rice, charred pineapple, and a sprinkle of green onion for a complete Hawaiian-style plate that transports your taste buds straight to the islands.

Full Recipe:

• 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)

Directions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper until fully combined.

2. Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour half the marinade over it. Reserve the other half for basting later.

3. Seal and refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour or ideally overnight.

4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard used liquid.

5. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, basting with the reserved marinade as it cooks. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

6. Rest chicken for 3–5 minutes, then slice and serve over rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and add grilled pineapple slices if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 14 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

What is Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken is more than just a grilled chicken dish—it’s a flavorful representation of Hawaiian cuisine and culture. Created in the 1950s by Ernest Morgado, a Hawaiian businessman of Portuguese descent, Huli Huli Chicken originally began as a fundraiser item. The name “Huli” means “to turn” in Hawaiian, and it refers to the way the chicken is turned on the grill while cooking. Originally cooked on a makeshift spit over mesquite wood, the chicken was constantly rotated and basted in a special marinade, giving it a signature char, glaze, and aroma that has made it a beloved staple across the Hawaiian Islands.

What started as a local specialty has now traveled far beyond Hawaii’s shores, showing up in backyard BBQs, food trucks, and family dinners around the world. Its distinctive sweet-and-savory flavor profile, combined with its smoky, caramelized exterior, makes it stand out from typical grilled chicken recipes.

The Cultural Roots and Legacy

The roots of Huli Huli Chicken are deeply embedded in the multicultural fabric of Hawaii. Influences from Japanese, Chinese, and Polynesian cuisines can be found in the marinade’s use of soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar. Pineapple, an iconic fruit in Hawaiian agriculture and symbolism, brings both sweetness and a touch of acidity to the dish.

Huli Huli Chicken became immensely popular at community fundraisers, school fairs, and roadside stands across Hawaii. In fact, for many locals, the aroma of Huli Huli Chicken on the grill is nostalgic and comforting. It’s not just food—it’s a communal experience. The visual of the chicken being “huli’d” over open flame, accompanied by the hiss of basting marinade and curling smoke, is as much a part of the meal as the flavor itself.

Why This Dish Is So Irresistible

What sets Huli Huli Chicken apart from other grilled chicken recipes is the balance it strikes between contrasting flavors. The marinade blends salty, sweet, tangy, and umami notes in a way that deeply penetrates the meat, especially when left to marinate overnight. The brown sugar helps with caramelization on the grill, giving the chicken its glossy and slightly charred exterior, while the ginger and garlic cut through the sweetness for a more complex taste.

The sesame oil contributes a nutty richness that adds depth without overpowering the other ingredients. And if you use fresh pineapple juice instead of canned, you get an even brighter, more natural sweetness that’s hard to resist. It’s the kind of meal that you savor bite after bite, with layers of flavor in every mouthful.

Tips to Make It Even Better

Although the basic recipe is fairly simple, there are a few tips and tricks that can elevate your Huli Huli Chicken to restaurant-level perfection.

Marinate Longer: While you can get away with marinating for an hour, letting the chicken soak overnight will give it maximum flavor and tenderness.

Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal because they remain juicy and flavorful on the grill. Breasts can be used as a leaner alternative but require careful monitoring to prevent drying out.

Grill Over Medium-High Heat: This ensures you get a nice char without burning the sugar in the marinade. It also helps create those sought-after grill marks that make the dish visually appealing.

Baste Frequently: Use the reserved marinade (not the one used to soak the raw chicken) to baste the chicken while grilling. This not only builds flavor but helps keep the chicken moist.

Let It Rest: Once the chicken is done, give it a few minutes to rest before slicing. This locks in the juices and makes each bite tender and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

Traditionally, Huli Huli Chicken is served with white rice and a side of macaroni salad—an iconic combo in Hawaiian plate lunches. But there are countless ways to serve it depending on your preferences:

• Grilled Pineapple Slices: These add a smoky, caramelized sweetness that complements the flavors in the chicken perfectly.

• Stir-Fried Vegetables or Grilled Corn: Light and healthy options that keep the focus on the main dish.

• Coconut Rice: For an extra tropical flair, consider making your rice with a touch of coconut milk.

• Tropical Salsa: A mango or pineapple salsa brings color and brightness, especially if you’re serving this dish at a summer BBQ or cookout.

• Hawaiian Rolls or Sliders: Shred the grilled chicken and pile it into sweet rolls with slaw for a mouthwatering party snack.

Adaptations and Variations

While traditional Huli Huli Chicken is grilled, it can easily be adapted for indoor cooking:

Oven-Baked Huli Huli Chicken: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, basting halfway through with reserved marinade.

Pan-Seared Version: Cook in a hot skillet until caramelized, then simmer briefly with the marinade for a sticky, saucy finish.

Slow Cooker Option: Marinate as usual, then slow-cook the chicken for 4–5 hours on low. Finish under a broiler to get some crispness on the outside.

You can also customize the marinade to suit dietary needs—using tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option, honey instead of brown sugar for a more natural sweetness, or even adding a bit of chili sauce for a spicy kick.

Why It’s Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a summer BBQ with friends, Huli Huli Chicken is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to prep ahead, full of bold flavor, and versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides. It also scales up well, making it ideal for larger gatherings and parties.

Because the dish evokes warmth and hospitality, it’s also perfect for holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day—anytime you want to fire up the grill and serve something that feels festive and satisfying.

And for those focused on meal prep or eating healthier, it’s a great high-protein option with clean ingredients that you can easily pair with greens, whole grains, or light sides for a nutritious and flavorful meal.

Conclusion: The Magic of Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken is more than a recipe—it’s a celebration of Hawaiian flavors, culture, and the simple joy of grilling. Its sweet, savory, and smoky elements combine into something utterly crave-worthy. The story behind the dish gives it character, and the straightforward preparation makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Whether you’re looking to bring a taste of the islands to your home or just want a foolproof grilled chicken recipe that everyone will love, this dish is a surefire win. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why Huli Huli Chicken has remained a beloved favorite for generations—and why it’s likely to become a regular on your table too.