Huli Huli Chicken is a traditional Hawaiian dish consisting of chicken marinated in a soy sauce-based mixture that includes pineapple juice, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic.
What is Huli Huli Chicken?
The term “Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to how the chicken is traditionally cooked on a grill, continuously turned over an open flame.
What sets Huli Huli Chicken apart is its incredible flavor—a balance of sweet, salty, and smoky that’s completely irresistible. Originally popularized in the 1950s by Ernest Morgado, this dish has become a staple of Hawaiian cuisine and a favorite at backyard barbecues.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Huli Huli Chicken
- Don’t Rush the Marinade: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight if possible. The longer it soaks, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Baste Generously: Basting while grilling is key to achieving that sticky, caramelized coating.
- Control the Heat: Use medium heat to avoid burning the sugar in the marinade. Too much heat can char the outside while leaving the inside raw.
- Chicken Choice: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks are preferred because they stay juicy. However, chicken breasts or wings work well, too.
Variations of Huli Huli Chicken
While the classic Huli Huli Chicken recipe is unbeatable, here are a few fun variations you can try:
- Huli Huli Chicken Wings: Use chicken wings for a bite-sized, party-friendly option. Perfect for game day!
- Baked Huli Huli Chicken: If you don’t have a grill, bake the chicken in a 375°F oven for 35-40 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Huli Huli Chicken Skewers: Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers with pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onions.
- Spicy Kick: Add a tablespoon of chili sauce or fresh chopped jalapeños to the marinade for a spicy twist.
How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken
Pair your Huli Huli Chicken with traditional Hawaiian sides for an authentic experience:
- Steamed White Rice: A classic side to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Grilled Pineapple Rings: The sweet, smoky pineapple complements the chicken perfectly.
- Macaroni Salad: A creamy, tangy Hawaiian macaroni salad balances the flavors.
- Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy side dish to lighten up the meal.
For drinks, serve a refreshing Pineapple Mai Tai or tropical fruit juice to enhance the island vibes.
How to Store and Reheat Huli Huli Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Freeze: Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last for 2-3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Huli Huli Chicken without a grill?
Yes! You can bake it in the oven at 375°F for 35-40 minutes or cook it on a stovetop griddle.
What does Huli Huli Chicken taste like?
It has a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors with hints of pineapple, ginger, and garlic.
Can I use chicken breasts for Huli Huli Chicken?
Absolutely. Just be careful not to overcook them, as chicken breasts can dry out more easily.
Is Huli Huli Chicken spicy?
No, it’s not traditionally spicy, but you can add chili sauce or pepper flakes if you prefer heat.
What’s the best way to baste the chicken?
Use a heatproof basting brush and baste generously with the marinade while grilling to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Huli Huli Chicken
Huli Huli Chicken is a traditional Hawaiian dish consisting of chicken marinated in a soy sauce-based mixture that includes pineapple juice, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs boneless chicken thighs (or bone-in)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 cup canned pineapple juice (no fresh juice—it’ll break down the chicken!)
- ½ cup light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp minced fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for grilling)
- Fresh pineapple slices (for serving)
- Green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large resealable bag, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix it well!
- Reserve ½ cup of the marinade (pop it in the fridge for basting later). Add the chicken thighs to the bag, coat evenly, and let it marinate in the fridge for 4-6 hours (overnight is even better!).
- Remove the chicken from the fridge about 20-30 minutes before grilling. Heat up your grill and brush the grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 3 minutes.
- Baste generously with the reserved marinade, flip, and cook another 1-2 minutes per side until the chicken is perfectly charred and cooked through (about 15-16 minutes total).
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Throw fresh pineapple slices on the grill until you see those beautiful grill marks. The caramelized sweetness is a game-changer!
- Serve the Huli Huli Chicken with grilled pineapple slices, sprinkle with green onions, and enjoy every juicy bite!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 671Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 369mgSodium 2254mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 1gSugar 32gProtein 76g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Huli Huli Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of Hawaii’s vibrant culture and love for grilling. With its sticky, caramelized glaze and explosion of flavors, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a backyard luau, Huli Huli Chicken is sure to impress.
Try these other chicken recipes: