Smoky Huli Huli Chicken Recipe With Pineapple Glaze

Huli Huli Chicken provides the spirit of Hawaiian barbecue to any gathering with its signature sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully over open flames.

Born from roadside stands across the islands, this grilled favorite has become a beloved staple at celebrations and casual weeknight dinners.

The name itself means "turn turn" in Hawaiian, referring to the constant rotation needed to achieve that perfect char and sticky coating.

What makes it so appealing is how effortlessly it serves up bold tropical flavors that feel both exotic and comfortingly familiar.

Juicy, tender, and packed with island-inspired goodness, it's a dish that provides sunshine to any table regardless of the season.

Backyard cookouts, potlucks, and family dinners all benefit from this crowd-pleasing main course that looks as impressive as it tastes.

You won't need a plane ticket to enjoy authentic Hawaiian barbecue when such fantastic flavors are within reach.

Best Reasons To Try Huli Huli Chicken

• Easy Flavor Explosion: This Hawaiian-style chicken packs a punch of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will totally transform your dinner routine without complicated steps.
• Simple Crowd-Pleaser: Your family and friends will absolutely love how juicy and delicious this grilled chicken turns out, making it perfect for backyard gatherings or casual weekend meals.
• Flexible Meal Option: Whether served over rice, tucked into tacos, or sliced for salads, this versatile recipe adapts to whatever your meal plan needs that day.
• Minimal Ingredient Hassle: With just a few pantry staples and basic ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that feels special without requiring fancy cooking skills.

Ingredients Used in Huli Huli Chicken

• 2 Pounds Chicken Thighs Or Breasts: These tender cuts will soak up the delicious Hawaiian-style marinade and provide a perfect protein base for your meal.

• 1 Cup Pineapple Juice, 1/2 Cup Soy Sauce: These liquids create a sweet and savory foundation that will tenderize your chicken and infuse it with incredible flavor.
• 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar, 1/4 Cup Ketchup: These sweet ingredients balance the salty elements and help create a sticky, caramelized glaze on your grilled chicken.
• 1/4 Cup Rice Vinegar: This adds a subtle tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the marinade.

• 4 Cloves Garlic, 1 Tablespoon Fresh Ginger: These finely minced aromatics will bring depth and a zesty punch to your marinade.
• 1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil, 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper: These ingredients contribute a nutty warmth and mild spiciness to round out the flavor profile.

• 1 Green Onion: Chopped fresh green onions will add a bright, crisp finish to your dish.
• Cooked White Rice: A perfect base for serving your flavorful grilled chicken.
• Grilled Pineapple Slices: An optional sweet accompaniment that complements the Hawaiian-style marinade.

Best Tools for Huli Huli Chicken

• Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl where your marinade ingredients will come together perfectly and mix smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending all those delicious marinade ingredients into a consistent, flavorful sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measuring helps ensure your marinade has the right balance of flavors.
• Resealable Plastic Bag or Shallow Dish: The best container for marinating your chicken and keeping everything sealed and neat.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Your main cooking surface for achieving those beautiful charred marks and smoky flavor.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely flipping and moving chicken around the hot grill without piercing the meat.
• Meat Thermometer: Critical for checking that your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Cutting Board: A clean surface for slicing your grilled chicken after it rests.
• Sharp Knife: For cleanly cutting the chicken into serving portions.
• Basting Brush: Helps evenly spread the reserved marinade over the chicken while grilling.

Detailed Instructions for Huli Huli Chicken

Best Tips For Huli Huli Chicken

• Make extra marinade and save half for basting to pack maximum flavor into every chicken bite.
• Let chicken marinate overnight in the fridge for seriously deep, rich Hawaiian-style taste that transforms your meal.
• Brush fresh marinade on chicken during grilling to keep meat super juicy and create a gorgeous caramelized exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken hits 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat every single time.
• Slice chicken against the grain and serve over steamed rice with grilled pineapple for an authentic tropical experience.

Flavor Options for Huli Huli Chicken

• Low-Sodium Swap: Replace soy sauce with low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos to reduce salt content while keeping the rich umami flavor in your chicken.
• Oven-Friendly Version: No grill? Bake chicken in a 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes, brushing with marinade every 10 minutes for that same caramelized finish.
• Spicy Hawaiian Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade for a zesty heat that’ll make your taste buds dance.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, pressing out excess moisture and marinating for 2 hours before grilling or baking for a plant-based Hawaiian-style dish.

Island-Inspired Ways to Serve Huli Huli Chicken

• Serve with Tropical Rice: Spoon the chicken over coconut or jasmine rice to soak up those amazing sweet-tangy juices. The rice becomes a delicious flavor carrier.
• Pair with Fresh Slaw: Toss a crisp cabbage slaw with cilantro and lime for a bright, crunchy side that cuts through the rich chicken flavors.
• Grill Some Companions: Throw some bell peppers or zucchini on the grill alongside your chicken for a complete summer meal with minimal cleanup.
• Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts or sesame seeds over the top for an extra layer of texture that makes your plate pop.

How to Refrigerate Huli Huli Chicken Properly

• Seal the leftover marinade in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, perfect for quick flavor boosters on other meats.
• After grilling, wrap any remaining chicken tightly in aluminum foil or place in a sealed container to keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze extra grilled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• When storing marinated raw chicken, always keep it on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator to prevent any potential drips onto other foods.

Huli Huli Chicken Common Questions

Grilled Pineapple Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Huli Huli Chicken brings Hawaiian sunshine straight to your backyard grill, where tangy pineapple-infused marinade creates mouthwatering flavor that’ll make your neighbors peek over the fence with curiosity. Grilled to golden perfection, this dish turns an ordinary meal into a tropical escape that sparks conversation and delights hungry dinner guests.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless

Liquid Base:

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup rice vinegar

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 green onion, chopped
• Cooked white rice
• Grilled pineapple slices

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking 1 cup pineapple juice, ½ cup soy sauce, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup ketchup, ¼ cup rice vinegar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
2. Transfer 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into a large resealable plastic bag, then pour half the marinade over the meat. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight.
3. Heat your outdoor grill to 400°F with medium-high flame. Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the used liquid.
4. Position chicken pieces directly on clean grill grates, cooking for 6-7 minutes on the first side. Brush reserved marinade over the meat during grilling.
5. Flip chicken and continue grilling an additional 6-7 minutes, continuing to baste with remaining marinade. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
6. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
7. Slice chicken and plate over warm white rice. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and add optional grilled pineapple slices for extra tropical flair.

Notes

• Always marinate chicken for at least an hour, but overnight gives the best flavor absorption and tenderizes the meat completely.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dry meat and guaranteeing food safety.
• When grilling, keep a clean section of the grill for basting to avoid cross-contamination with raw chicken marinade.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg