Get ready to fall in love with the sweet, smoky flavors of the Huli Huli Chicken Recipe. This Hawaiian classic is all about juicy chicken, bathed in a sticky, caramelized glaze that’s both savory and a little tropical. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend party or just craving something special on a weeknight, this dish brings island vibes straight to your kitchen, thanks to its irresistible marinade and finger-licking finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Huli Huli Chicken Recipe so magical is its lineup of simple, flavorful ingredients. Every component pulls its own weight, bringing layers of umami, sweetness, and a hint of bright acidity to the party.

Chicken thighs: These stay extra juicy and are perfect for soaking up that flavorful marinade—bone-in, skin-on is best!
Soy sauce: The backbone of the marinade, adding a deep, savory, umami-rich flavor.
Brown sugar: Lends a touch of sweetness and helps the chicken caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Ketchup: Adds that signature tang and sticky texture we crave in the Huli Huli Chicken Recipe.
Pineapple juice: Brings a bright, fruity sweetness and helps tenderize the meat.
Fresh ginger: Gives the dish a wake-up zing and a bit of warmth.
Garlic cloves: Essential for that aromatic, mouthwatering base flavor.
Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Balances the sweetness and contributes gentle acidity.
Sriracha or hot sauce (optional): For just a nudge of heat.
Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and depth that rounds out the marinade.
Green onions & sesame seeds: Delicious, colorful toppings for serving your masterpiece.

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Your Marinade

Start by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, a dash of sesame oil, and sriracha (if using) in a large bowl or resealable bag. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and everything looks glossy. This marinade is where the magic happens—don’t rush it!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add your chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is totally coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is truly best. The flavors will penetrate deep into the meat, giving you that unmistakable Huli Huli Chicken Recipe taste.

Step 3: Prep Your Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want those grates hot so the chicken can get a good sear. If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan works nicely, or even your oven broiler in a pinch.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserving the marinade for basting) and lay it skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 6–8 minutes per side, brushing frequently with the reserved marinade. Aim for beautiful char marks and a sticky, lacquered finish. The aroma will have neighbors peeking over the fence!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F), transfer it to a platter. Shower it with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add crunch, color, and that classic island finishing touch.

How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

No Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is complete without a generous scatter of fresh green onions and sesame seeds on top. You can also add thinly sliced red chili or a fresh lime wedge for a bright pop and a little extra flair. These simple finishing touches make the whole dish feel festive and fresh.

Side Dishes

This chicken truly shines with classic Hawaiian sides. Try it with coconut rice, grilled pineapple rings, or a cool, crunchy Asian slaw. Steamed jasmine rice or macaroni salad also work beautifully to soak up the flavorful sauce and provide balance to the sweetness and tanginess of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to turn the Huli Huli Chicken Recipe into something even more fun, try pulling the cooked chicken and stuffing it into soft buns for sliders, or serving it taco-style with pineapple salsa. For a backyard luau, pile the chicken high on a wooden platter and let everyone dig in family-style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is a gift! Store any remaining chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as they sit, so don’t be surprised if you look forward to your leftovers even more than the first go-around.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Place cooled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the chicken right after it’s cooled, before garnishing, then add fresh toppings when you reheat and serve.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the chicken in a 350°F oven, covered, for about 15–20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and sizzling again. For a quick fix, a few minutes in the microwave does the trick. Add a splash of water or extra pineapple juice if needed to keep things nice and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work, especially if you slice them to even thickness so they cook evenly. Just keep an eye out—they cook a little faster and can dry out if overcooked, so pull them off the grill as soon as they hit the right temp.

Is it possible to bake the Huli Huli Chicken Recipe instead of grilling?

Yes! Arrange marinated chicken on a foil-lined sheet pan, bake at 400°F for about 25–30 minutes, then broil for a few minutes at the end to caramelize the top. You’ll still get that signature stickiness, no grill required.

What does “Huli Huli” mean?

“Huli” means “to turn” in Hawaiian, and this recipe gets its name from the traditional way of frequently turning the chicken on a rotisserie over a fire. Don’t worry if you’re using a regular grill—just turn your chicken often and keep basting it for that classic flavor!

Can I use the marinade as a sauce?

The marinade has raw chicken juices, so don’t use it as-is. If you’d like extra sauce, boil the reserved marinade on the stove for 5–10 minutes until it’s bubbly and thick (this ensures it’s food-safe), then brush on fresh as you serve.

How can I make this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

Just swap out regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos and double-check your ketchup brand for hidden gluten. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy fix!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something bold, sweet, and loaded with island sunshine, don’t hesitate to try the Huli Huli Chicken Recipe. Every bite is a little taste of paradise, and it’s the kind of dish that turns a regular dinner into a celebration. Fire up the grill and enjoy the aloha spirit tonight—you’ll want to make this one over and over!

Huli Huli Chicken Recipe