Huli Huli Chicken is a delightful dish bursting with Hawaiian flavors that can transport you straight to the tropical islands with each bite. A combination of tangy, sweet, and savory elements, this chicken recipe is perfect for grilling during the summer months or any time you crave a taste of the tropics.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a unique blend of flavors that impresses family and guests alike. The marinade, which includes soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and ginger, infuses the chicken with a delicious depth of flavor while keeping it tender and juicy. Plus, garnishing with fresh pineapple and green onions adds a vibrant touch that enhances its presentation.

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken

Making Huli Huli Chicken is a straightforward process that requires just a few ingredients and some time for marinating. Here’s how to prepare this delicious dish.

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs
4 chicken drumsticks
1 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chopped fresh pineapple (for garnish)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, ketchup, ginger, garlic, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Add the chicken to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
Grill the chicken for about 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with chopped pineapple and sliced green onions before serving.

How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken is best served hot off the grill. Pair it with steamed rice, a light salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. The delicious garnishes of fresh pineapple and green onions not only elevate the dish’s appearance but also add an extra burst of flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.

How to Store Huli Huli Chicken

If you have leftovers, store the grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating is easy; just pop it in the microwave or on a grill to regain its juicy texture. You can also freeze the marinated chicken before grilling and store it for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator before grilling for a quick meal option.

Tips to Make Huli Huli Chicken

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. This allows the flavors to fully absorb into the meat.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade.
Don’t skip allowing the chicken to rest after grilling—it helps to retain moisture.

Variation

Feel free to switch up the proteins! This marinade works well with pork chops or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different fruits for garnishing such as mango or papaya to give it a Caribbean twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used. Just note that cooking times may vary, so monitor until fully cooked.

2. Is Huli Huli Chicken spicy?
No, Huli Huli Chicken is not typically spicy. However, you can adjust the marinade with spices or pepper if you prefer some heat.

3. Can I grill Huli Huli Chicken in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally with the marinade until fully cooked.

Huli Huli Chicken

A delightful Hawaiian dish bursting with tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, perfect for grilling and garnished with fresh pineapple and green onions.

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 35

Total Time 2 35

Serving Size servings

Ingredients

For the Marinade

1 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken and Garnish

4 pieces chicken thighs
4 pieces chicken drumsticks
1 cup chopped fresh pineapple for garnish
2 pieces green onions sliced for garnish

Instructions

Preparation

In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, ketchup, ginger, garlic, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Add the chicken to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Grilling

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
Grill the chicken for about 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.

Serving

Garnish with chopped pineapple and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade. Don’t skip allowing the chicken to rest after grilling—it helps to retain moisture.