Get ready to discover the magic of Huli Huli Chicken, a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken beloved for its unbelievably juicy meat and glossy, caramelized glaze. The flavors are a vibrant balance of sweet pineapple, savory soy, and just a hint of ginger and garlic—creating the kind of backyard feast that instantly transports you to island time. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next cookout or simply want a new weeknight favorite, Huli Huli Chicken is a festive, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Huli Huli Chicken is how it takes a handful of pantry staples and transforms them into something truly extraordinary. Each ingredient shines through, playing an important part in the tangy-sweet marinade and irresistible charred finish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken thighs or drumsticks: These cuts are especially juicy and flavorful, perfect for grilling and soaking up the marinade.
Pineapple juice: This not only adds that signature tropical sweetness but also helps tenderize the chicken.
Soy sauce: Brings a rich, savory saltiness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Ketchup: Provides a tangy backbone and allows the marinade to caramelize deliciously when grilled.
Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and participates in that gorgeous grill-side caramelization.
Rice vinegar: Adds a pop of brightness that keeps the flavors lively.
Sesame oil: Lends an earthy, nutty element that is subtle but essential to the marinade’s depth.
Fresh ginger: Gives the dish that zesty, aromatic kick we all crave.
Garlic: Infuses the chicken with a gentle, robust flavor without overpowering.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a little umami richness that rounds out the Hawaiian-inspired profile.
Green onions and sesame seeds (optional): These simple garnishes make your platter pop and add crunch and freshness every time.

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade

Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl and adding the pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk everything together until the brown sugar is dissolved and you have a glossy, slightly thickened marinade. Pause to inhale—it smells like a day at the beach!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Take your bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks and place them in a large zip-top bag or a roomy mixing bowl. Pour in all but half a cup of that tantalizing marinade (you’ll save the rest for basting). Seal the bag or cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or, even better, overnight. This is Huli Huli Chicken’s secret to deep, unforgettable flavor.

Step 3: Prep Your Grill

Fire up your grill to medium heat and give the grates a light oiling to keep things from sticking. If you don’t have a grill, don’t worry—you can use your oven, but grilling does add a delightful smoky char that’s just unbeatable for Huli Huli Chicken.

Step 4: Grill and Baste

Remove your marinated chicken from the fridge, letting any excess marinade drip off. Arrange the pieces on the grill and cook for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping every 5 to 7 minutes. In the last 15 minutes or so, treat the chicken to repeated layers of the reserved marinade. Each brush builds sticky, caramelized flavor—you’ll see those gorgeous grill marks start to form!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through (the juices run clear and the interior hits 165°F), transfer to a serving platter. Scatter chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top. Your Huli Huli Chicken is now ready for its island-style grand entrance!

How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds never fails to elevate your Huli Huli Chicken platter. These tiny touches add freshness, crunch, and a pop of color that’s impossible to resist. You can even add delicate curls of fresh pineapple or a wedge of lime if you’re feeling extra festive.

Side Dishes

Keep it classic with a big scoop of steamed jasmine or sticky rice to soak up every drop of sauce. Grilled pineapple slices are another traditional favorite, their caramelized edges echoing the flavors of the chicken. For something fresh and green, try a crisp cucumber salad or blanched broccoli—both are wonderful against the sweet-savory punch of Huli Huli Chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn your Huli Huli Chicken into a build-your-own rice bowl? Lay out bowls of rice, grilled pineapple, pickled veggies, and chopped greens so everyone can craft a custom meal. Serve the chicken off the bone and tuck slices into soft buns for a spectacular Hawaiian-style sandwich. However you plate it, the colors and aromas will instantly transport your guests to the islands!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extra Huli Huli Chicken, store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors only seem to deepen overnight, making for a delicious lunch or quick dinner the next day.

Freezing

Huli Huli Chicken freezes like a dream! Place cooled pieces in a freezer-safe bag, pressing out excess air, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat Huli Huli Chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot throughout. You can also use the microwave for individual pieces, but the oven better preserves the sticky glaze and moistness.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken for Huli Huli Chicken?

Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on pieces provide the most classic, juicy results, boneless options work well too. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as they’ll finish up a bit faster and can dry out if overcooked.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! Huli Huli Chicken bakes up beautifully in a 400°F oven for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll still get that signature sticky, glossy finish, especially if you baste generously during the final stretch.

Can I marinate the chicken for less than 4 hours?

While a longer marinade time truly makes the flavors sing, you can get by with a quick 1-2 hour soak if needed. Just know the pineapple and aromatics won’t have as much time to work their magic, so the flavor will be milder.

What does “Huli Huli” mean?

“Huli” means “to turn” in Hawaiian, which is exactly what you’ll be doing to the chicken as you grill and baste it. The name’s a nod to the dish’s traditional cooking style, which involves constantly turning the chicken for even cooking and that signature caramelization.

Can I make Huli Huli Chicken ahead for a party?

Yes! Marinate the chicken up to a full day ahead, then grill just before serving. You can even fully cook and refrigerate it, then gently reheat on the grill or in the oven, basting with fresh marinade before serving for a just-grilled taste.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a recipe that’s equal parts simple, show-stopping, and fun to share, you can’t go wrong with Huli Huli Chicken. It brings the sunny spirit of Hawaii to your table, no travel required, and is sure to be loved by everyone who tries it. Give it a go—you might just find your signature cookout hit!

Huli Huli Chicken Recipe