🍍 Huli Huli Chicken – Sweet & Tangy Hawaiian BBQ

When I think of the ultimate backyard dinner, Huli Huli Chicken immediately comes to mind. This Hawaiian-inspired dish has been one of my favorite recipes to share with family and friends because it is a true crowd-pleaser. I still remember the first time I made it for a summer gathering – the smell of the sweet, smoky marinade sizzling on the grill had everyone rushing to the table before it was even ready. Huli Huli literally means “turn, turn” in Hawaiian, which is exactly what you do as the chicken cooks to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that make each bite irresistible. The chicken stays tender and juicy thanks to the flavorful marinade, which caramelizes beautifully on the grill. You will love how quickly it comes together with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you are feeding your family on a busy night or hosting a weekend cookout, this recipe will make everyone happy.

Versatile

Huli Huli Chicken can be made on an outdoor grill for a smoky, charred finish or cooked indoors in a grill pan or oven if the weather doesn’t cooperate. The marinade works well with other proteins too, so you can easily swap in chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even boneless chicken breasts depending on what you have available. It also pairs well with rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp salad, making it a versatile main dish that can fit into any menu plan.

Affordable

Another reason I love this dish is how budget-friendly it is. Most of the ingredients are staples you probably already have, like soy sauce, ketchup, ginger, and garlic. Using chicken thighs makes it even more affordable without sacrificing flavor or quality. You can easily make enough to feed a crowd without spending too much, which is perfect for family-style gatherings or meal prep.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)

• 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup pineapple juice

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening sauce)

How to Prepare Huli Huli Chicken

Making Huli Huli Chicken at home is simple and straightforward, yet the results taste like something you would get from a Hawaiian food truck. The key is allowing the chicken to soak up all the wonderful flavors from the marinade before cooking. This dish is perfect for busy evenings because you can prepare the marinade ahead of time, let the chicken rest in the refrigerator, and cook it when you are ready. The aroma as it cooks is enough to get everyone excited for dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper. Whisk until the sugar has fully dissolved, and the mixture is smooth. Taste the marinade and adjust for sweetness or saltiness if needed.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, let it marinate for 4 to 6 hours. Reserve the remaining marinade in the refrigerator for basting and making the glaze.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill or Pan

When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a stovetop grill pan, brush it lightly with oil and heat it until hot. Preheating ensures a nice sear on the chicken and helps lock in the juices.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Place the pieces skin side down on the hot grill or pan. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, turning frequently to prevent burning. The goal is to cook the chicken through while achieving a nice caramelized crust.

Step 5: Baste While Cooking

Brush the chicken with the reserved marinade every time you turn it. This step builds layers of flavor and keeps the chicken moist. Continue grilling and basting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Make the Glaze (Optional)

While the chicken cooks, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the marinade. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Brush with extra glaze if desired and serve hot with rice, grilled pineapple, or vegetables.

Quick and Easy

Although the marinade benefits from a longer rest time, you can still make this dish on a busy night by marinating for just 30 minutes. The bold flavors soak into the chicken quickly and deliver a delicious result even with minimal waiting time.

Customizable

You can adjust this recipe to suit your preferences. Use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat or chicken drumsticks for a fun handheld version. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade if you want some heat or a splash of extra pineapple juice for a sweeter profile.

Popular with Many People

Huli Huli Chicken is loved by kids and adults alike, which makes it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or summer parties. The combination of sweet and savory notes pleases even picky eaters, and the caramelized finish always impresses guests.

🍍 Huli Huli Chicken – Sweet & Tangy Hawaiian BBQ

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Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian-inspired dish featuring a sweet, savory marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Perfect for summer cookouts or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 15
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening sauce)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and pepper until well combined.
2. Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over them. Coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for 4–6 hours (or at least 1 hour). Reserve the remaining marinade.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat or heat a grill pan on the stove.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, turning frequently to prevent burning.
5. Baste chicken with reserved marinade as it cooks. Continue turning until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. To make a glaze, simmer the remaining marinade in a small saucepan. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened.
7. Remove chicken from grill, rest for 5 minutes, then brush with glaze and serve hot with rice, grilled pineapple, or vegetables.

Notes

Chicken breasts, drumsticks, or chicken ham may be substituted.

For oven preparation, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes, turning once.

Marinate longer for deeper flavor, ideally overnight.

Add red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy variation.

FAQs

Can I bake Huli Huli Chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, you can easily bake this chicken if you do not have access to a grill. Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes, turning once halfway through. Brush with the reserved marinade during the last 10 minutes to create a glossy finish.

Can I use chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely. Chicken breasts work well, but because they are leaner, avoid overcooking them. Grill or bake until they reach 165°F (74°C) and brush with extra glaze before serving to keep them juicy.

How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight. However, even 30 minutes will give you good results if you are short on time.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes. Place the chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

What can I serve with Huli Huli Chicken?
It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, fresh pineapple, or a light cabbage slaw.