If you’re craving juicy, flavorful chicken with a sweet, smoky glaze, then you need to try Huli Huli grilled chicken. I remember the first time I made it—standing by the grill, brushing on that shiny sauce, the smell was so good that my neighbors actually peeked over the fence to ask what I was cooking. And the best part? It only took me 30 minutes. That’s faster than waiting for delivery, and trust me, it tastes way better.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything: the ingredients, step-by-step cooking, helpful tips, serving ideas, and even how to meal prep it for busy days. By the end, you’ll feel like a Huli Huli chicken pro, and your kitchen (or backyard grill) will smell like a tropical getaway.
What is Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli chicken is a Hawaiian favorite that became popular back in the 1950s. The word “huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, and that’s exactly what you do when grilling this dish—you keep turning the chicken while basting it with a sweet, tangy, smoky sauce until it’s sticky and caramelized.
The sauce is usually made with a mix of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and ketchup, giving it that addictive sweet-and-savory flavor. It’s often grilled over an open flame, which gives it that irresistible char.
The beauty of Huli Huli chicken is that it feels fancy and tropical, but it’s actually super simple to make at home, even on a busy weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list—just simple pantry staples and a touch of pineapple magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin-on for juiciness, but you can use boneless too)
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned works fine)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
This marinade doubles as your basting sauce, which means less work for you.
How to Make Huli Huli Grilled Chicken Step by Step
Here’s where the magic happens. I’ll break it down so even if you’ve never grilled before, you’ll nail it.
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Save about ½ cup of this mixture in a small bowl—you’ll use it later for basting.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag or a bowl. Pour in the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes if you’re in a rush. If you have more time, let it marinate in the fridge for 2–4 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill or Pan
If you’re using an outdoor grill, heat it to medium-high. If you’re indoors, a grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet works perfectly. Brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, turning often. Each time you flip, brush on the reserved marinade. The chicken will start to develop a shiny glaze that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has a nice caramelized look. Don’t worry if the edges look slightly charred—that’s where the smoky flavor lives.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices stay inside, making every bite tender and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Done in 30 minutes.
- Crowd-pleaser – Great for BBQs, family dinners, or even meal prep.
- Tropical vibes – The pineapple juice gives it that Hawaiian feel.
- Juicy and flavorful – Marinating and basting keeps it moist and sticky.
Whenever I make this, I always think, “Why don’t I make this more often?” It’s that good.
Tips for the Best Huli Huli Chicken
- Use thighs instead of breasts – Thighs stay juicier on the grill.
- Don’t skip turning – Keep flipping and basting for that signature glaze.
- Make extra sauce – It’s delicious over rice or veggies too.
- Try smoking – If you have a smoker, a little wood chip smoke takes it to the next level.
Serving Ideas
Wondering what to serve with your Huli Huli chicken? Here are some ideas that make it a complete meal:
- Steamed white rice – The classic pairing.
- Grilled pineapple slices – Sweet and smoky, they match perfectly.
- Asian slaw – A crunchy, refreshing side.
- Roasted veggies – Bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots balance the sweetness.
- Hawaiian rolls – Because fluffy bread makes everything better.
Can You Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Huli Huli chicken is perfect for meal prep.
- Marinate overnight – The flavors get even deeper.
- Cook and store – Grilled chicken keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Freeze – Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the oven and brush with a little fresh sauce.
Healthy Twist
Here’s the good news: Huli Huli chicken is pretty healthy if you make it at home.
- Use skinless chicken to cut fat.
- Reduce sugar slightly or swap with maple syrup.
- Pair with a big green salad for a light dinner.
According to USDA, chicken thighs provide 19 grams of protein per 100 grams, making this dish protein-packed and filling.
FAQs About Huli Huli Grilled Chicken
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep an eye on the cooking time—breasts cook faster and can dry out.
2. What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! Use a stovetop grill pan or bake in the oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes, basting halfway through.
3. Can I make it spicier?
Definitely. Add extra chili flakes or even sriracha to the marinade.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use tamari instead of soy sauce.
5. How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 15 minutes if you’re short on time, but 2–4 hours will give you the best flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a dish that’s easy, quick, and absolutely delicious, this Huli Huli grilled chicken is your answer. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have juicy, sweet, smoky chicken that feels like a trip to Hawaii without leaving your kitchen.
So the next time you’re thinking about takeout, grab some chicken and pineapple juice instead. Once you try this recipe, I promise it’ll become one of your go-to dinners.