The Sizzling Island Magic: Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Irresistible Hawaiian huli huli chicken promises a flavor explosion that dances across your taste buds.

Tropical winds carry whispers of sweet and tangy marinade secrets from island kitchens.

Tender chicken pieces absorb a delightful blend of soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar.

Summer barbecues demand something extraordinary beyond ordinary grilled meat options.

Generations of pacific islanders have perfected this mouthwatering culinary tradition with passion and precision.

Charcoal grills spark memories of backyard gatherings and weekend celebrations waiting to happen.

Let this recipe transport you to sunny beaches with each succulent, caramelized bite.

What’s Great with Huli Huli Chicken

• Pair Hawaiian Mai Tai cocktail with Huli Huli Chicken to enhance the tropical sweet-tangy notes and complement the grilled pineapple's caramelized essence.
• Serve coconut rice as a creamy, smooth accompaniment that perfectly absorbs the chicken's rich marinade and provides a neutral base for the bold flavors.
• Select a Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight sweetness to balance the savory-sweet marinade and match the recipe's Hawaiian-inspired profile.
• Prepare a light Asian-inspired slaw with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing to add crunch and cut through the chicken's intense marinade, creating a balanced plate.

Huli Huli Chicken Combos

• Low-Sodium Swap: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce salt content while maintaining flavor depth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: For those without a grill, bake chicken at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, brushing with reserved marinade halfway through cooking.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinate similarly, and grill or bake until edges are crispy and golden brown.

FAQs

• What is Huli Huli Chicken originated from?

This Hawaiian dish was created by Ernest Morgado in the 1950s, inspired by a traditional cooking method where chicken was turned or “huli” frequently while grilling.

• Why is pineapple juice important in this recipe?

Pineapple juice adds a sweet and tangy flavor while helping to tenderize the chicken due to its natural enzyme bromelain, which breaks down protein.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out more quickly compared to thighs.

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, Huli Huli Chicken is more sweet and savory with a balanced blend of brown sugar, soy sauce, and spices, without significant heat or spiciness.

Huli Huli Chicken That’s Smoky, Sweet, And Hawaiian-Inspired

• Unlock Tropical Flavor Explosion: Discover why this Huli Huli Chicken recipe will become your new summer favorite.
• Quick and Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple marinating process mean you can whip up this delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Grilling Delight: Perfect for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, or a casual weekend meal that transports your taste buds to Hawaiian paradise.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein: Juicy chicken thighs absorb rich marinade flavors, creating a sweet-savory combination that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a guaranteed success.

All Elements Used In Huli Huli Chicken

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat that absorbs marinade well, ideal for grilling or baking.

• Light Brown Sugar, Ketchup, Light Soy Sauce, Pineapple Juice: Sweet, tangy sauce that caramelizes and creates a rich Hawaiian-style glaze for the chicken.

• Ginger Paste, Garlic Paste: Adds warm, sharp flavor depth to the marinade.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides bright acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Cumin, Coarse Black Pepper, Paprika: Provides subtle warmth and complexity to the sauce.

• Pineapple Rings: Traditional Hawaiian accompaniment that adds fresh, sweet contrast.
• Green Onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color to the finished dish.

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Process

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Soy sauce
• Pineapple juice
• Fresh ginger
• Minced garlic
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ground cumin
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Blend all ingredients until smooth and well combined, creating a sweet and tangy sauce that will transform your chicken.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Pour the marinade over chicken thighs in a large resealable bag.

Ensure every piece is completely coated.

Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Prepare Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature.

Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks.

Step 4: Cook Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade and discard the remaining liquid.

Grill chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side.

Look for a golden-brown exterior with slight charring and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Grill Pineapple

Add pineapple rings to the grill, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized with distinct grill marks.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter.

Top with freshly sliced green onions.

Arrange grilled pineapple rings alongside the chicken for a stunning tropical presentation.

Handy Tips for Huli Huli Chicken

• Let chicken marinate overnight to allow ingredients to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat, creating more intense Hawaiian-style taste.
• Maintain medium-high grill temperature and turn chicken every few minutes to achieve beautiful caramelization without charring excessively.
• Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts or tofu for different dietary preferences while keeping similar marinade ingredients.
• Select ripe, golden pineapples with minimal brown spots for grilling to ensure natural sugars caramelize perfectly and enhance overall dish flavor.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake without compromising the recipe's traditional Hawaiian-inspired taste profile.

Huli Huli Chicken Can Be Stored And Enjoyed Again

• Store leftover Huli Huli chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days.
• Wrap chicken tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air, and store for up to 3 months.
• Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and stopping when chicken reaches 165°F to preserve juiciness.

Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sizzling Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken brings island flavors to your dinner table with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy marinade. Grilled to golden perfection, you’ll savor each juicy bite of this classic Pacific dish that promises to transport your taste buds to tropical paradise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4–5 pounds (1.8–2.3 kilograms) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) light soy sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pineapple juice (canned)
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) ginger paste or minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) garlic paste or minced garlic

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
• Pineapple rings (from 1 pineapple or 1 can of slices, drained)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sliced green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, minced ginger, crushed garlic, apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, freshly cracked black pepper, and sweet paprika until thoroughly blended.
2. Transfer chicken thighs into a spacious, sealable plastic bag and generously coat with the prepared marinade. Seal and allow the chicken to absorb flavors in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours or ideally overnight.
3. Prepare the outdoor grill by heating to medium-high temperature, ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding the remaining liquid. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to promote better caramelization.
5. Carefully place marinated chicken onto the preheated grill, cooking for 6-8 minutes on each side. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops a beautiful caramelized char.
6. Simultaneously grill fresh pineapple rings, rotating them after 2-3 minutes to create appealing crosshatch grill marks and enhance their natural sweetness.
7. Plate the succulent chicken, garnishing with thinly sliced green onions and accompanied by the grilled pineapple rings for a tropical, flavor-packed presentation.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or tofu to accommodate different dietary preferences and create lighter protein options.
• Double the marinade ingredients to use half for basting during grilling, ensuring extra flavor and moisture for the meat.
• Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a quick sauce or glaze after cooking, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Consider using a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfect food safety without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg