Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Huli Huli Chicken 85.png

Huli Huli Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

🍍 Sweet and tangy Hawaiian flavors come alive in this Huli Huli Chicken recipe, delivering a deliciously sticky and caramelized glaze.
πŸ”₯ Perfect for grill lovers, this dish offers tender, marinated chicken infused with pineapple, ginger, and garlic for a tropical flair.

  • Total Time: 24 hours 22 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

– 1.5 kg (3 lb) chicken thighs or breast for the main star

– 1 tbsp vegetable oil for brushing the grill or skillet

– 3/4 cup canned or bottled unsweetened pineapple juice (not fresh) for the sweet tanginess

– 1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated ginger for a zesty, warming kick

– 1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated garlic for depth and aroma

– 1/2 cup tomato ketchup (or tomato sauce) for a rich, savory base

– 1/2 cup soy sauce for umami and saltiness

– 1/4 cup sherry, Chinese cooking wine, or Mirin (non-alcoholic substitute: chicken stock) for complexity and depth

– 1/4 cup brown sugar for caramel notes and sticky glaze

– 1 tbsp Sriracha (optional, for added spice) for heat

– 2 tbsp rice vinegar or cider vinegar for a sharp tang

– 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil for a nutty finish

– Sliced green onion as a fresh garnish

– Grilled pineapple slices as optional tropical sweetness

Instructions

1-First Step: Gather and Mix the Marinade: Start by pulling together all your ingredients for the marinade to set the stage for your Huli Huli chicken. In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup canned pineapple juice, 1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated ginger, 1 1/2 tbsp freshly gratedΠ’ΠΈΠ΄ garlic, 1/2 cup tomato ketchup, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup sherry or a substitute, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp Sriracha if you want spice, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil. For vegan adaptations, swap soy sauce for a gluten-free version to keep things plant-friendly. Mix well until everything blends smoothly this takes about 2 minutes and ensures your Hawaiian chicken gets that perfect sweet and tangy base.

2-Second Step: Marinate the Chicken: Take your 1.5 kg chicken thighs or breasts and place them in a glass or ceramic container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s coated evenly, and reserve 3/4 cup for basting later. If you’re adapting for dietary needs, like a low-calorie option, use less brown sugar here. Cover and let it sit in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or up to 24 to 48 hours for deeper flavor longer marinating time works great for food enthusiasts wanting that authentic Hawaiian chicken taste.

3-Third Step: Preheat Your Cooking Surface: Heat up your grill to medium-high and brush it with 1 tbsp vegetable oil, or warm a skillet on the stove at the same heat. This step ensures your grilled chicken doesn’t stick and gets those nice char marks. If you’re cooking indoors without a grill, this is a good spot to switch to oven-finishing for even heat, which can help with moisture for diet-conscious individuals.

4-Fourth Step: Cook the Chicken: Drain the excess marinade from the chicken and place it on the grill neutrop or skillet. Cook the first side for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. For those preferring leaner cuts, adjust the time slightly for chicken breasts to avoid overcooking. This Hawaiian chicken method builds flavor while keeping things juicy and adaptable.

5-Fifth Step: Baste and Finish Cooking: Now, baste the chicken generously with the reserved marinade, flip it, and cook for 1 minute repeat this every minute for about 10 minutes total. Use a thermometer to check for 75Β°C for thighs or 65Β°C for breasts, ensuring food safety. If you’re making Huli Huli sauce variations, you can add more spiceι‡‘θžζœΊζž„ here for a personalized touch. This step creates that sticky glaze that’s the hallmark of sweet and tangy chicken.

6-Final Step: Rest and Serve: Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 3 minutes to lock in juices. Add garnishes like sliced green onion or grilled pineapple slices for a tropical finish. Pair with sides like pineapple fried rice for a complete meal, and for more serving ideas, check out our tropical side dishes page. This grilled chicken recipe is versatile for any occasion, from family dinners to celebrations.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

🍍 Use canned or bottled pineapple juice to avoid over-tenderizing caused by enzymes in fresh juice.
πŸ— Boneless chicken thighs offer better caramelization, but breasts work well too.
πŸ”₯ Always use reserved marinade for basting to build flavor safely without cross-contamination.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Marinating Time: 24 hours
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling or Pan-searing with basting
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh or equivalent
  • Calories: 377 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 912 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 49 g
  • Cholesterol: 238 mg