Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Few dishes capture the spirit of Hawaii quite like Huli Huli Chicken. This island favorite is smoky, sweet, savory, and irresistibly juicy. Traditionally cooked on outdoor grills and served at Hawaiian gatherings, it’s become a symbol of aloha hospitality and celebration.

The name “Huli Huli” comes from the Hawaiian word huli, which means “to turn.” Back in the 1950s, Ernest Morgado introduced this dish at a charity event, cooking marinated chicken on a rotisserie and calling out “huli” each time the chicken was flipped. The catchy name stuck, and soon Huli Huli Chicken was being sold at roadside stands and backyard luaus across the islands.

Today, it’s a global favorite—perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving tropical flavors at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Hawaiian flavor – sweet, smoky, tangy, and savory all in one bite.
• Crowd-pleaser – perfect for cookouts, parties, or family meals.
• Flexible cooking methods – can be grilled, baked, or even cooked on a stovetop grill pan.
• Easy to make ahead – marinade does the hard work while you relax.
• Transportive – one bite takes you straight to a Hawaiian beach.

Ingredients

For 6–8 servings:

Marinade

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• ½ cup brown sugar (or honey for variation)
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Chicken

• 3–4 pounds chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on preferred for flavor)

Garnish

• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• Extra pineapple slices (grilled, optional)

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Marinating time: 4–24 hours
• Cook time: 30–40 minutes
• Total time: Up to 1 day (mostly hands-off)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Marinade

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if using).
2. Taste and adjust balance—more sugar for sweetness, more soy sauce for saltiness, or extra vinegar for tang.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
2. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
3. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best for maximum flavor).
4. Reserve about 1 cup of marinade separately for basting later.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Traditional method:

1. Preheat grill to medium heat (350–375°F).
2. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
3. Place chicken skin-side down and grill, turning occasionally, for 30–40 minutes.
4. Baste with reserved marinade every 5–7 minutes for a glossy, caramelized finish.
5. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Alternative methods:

• Oven-bake: Roast at 400°F for 40–45 minutes, basting halfway through.
• Stovetop grill pan: Cook over medium heat, flipping and basting until cooked through.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

1. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
2. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and grilled pineapple slices.
3. Serve with steamed rice, macaroni salad, or tropical slaw.

Flavor Profile

Huli Huli Chicken is all about balance:

• Sweetness from pineapple juice and brown sugar.
• Saltiness from soy sauce.
• Tanginess from vinegar and ketchup.
• Smokiness from grilling and caramelization.
• Warm spice from ginger, garlic, and chili flakes.

The result is chicken that’s deeply flavorful, juicy, and finger-licking delicious.

Variations

• Boneless Chicken: Use boneless thighs or breasts for quicker cooking.
• Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or extra chili flakes to the marinade.
• Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
• Pineapple Glaze: Reduce reserved marinade on the stovetop to a thick glaze for brushing.
• Vegetarian Twist: Use the marinade for tofu, tempeh, or portobello mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions

Pair Huli Huli Chicken with:

• Steamed Jasmine or Coconut Rice – soaks up the flavorful juices.
• Hawaiian Macaroni Salad – a creamy, cool contrast.
• Grilled Pineapple – enhances the tropical theme.
• Coleslaw or Mango Slaw – adds crunch and freshness.
• Sweet Rolls or Hawaiian Bread – soft and slightly sweet to balance the flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Marinate ahead: Chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance.
• Refrigerate leftovers: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Marinate raw chicken, then freeze in bags for up to 2 months. Thaw and grill later.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F or on the stovetop with a splash of marinade.

Nutrition (Per Serving, approx.)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Sugar: 18g

Values vary depending on cuts of chicken and adjustments to marinade.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t rush the marinade – overnight yields the best flavor.
2. Baste often – this builds layers of flavor and caramelization.
3. Grill over indirect heat – prevents burning from sugar in marinade.
4. Use bone-in chicken – stays juicier and more flavorful.
5. Let it rest – keeps juices locked inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Huli Huli Chicken taste like?
It’s smoky, sweet, tangy, and savory—like Hawaiian BBQ with a tropical twist.

Can I bake it instead of grilling?
Yes! Baking still delivers amazing flavor, especially if you baste frequently.

Can I make it with chicken breasts?
Absolutely, but monitor cooking time carefully to avoid drying out.

Why do you reserve marinade?
To baste safely during cooking without contaminating food. Always set some aside before marinating raw chicken.

Conclusion

Huli Huli Chicken is more than a recipe—it’s a celebration of Hawaiian culture, tradition, and flavor. With its irresistible balance of sweet, smoky, and savory notes, this dish is perfect for gatherings, backyard BBQs, or even a weeknight family dinner.

Whether you grill it outdoors with friends or bake it in the oven on a cozy evening, Huli Huli Chicken brings a taste of aloha to your table. Once you try it, you’ll see why it has been beloved across Hawaii and beyond for decades.

So fire up the grill, say huli! when you turn your chicken, and get ready to enjoy one of Hawaii’s most iconic dishes.