Sizzling Huli Huli Chicken Recipe: Hawaiian Grilling Magic

Hawaiian cuisine offers a mouthwatering huli huli chicken that captures the essence of island flavors.

Saucy and caramelized, this dish brings tropical notes to your dinner table.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a sweet and tangy sauce that whispers of local traditions.

Grilling transforms the meat into a succulent experience with crispy edges and juicy interior.

Marinades blend pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar to create an irresistible glaze.

Each bite tells a story of pacific coast cooking techniques passed through generations.

You’ll want to fire up the grill and savor every delicious moment of this classic hawaiian recipe.

Storage Advice for Huli Huli Chicken

• Place leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle a little water or chicken broth to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• What is Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian-style grilled chicken dish featuring a sweet and tangy marinade with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and other flavorful ingredients, originally created by Ernest Morgado in the 1950s.

The name “Huli Huli” comes from the Hawaiian word meaning “turn” or “flip”, referencing the technique of turning the chicken frequently while grilling to ensure even cooking and caramelization of the marinade.

• Is this recipe authentic to Hawaiian cuisine?

While inspired by traditional Hawaiian flavors, this recipe is a modern adaptation that captures the essence of the original Huli Huli Chicken, incorporating classic island ingredients like pineapple juice and Asian-inspired seasonings.

Huli Huli Chicken with Sweet and Smoky Hawaiian Flavors

• Burst with Tropical Flavors: This Huli Huli chicken brings Hawaiian-inspired taste right to your plate with a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory ingredients that dance together beautifully.
• Grill Like a Pro: The recipe is super beginner-friendly, requiring minimal cooking skills and offering maximum deliciousness with straightforward grilling techniques that even novice cooks can master.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, and family dinners, this dish will wow everyone with its vibrant flavors and impressive presentation that looks like you spent hours preparing.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows simple modifications like adding grilled pineapple and peppers, making it adaptable for different tastes and dietary preferences while keeping the core Hawaiian-inspired essence intact.

Ingredients for Huli Huli Chicken

• Pineapple Juice: A sweet and tangy liquid that helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tropical flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a salty and umami base for the marinade.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior when grilling.
• Ketchup: Brings a subtle tomato tang and helps thicken the marinade.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a light acidity to balance the flavors.
• Ginger: Offers a warm, spicy kick and aids in breaking down the chicken's proteins.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor to the marinade.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces a nutty, rich undertone to the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes depth and complexity to the marinade.
• Sriracha: Adds a spicy heat to the marinade.

• Chicken: The main protein that absorbs the delicious marinade and becomes tender and flavorful when grilled.

• Green Onions, Cilantro, Sesame Seeds: Fresh herbs and seeds that add color, freshness, and texture to the final dish.
• Pineapple Rings, Bell Peppers: Optional grilled sides that complement the chicken's flavors.
• Lime Wedges: Provides a bright, citrusy accent to the grilled chicken.

Step-by-Step Guide to Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Marinade

Grab a mixing bowl and combine the vibrant flavor powerhouses.

• Grated ginger
• Minced garlic
• Sesame oil
• Worcestershire sauce
• Sriracha

Stir everything until the ingredients dance together into a glossy, fragrant marinade.

Step 2: Bathe the Chicken

Transfer your chicken into a large resealable plastic bag.

Pour the marinade directly over the meat, ensuring every inch gets coated.

Seal the bag securely and pop it into the refrigerator.

Let the chicken soak up those incredible flavors for at least 2 hours, but overnight is pure magic.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to medium-high heat.

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off.

Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side.

You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.

Step 4: Add Some Colorful Companions

For extra excitement, toss pineapple rings and bell pepper slices onto the grill.

These will caramelize and add a stunning sweetness and crunch to your dish.

Step 5: Create a Stunning Presentation

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro

Serve with lime wedges on the side for a bright, zingy finish.

Pro Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Huli Huli Chicken

• Let chicken soak in the marinade overnight for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Brush reserved marinade on chicken during grilling to keep meat moist and add extra caramelization.
• Use indirect heat method to avoid charring and ensure even cooking of chicken.
• Grill pineapple and bell peppers to complement the Hawaiian-style chicken and add smoky sweetness.
• Swap regular soy sauce with tamari to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.

Flavorful Variations to Spice Up Huli Huli Chicken

• Vegetarian Hawaiian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinate using the same sauce, and grill until charred for a plant-based version.
• Oven-Baked Island Style: Swap grilling with baking at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for a convenient indoor cooking method.
• Low-Carb Tropical Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, maintaining the original recipe's bold Hawaiian flavors.

Serving Ideas for Huli Huli Chicken

• Tropical Luau Platter: Arrange grilled chicken and pineapple on a large wooden board with colorful bell peppers, creating a vibrant Hawaiian-inspired presentation.
• Summer BBQ Feast: Serve with coconut rice, grilled corn, and a fresh tropical slaw to complement the sweet and tangy chicken flavors.
• Quick Weeknight Meal: Pair with steamed jasmine rice and quick-pickled cucumber salad for a fast, delicious dinner that transports you to the Hawaiian islands.
• Leftover Magic: Chop remaining chicken and use in tacos, salads, or Hawaiian-style sandwiches for an easy next-day lunch.

Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hawaiian huli huli chicken delivers sweet-tangy flavors that highlight island grilling traditions. Marinade ingredients blend perfectly for succulent meat perfect for backyard barbecues and summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks

Sauce and Marinade Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon sriracha

Garnish and Optional Ingredients:

• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 4–6 pineapple rings, grilled
• 2 bell peppers, cut into strips and grilled
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together tangy pineapple juice, umami-rich soy sauce, caramelizing brown sugar, zesty ketchup, acidic rice vinegar, aromatic ginger, pungent garlic, nutty sesame oil, robust Worcestershire sauce, and fiery sriracha.
2. Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade within a sealed container, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply, with overnight marination recommended for maximum taste infusion.
3. Heat grill to medium-high temperature, approximately 375-400°F. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and arrange on clean grill grates.
4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, rotating once to create beautiful crosshatch grill marks. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
5. Enhance the dish by simultaneously grilling sweet pineapple rings and colorful bell pepper slices to complement the protein.
6. Transfer grilled chicken to serving platter, adorning with finely chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves for textural contrast and visual appeal.
7. Serve immediately with zesty lime wedges, allowing guests to squeeze fresh citrus over the dish for an extra bright flavor dimension.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, more robust flavor infusion that penetrates every fiber of the meat.
• Use fresh ginger and garlic for maximum aromatic impact and authentic Hawaiian taste profile.
• Experiment with different protein options like tofu, pork, or salmon to adapt the recipe for various dietary preferences.
• Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a glaze during grilling, ensuring extra caramelization and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg