Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Hawaiian Huli Huli chicken reminds me of a backyard gathering we had one summer evening when I wanted something festive and flavorful so I reached for this sweet and savory marinade idea that I had tucked away for months and once the chicken hit the grill the caramelized pineapple glaze filled the air with the most amazing scent and everyone kept asking what was cooking before they even saw the platter

Ever since that night this recipe has become one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want to bring vacation vibes to the table so now when I want a meal that’s equal parts comforting and tropical I just whip up this chicken dish serve it over fluffy rice and add grilled pineapple slices for the full Hawaiian experience that always gets people talking and coming back for seconds

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Chicken thighs – Juicy and flavorful making them perfect for grilling
• Pineapple juice – The sweet base that tenderizes the chicken and gives tropical flavor
• Soy sauce – Adds depth and saltiness to balance the sweetness
• Brown sugar – Caramelizes beautifully for that sticky glaze effect
• Ketchup – Offers a tangy twist and helps bind the sauce together
• Fresh ginger – Adds zing and warmth to the marinade
• Garlic – Boosts the savory profile with bold aromatic notes
• Rice vinegar – Gives a bit of brightness to the mix
• Sesame oil – Adds nutty flavor and richness
• Pineapple slices – Grilled for a smoky-sweet finish and beautiful presentation
• Green onions – For a fresh garnish and pop of color
• Sesame seeds – Add crunch and a nutty finish to the dish

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl – For combining the marinade ingredients
• Whisk – To mix the sauce until smooth and well blended
• Zip-top bag or shallow dish – Perfect for marinating the chicken evenly
• Grill or grill pan – Gives that classic charred flavor and beautiful grill marks
• Tongs – For turning the chicken safely on the grill
• Basting brush – Helps layer extra glaze while grilling
• Serving plate – To showcase the grilled chicken and pineapple slices

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Marinade

I start by whisking together the pineapple juice soy sauce brown sugar ketchup garlic ginger rice vinegar and sesame oil in a bowl until everything is fully combined

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

I place the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag then pour the marinade over them seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Before cooking I heat my grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates so the chicken doesn’t stick

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

I remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off then I grill each piece for about 5 to 7 minutes per side basting with leftover marinade while cooking until it’s caramelized and cooked through

Step 5: Grill the Pineapple

I also grill fresh pineapple slices for a couple of minutes on each side until they get those lovely grill marks and extra sweetness

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

I serve the chicken over steamed rice then top it with grilled pineapple a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some sliced green onions for that final island-style flair

Tips

If you want an even richer flavor I recommend marinating the chicken overnight

I sometimes double the sauce recipe so I have extra to drizzle over the rice

You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer but thighs stay juicier on the grill

For a spicier version I occasionally add a little sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade

Ways to Serve

Over steamed jasmine or coconut rice for a tropical meal

In lettuce wraps for a lighter handheld version

With a side of grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers

Sliced in a Hawaiian-style sandwich with coleslaw

Chopped and served in rice bowls with edamame and avocado

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Hawaiian Huli Huli chicken without a grill?

Yes you can cook it in a grill pan on the stove or bake it in the oven and finish under the broiler for that charred look

How long should I marinate Hawaiian Huli Huli chicken?

At least 4 hours is good but I always recommend overnight for the most flavor

Can I use canned pineapple for Hawaiian Huli Huli chicken?

Yes just make sure it’s in juice not syrup and grill the rings for best flavor

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this Hawaiian Huli Huli chicken recipe soon! It’s full of that sweet and smoky island flavor that feels like a little vacation on a plate. Let me know if you put your own spin on it—I’d love to see your take on this tropical classic!

Happy Cooking!

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