Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian classic that brings tropical flavors to your plate! The sweet and tangy marinade, made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatic spices, infuses the chicken with incredible depth. Grilling caramelizes the sauce, creating a smoky, juicy bite every time.

This dish is perfect for summer BBQs or a weeknight dinner that feels like a vacation! Serve it over fluffy white rice, top it with chopped green onions, and pair it with grilled pineapple slices for an authentic island experience. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken and Marinade:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 1 cup pineapple juice

• ½ cup soy sauce

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup ketchup

• ¼ cup rice vinegar

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• ½ tsp black pepper

For Serving:

• 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)

• Cooked white rice

• Grilled pineapple slices (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper until fully combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour half the marinade over the chicken, ensuring even coating. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).

3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high.

4. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade (discard used marinade). Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, basting with the reserved marinade. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

5. Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions. Optional: Add grilled pineapple slices for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 14 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marination)
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4

Huli Huli Chicken: A Taste of Hawaii

Huli Huli Chicken is one of Hawaii’s most beloved dishes, known for its smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Originally developed in the 1950s by Ernest Morgado, this grilled chicken recipe has become a staple at Hawaiian cookouts, food trucks, and even backyard BBQs across the United States. The name “Huli Huli” comes from the Hawaiian word huli, which means “to turn,” referring to the traditional method of grilling the chicken while continuously basting and flipping it over an open fire.

The beauty of Huli Huli Chicken lies in its perfect balance of flavors. The marinade combines the sweetness of pineapple juice and brown sugar, the umami depth of soy sauce, the tanginess of vinegar, and the warm, aromatic notes of garlic and ginger. Once marinated, the chicken is grilled to achieve a charred, caramelized crust while staying juicy and tender inside.

The History Behind Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken was first created in 1955 by Ernest Morgado, a businessman and poultry farmer in Hawaii. He developed the recipe while cooking for a group of local farmers, using a unique basting sauce that quickly became a sensation. Morgado eventually commercialized the dish, using massive grills that could cook large batches of chicken at a time. His version was traditionally cooked between two large grates, which were flipped simultaneously hence the name “huli huli.”

Over time, this dish became a Hawaiian culinary icon, often served at community fundraisers, beachside gatherings, and local food festivals. While Morgado’s original marinade remains a secret, many versions have been developed to capture the essence of his famous recipe. Today, it is widely prepared in Hawaiian households and has made its way to mainland kitchens and BBQs.

Why This Recipe Works

Huli Huli Chicken is simple yet packed with bold flavors, making it a favorite among home cooks. The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a deeply flavorful marinade that works its magic overnight. When grilled, the sugars in the marinade caramelize, creating a slightly crispy, smoky exterior while keeping the chicken moist and juicy inside.

This dish is also incredibly versatile you can cook it on a charcoal grill, gas grill, or even in the oven if grilling isn’t an option. It’s the perfect recipe for those who love easy, flavorful meals with minimal prep time.

What Makes Huli Huli Chicken Special?

Huli Huli Chicken isn’t just another grilled chicken recipe it has unique qualities that set it apart:

1. Hawaiian-Inspired Flavors: The use of pineapple juice gives this dish its signature tropical sweetness, making it distinctly Hawaiian.

2. Caramelized Char: The high sugar content in the marinade creates a beautifully charred, slightly crispy coating when grilled.

3. Tender and Juicy Texture: The marinade acts as a brine, helping to keep the chicken incredibly moist and flavorful.

4. Easy to Prepare: The marinade takes just minutes to make, and the chicken can be left to soak up the flavors overnight.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a new weeknight dinner idea, Huli Huli Chicken is a guaranteed hit.

Best Ways to Serve Huli Huli Chicken

This dish is delicious on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides enhances the flavors even more. Here are some of the best ways to serve Huli Huli Chicken:

1. With Rice and Grilled Pineapple

The classic pairing is fluffy white rice and grilled pineapple slices. The sweetness of the pineapple balances the smoky, savory flavors of the chicken, while the rice helps soak up the extra sauce.

2. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

A creamy Hawaiian style macaroni salad adds a cooling contrast to the smoky chicken. This simple side dish, made with mayo, vinegar, and shredded carrots, is a favorite at Hawaiian BBQ joints.

3. Grilled Vegetables

For a healthier option, serve Huli Huli Chicken with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or corn on the cob. The charred veggies complement the caramelized chicken beautifully.

4. Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

Soft and slightly sweet, Hawaiian rolls are the perfect way to soak up extra marinade and juices from the chicken. They’re also great for making mini Huli Huli Chicken sliders!

5. Pineapple Coleslaw

A refreshing pineapple coleslaw, made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy pineapple dressing, adds crunch and brightness to balance the richness of the chicken.

Tips for Making the Best Huli Huli Chicken

Want to make the most flavorful and juicy Huli Huli Chicken? Follow these expert tips:

1. Marinate Overnight for Maximum Flavor
   While you can marinate the chicken for just an hour, letting it sit overnight enhances the flavors significantly. The longer marination time allows the pineapple juice and seasonings to fully penetrate the meat.

2. Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken for More Flavor
   Although boneless, skinless thighs or breasts work well, bone-in, skin on chicken gives a more authentic, rich taste. The skin crisps up beautifully on the grill!

3. Grill Over Medium-High Heat
   Grilling at medium-high heat (about 375–400°F) helps develop a nice char without burning the sugars in the marinade too quickly. Avoid direct high heat, as the sugars can burn before the chicken is fully cooked.

4. Baste Frequently While Grilling
   Basting the chicken with reserved marinade as it cooks helps build layers of flavor and keeps it juicy. Just make sure to use fresh marinade that hasn’t touched raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.

5. Let the Chicken Rest Before Slicing
   After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.

Conclusion

Huli Huli Chicken is more than just a dish it’s a taste of Hawaii in every bite. Its perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, along with its easy preparation, makes it a must try recipe for any home cook. Whether you’re grilling for a summer BBQ, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving an island-inspired meal, this recipe delivers every time.

Pair it with rice, grilled pineapple, or your favorite tropical sides, and you’ll have a restaurant worthy Hawaiian feast right at home. So fire up your grill, marinate that chicken, and enjoy a dish that will transport you straight to the beautiful beaches of Hawaii!