🍍 Grilled to Perfection: Authentic Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Growing up, my summers were all about the smells of smoky grills, sweet marinades, and family laughter. Although my roots are deeply Italian, my grandmother, always the adventurous cook, loved exploring flavors from around the world. It was she who introduced me to Huli Huli Chicken, a Hawaiian classic that quickly became a star at our summer feasts.
The juicy, smoky chicken glazed with a sweet-savory pineapple marinade simply transports you straight to the beaches of Oahu — sun shining, ukulele playing. 🌺
Today, I’m so excited to share this authentic Huli Huli Chicken recipe with you — complete with a few secrets that make it unforgettable!
🍗 What is Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken is Hawaii’s beloved grilled chicken dish, typically marinated in a luscious mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. “Huli” means “to turn” in Hawaiian, reflecting the traditional style where the chicken was turned over open fire grills again and again for a perfect char.
Originally created by Ernest Morgado in 1955 during a fundraising barbecue, this recipe quickly became a cultural treasure, beloved across the islands and beyond.
📋 Ingredients for Huli Huli Chicken (4 Servings)
For the Marinade:
• 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh if possible)
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
Optional Garnish:
• Fresh pineapple slices (grilled!)
• Chopped green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
⏱ Prep Time and Cooking Time
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Marinate Time: Minimum 2 hours, ideally overnight
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: About 2 hours 35 minutes
🔥 Instructions: How to Make Huli Huli Chicken
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Reserve ½ cup of the marinade separately for basting later.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat Your Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C). Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
4. Grill and “Huli”
Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the chicken on the grill.
Grill for 6–8 minutes per side, basting with the reserved marinade and turning (“huli”) every few minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and has beautiful caramelized grill marks.
5. Optional: Grill Pineapple
While the chicken cooks, toss a few pineapple slices onto the grill. Grill for about 2 minutes per side until they have nice char marks — the perfect sweet sidekick!
6. Serve
Plate the juicy Huli Huli Chicken, top with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, and serve alongside the grilled pineapple. 🌴
🌸 Tips for Perfect Huli Huli Chicken
• Use thighs for extra juiciness — they’re more forgiving on the grill compared to breasts.
• Don’t skip basting! Basting with the reserved marinade layers on deep flavor and that sticky-sweet finish.
• Watch the sugar! Because of the sugar in the marinade, be attentive to avoid burning — indirect heat grilling works great too.
• Marinate longer for magic. Overnight is best for deep, mouthwatering flavor.
🥗 Suggested Sides to Pair With Huli Huli Chicken
• Hawaiian Macaroni Salad — creamy and tangy, a classic island side.
• Coconut Rice — fluffy, fragrant, and pairs beautifully with the sweet-savory chicken.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob — smoky and buttery goodness.
• Simple Green Salad with a citrus dressing to balance the rich flavors.
Discover the True Spirit of Huli Huli Chicken
If you’re curious about the authentic roots of Huli Huli Chicken, there’s no better place to learn than the islands themselves. The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a wonderful traditional recipe that stays true to the spirit of Hawaiian hospitality and flavor. Their version reflects the original techniques and ingredients used in island luaus, where grilling chicken over open flames was as much about gathering the community as it was about the meal. Exploring the cultural significance behind this dish only deepens your appreciation—and makes every bite taste even sweeter!
🌴 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Summer Vibes: Instantly transports you to a beachside luau.
• Family Friendly: Sweet and savory flavors loved by kids and adults alike.
• Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
• Authentic Flavor: True to Hawaiian tradition with a little extra gourmet touch.
Perfect Pairings for a Tropical Feast
When you’re serving up something as flavorful as Huli Huli Chicken, it’s worth building a whole meal around those sunny, tropical vibes. For a fruity twist that echoes the sweet notes of pineapple in the marinade, try this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken — it’s another grilled favorite that sings of summer. And to keep things fresh and vibrant on the side, a chilled Creamy Avocado Tomato Salad adds the perfect creamy crunch. Together, they make for a meal that’s colorful, flavorful, and full of aloha spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Huli Huli Chicken
1. Can I make Huli Huli Chicken in the oven or on a stovetop?
Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, basting halfway through. On a stovetop, use a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook for 6–8 minutes per side.
2. How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate it for as little as 2 hours, but overnight marination (8–12 hours) gives the best flavor. Avoid marinating for over 24 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.
3. Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, canned pineapple juice works fine. If possible, go for 100% juice with no added sugar to maintain balance in the marinade.
4. What’s the best cut of chicken for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for juiciness and even cooking, but you can also use breasts or bone-in cuts. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
5. Is Huli Huli Chicken spicy?
Nope! It’s sweet, tangy, and savory, not spicy. However, if you like a kick, you can add chili flakes or Sriracha to the marinade.
6. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out.
7. Can I freeze Huli Huli Chicken?
Absolutely. You can freeze uncooked marinated chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling. Cooked leftovers can also be frozen for quick meals.
🌞 Final Thoughts: Huli Huli Heaven on a Plate
There’s something truly magical about food that brings people together — and Huli Huli Chicken does just that. Its vibrant, tropical flavor, simple prep, and smoky grill aroma make it a go-to summer favorite in my kitchen, and I’m thrilled to pass that joy on to you.
Whether you’re flipping chicken at a neighborhood BBQ or recreating island vibes in your backyard, this dish delivers the spirit of aloha — straight from Hawaii to your plate. 🌴✨
So what are you waiting for? Marinate, grill, huli — and enjoy!
And hey, if you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you grill pineapple? Add a twist to the marinade? Share your spin in the comments — let’s cook together. ❤️