Hawaiian Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Take your taste buds on a tropical getaway with this Hawaiian Grilled Huli Huli Chicken! Juicy, tender chicken thighs are marinated in a sweet and savory pineapple-soy glaze, then grilled until smoky and caramelized. It’s an easy, flavor-packed recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, or your next island-inspired gathering.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tropical Vibes – A bright, bold marinade featuring pineapple, garlic, and ginger.
Juicy Every Time – Chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful on the grill.
Crowd Favorite – Sweet, smoky, and perfect for feeding a group.
Simple to Make – Easy marinade and quick grilling make this a go-to meal.
Meal Prep Friendly – Marinate ahead and cook when ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Marinade:

• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional for depth)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp oil (for grilling)
• Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Grilled pineapple slices (optional for serving)

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon
Resealable plastic bag or container
Grill or grill pan
Tongs
Small saucepan (for glaze, optional)
Basting brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Marinade

1. In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
2. Reserve ½ cup of the marinade for glazing.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Lightly season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Place in a zip-top bag or container, pour in the marinade, and seal.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for the best flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
2. Brush grill grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

1. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
2. Grill chicken thighs for 5–7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
3. In the final minutes, brush with the reserved marinade for extra glaze and caramelization.

Step 5: Optional Glaze

1. Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer, and reduce for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Brush over chicken after grilling or serve on the side.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Rest the grilled chicken for 5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Serve with grilled pineapple slices, steamed rice, and tropical slaw.

Tips for Perfect Huli Huli Chicken
Use Chicken Thighs – They’re more flavorful and stay moist on the grill.
Marinate Longer – Overnight marinating gives the best flavor.
Avoid Flare-Ups – Keep a spray bottle of water nearby if grilling over open flame.
Baste Carefully – Apply glaze in the final minutes to prevent burning.
Double the Marinade – Make extra for dipping or serving over rice.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Jasmine or Coconut Rice – A perfect base for all that delicious sauce.
Grilled Pineapple – Adds natural sweetness and island flavor.
Tropical Coleslaw – Balances the savory with a bit of crunch and tang.
Hawaiian Rolls – Make sliders for a fun twist.
Grilled Veggies – Zucchini, peppers, and onions pair beautifully.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze grilled chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Grill or Skillet: Warm over medium heat for 5–7 minutes.
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes covered.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead?
   Yes! Pound them to even thickness for quicker, more even cooking.
2. Can I cook this in the oven?
   Definitely. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then broil for a caramelized top.
3. Is the sauce very sweet?
   It’s a balanced sweet-savory glaze, but you can reduce the sugar if desired.
4. Can I make it spicy?
   Add sriracha, chili paste, or more red pepper flakes to the marinade.
5. Is it gluten-free?
   Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is packed with tropical flavor, simple to prepare, and sure to impress. From backyard BBQs to weeknight dinners, it’s a go-to recipe that delivers every time. Sticky, sweet, smoky, and juicy—this is grilled chicken done right.

Give it a try and share your aloha-inspired plates—I’d love to see how you serve yours!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 700mg

Print