Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

This Huli Huli Chicken Recipe brings the irresistible flavors of Hawaii right to your backyard grill. Imagine succulent, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and fragrant ginger and garlic. The chicken is then charred to smoky perfection, kissed with caramelized sauce, and served with golden, grilled pineapple rings. It’s a dish that promises a true tropical escape with every bite, and it’s quickly become a go-to for family cookouts and casual weeknight dinners alike. Get ready to experience a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe lies in its simple lineup of ingredients, each one essential for building deep flavor and that signature sticky glaze. From pantry staples to vibrant pineapple, every component has a purpose in creating juicy, mouthwatering results.

• Chicken thighs (4-5 pounds, boneless & skinless): Juicy and forgiving, these soak up the marinade and stay moist on the grill—absolutely key for the best Huli Huli Chicken Recipe.
• Packed light brown sugar (½ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps the chicken develop that irresistible caramelized crust.
• Ketchup (½ cup): An unexpected secret weapon! Ketchup delivers deep color, a bit of umami, and rounds out the tanginess.
• Light soy sauce (½ cup): Brings savory depth and essential saltiness to the marinade—opt for light soy to keep things balanced.
• Pineapple juice (½ cup, canned): This is the heart of the signature Huli Huli flavor! It tenderizes the chicken and adds tropical brightness.
• Ginger paste or minced ginger (1 tablespoon): Fresh ginger boosts both aroma and flavor, adding zingy complexity.
• Garlic paste or minced garlic (1 tablespoon): A must for building savory, aromatic undertones in the marinade.
• Apple cider vinegar (3 tablespoons): Adds a pleasant tanginess and helps brighten every bite.
• Cumin (½ teaspoon): Just a hint brings gentle warmth and a subtle smokiness to the background.
• Coarse black pepper (½ teaspoon): For a little pop of heat and a peppery finish that balances the sweetness.
• Paprika, smoked or sweet (½ teaspoon): Pick your favorite style! Both options contribute beautiful color and a whisper of earthiness.
• Pineapple rings (1 whole pineapple or 1 can, drained): Char these alongside your chicken for a show-stopping, juicy garnish.
• Sliced green onions (½ cup, for garnish): A simple but bold finish, bringing freshness and a pop of color to the plate.

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by rinsing the chicken thighs and patting them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step ensures the marinade clings evenly and helps you get that gorgeous grill char once it hits the heat. Don’t skip the drying—the drier the chicken, the better the caramelization later!

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

Grab a large bowl or a reliable gallon-size zip-top bag and combine the brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, ginger, garlic, apple cider vinegar, cumin, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk or stir until everything is well blended and the sugar is mostly dissolved—this is your secret weapon for island flavor!

Step 3: Reserve Some Sauce

Before you add the chicken, take out about half a cup of the marinade and set it aside in a separate bowl. You’ll use this magical reserved mixture for brushing over the chicken just before serving, giving you those glossy, sticky-sweet results you crave in an authentic Huli Huli Chicken Recipe.

Step 4: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the remaining marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. Massage the marinade into all the nooks and crannies, then cover (or seal the bag) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for big flavor and optimal tenderness.

Step 5: Prepare Your Grill

When it’s time to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Take a moment to lightly brush the grill grates with a little oil—this helps prevent sticking and keeps those grill marks beautiful.

Step 6: Grill the Chicken

Lay the marinated chicken thighs directly onto the hot grill. Let them cook untouched for about 10 minutes on one side to lock in juices and develop a nice char, then flip and continue grilling until the internal temperature hits 165°F (about another 10 minutes). Discard the leftover marinade since it’s done its job.

Step 7: Grill the Pineapple

When the chicken is halfway through cooking, place the pineapple rings on the grill. You’re looking for golden grill marks and some caramelized edges—just a few minutes per side will do the trick! These juicy pineapple rounds will make every bite of Huli Huli Chicken Recipe pop.

Step 8: Finish and Sauce

Once everything is perfectly grilled, remove the chicken and pineapple from the heat. Brush the reserved marinade generously over the chicken. For a thicker, lacquered glaze, you can either broil the chicken briefly or simmer the reserved marinade in a small saucepan to reduce it slightly before brushing it on.

How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A swoosh of reserved sauce, a sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions, and a few grilled pineapple rings are all you need to give this dish island personality and vibrant color. If you’re feeling extra, add a handful of toasted sesame seeds on top for crunch!

Side Dishes

Huli Huli Chicken Recipe truly sings alongside simple, starchy sides: try steamed jasmine rice, a scoop of creamy macaroni salad, or buttered sweet corn. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette also balances the richness, or go all-in Hawaiian-style with coconut rice and coleslaw.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack grilled chicken on a platter, tuck grilled pineapple rings between, and drizzle extra sauce on top for a stunning centerpiece. For an intimate gathering, serve each portion over a bowl of rice, topped with pineapple and green onions. Or thread smaller pieces onto skewers for party-ready, portable servings—guaranteed to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Huli Huli Chicken Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container—be sure to include any extra grilled pineapple too!

Freezing

If you want to extend the tropical goodness, this chicken freezes beautifully. Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container (without the fresh garnish), squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Pineapple rings can be frozen separately as well.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until hot and tender, about 10–15 minutes. For best results, brush on a little reserved marinade or pineapple juice before heating to restore that signature juiciness. Microwaving works too, just cover and reheat in short bursts.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs offer the most juiciness and rich flavor, chicken breasts work well—just watch the cook time to avoid drying them out. Marinating as long as possible helps keep breast meat tender.

Is there a substitute for pineapple juice if I don’t have any?

If you’re in a pinch, try a blend of orange juice and a splash of lemon or lime for a similar bright, zesty note. Pineapple juice is traditional for authentic Huli Huli Chicken Recipe, but don’t let a lack of it stop you from grilling!

Can I make this in the oven instead of grilling?

Definitely. Arrange marinated chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast at 425°F until cooked through, about 25 to 30 minutes, broiling for a few minutes at the end for that caramelized finish. The flavors will still be fantastic!

How do I thicken the reserved marinade safely?

Bring the reserved marinade to a boil in a small saucepan and simmer for a few more minutes to thicken it. This also ensures any raw flavors are cooked off, making it perfect for brushing over the cooked chicken.

Can I marinate the chicken for less than 4 hours?

While a shorter marinate will still deliver nice results, giving the Huli Huli Chicken Recipe at least 4 hours allows the flavors to truly penetrate and tenderize. If you’re pressed for time, even 1 hour is better than nothing!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about grilling up a batch of Huli Huli Chicken Recipe and sharing it with the people you love. From the sweet-savory marinade to the charred, juicy chicken and caramelized pineapple, this recipe is pure happiness on a plate. Fire up your grill and let the flavors transport you—I promise, you’ll want to make this a regular in your rotation!

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