Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving something that will instantly transport you to the Hawaiian islands, this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. Juicy, marinated chicken thighs get kissed by the grill (or broiler!) and glazed with a sweet, tangy, and a little bit smoky sauce that’ll have everyone licking their fingers. This iconic Hawaiian barbecue dish is all about layers of flavor from pineapple, ginger, and a few pantry staples—oh, and don’t forget those irresistible grilled pineapple rings. Whether you’re a grilling pro or just looking for an easy crowd-pleaser, you’ll love how this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe comes together with big tropical vibes and even bigger taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe lies in its simple lineup of ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in creating that signature flavor. Don’t skip or swap anything if you want full-on delicious, island-style results!

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The key to juicy, flavorful meat that holds up beautifully to marinating and grilling—dark meat is a must for true Huli Huli magic.
• Packed light brown sugar: Adds the perfect hint of sweetness and helps the chicken caramelize gorgeously on the grill.
• Ketchup: Brings tangy, tomato-rich body to the marinade, making the sauce satisfyingly sticky.
• Light soy sauce: Delivers salt and umami without overpowering the rest of the flavors.
• Pineapple juice (canned): The secret to tropical flair, plus it tenderizes the chicken while infusing fruitiness.
• Ginger paste (or minced ginger): Adds warm, peppery zing that brightens up every bite.
• Garlic paste (or minced garlic): Layers in savory, aromatic depth that plays so nicely with the sweet notes.
• Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sauce, giving it a tang that keeps every bite interesting.
• Cumin: A hint of earthiness that adds backbone without overwhelming the tropical flavors.
• Coarse black pepper: Adds just a touch of heat and a punch of bold flavor.
• Paprika (smoked or sweet): For that subtle smoky color and an extra boost of complexity—use smoked for even more barbecue character.
• Pineapple rings (fresh or canned, drained): Grilling these is a must—they caramelize beautifully and are iconic for Huli Huli Chicken Recipe presentation.
• Sliced green onions: Sprinkle over top for color, freshness, and the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken thighs a quick rinse and pat dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the marinade cling to the meat, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as possible.

Step 2: Mix up the Marinade

In a large bowl or a sturdy gallon-sized zip-top bag, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, light soy sauce, pineapple juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, apple cider vinegar, cumin, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk together until well blended and slightly glossy—trust me, it already smells like summer.

Step 3: Reserve Some Sauce

Scoop out about ½ cup of the marinade and set it aside in a separate bowl. This will be your finishing glaze after grilling—don’t skip this step, or you’ll miss out on that sticky-sweet shiny coating that makes Huli Huli Chicken Recipe so special.

Step 4: Marinate the Chicken

Add your chicken thighs to the remaining marinade and mix well to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Seal up your bag or cover your bowl, then pop it all in the fridge to marinate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better for maximum flavor infusion. This waiting game is worth it!

Step 5: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high, aiming for about 400°F. Brush the grates lightly with oil to keep your chicken from sticking and to help those gorgeous grill marks develop.

Step 6: Grill the Chicken to Perfection

Shake off excess marinade from each piece and lay the chicken on the hot grates. Let it cook undisturbed for about 10 minutes, then flip and continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (usually another 10 minutes). Discard any leftover marinade that touched raw chicken for safety!

Step 7: Grill the Pineapple Rings

Halfway through the chicken’s grill time, add the pineapple rings to a cooler area of the grill. Let them sizzle until they’re golden, warm, and caramelized, flipping once for picture-perfect grill marks.

Step 8: Glaze and Finish

Remove the cooked chicken and pineapple from the grill. Time for the grand finale: brush the reserved sauce you set aside in Step 3 all over the chicken. You can pop the chicken under a broiler for a few minutes to caramelize the glaze, or simply warm the sauce on the stove and brush it on—the choice is yours!

How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your Huli Huli Chicken Recipe by scattering sliced green onions over the top and nestling those juicy grilled pineapple rings beside the chicken. For an island-inspired burst of flavor, you can also add a gentle sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a handful of fresh cilantro for extra color.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, this dish shines with a scoop of fluffy steamed rice and maybe some macaroni salad on the side. For even more island spirit, try it alongside grilled corn, a zippy cabbage slaw, or some sautéed greens—the juicy, tangy chicken pairs well with anything fresh and bright!

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling slices of your Huli Huli Chicken Recipe over a big family-style platter, arranged with grilled pineapple rings and extra garnish. For backyard parties, slice the chicken and serve in Hawaiian slider rolls with a drizzle of sauce. Or make a rice bowl with your favorite veggies, topped with those delicious charred pineapple rings for a modern twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra Huli Huli Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors get even deeper as they sit, making a next-day lunch you’ll actually look forward to.

Freezing

If you want to make ahead or save for later, cool the cooked chicken completely and transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. The Huli Huli Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully for up to three months—perfect for meal prepping or impromptu barbecue cravings.

Reheating

For best results, reheat thawed chicken covered in a 325°F oven, adding a splash of reserved sauce or pineapple juice to keep it juicy. You can also use the microwave for convenience, but be sure to cover the chicken and reheat in short bursts to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I make Huli Huli Chicken Recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! Use your oven’s broiler or a grill pan for gorgeous char and flavor—the broiler method works especially well, just keep a close eye to avoid burning the sweet marinade.

What cuts of chicken work best for Huli Huli Chicken Recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are unbeatable for juiciness and flavor, but you can use bone-in thighs or leg quarters—just adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is cooked through.

Can I marinate the chicken for longer than overnight?

While a long marinade infuses more flavor, more than 24 hours can start to break down the chicken too much due to the pineapple juice. Aim for 4 to 12 hours for the juiciest, most tender results.

Is fresh pineapple better than canned for Huli Huli Chicken Recipe?

Both work beautifully—fresh pineapple rings caramelize gorgeously on the grill, while canned pineapple is super convenient and delivers that classic sweet tang. Use what’s easiest for you!

How can I thicken the sauce if I want it extra sticky?

Simply simmer the reserved sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes until it begins to reduce and become glossy. Brush this over your chicken just before serving for maximum sticky goodness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s impossible to resist and easy to fall in love with, you simply have to try this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe. The perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy, it’s like a little backyard vacation any night of the week. Fire up your grill and let the aloha spirit shine through!

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