Name: Savory Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken for Summer Grilling Bliss
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 396 min
Ingredients: 4 pounds boneless chicken thighs (Tender and juicy when grilled; can substitute with chicken breasts, drumsticks, or bone-in thighs.); 0.5 cup light brown sugar (Adds sweetness and enhances caramelization; no substitute recommended.); 0.5 cup ketchup (Provides a rich, tangy flavor; barbecue sauce could be an alternative but may alter taste.); 1 cup canned pineapple juice; 0.5 cup light soy sauce (Adds depth and umami flavor; tamari can be used for a gluten-free version.); 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (Enhances flavor complexity; no substitutes noted.); 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (Offers a tangy acidity; white vinegar can be used in a pinch.); 0.5 teaspoon minced fresh ginger (Contributes warmth and spice; powdered ginger can work as a substitute.); 4 cloves minced garlic (Adds a robust savory flavor; fresh is preferred over garlic powder.); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (Provides smokiness; regular paprika can be used if a smoky flavor is not desired.); 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper (Essential for seasoning; white pepper may be used for a milder flavor.); Fresh pineapple slices (Grill alongside chicken to enhance flavor and add a tropical touch.); Vegetable oil (Grease the grill grates to prevent sticking.); Sliced green onions (Use for garnish, offering a fresh and crunchy element to your presentation.)

On a sunny afternoon, the scent of marinated chicken sizzling on the grill brought back memories of my last Hawaiian getaway. That’s exactly what I aim to replicate with my Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken—a dish that not only transports you to paradise but is also easy to whip up for your next summer cookout. This flavorful grilled chicken strikes the perfect balance of sweet and smoky, thanks to a delightful marinade that infuses the meat with a tropical flair. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that makes entertaining effortless and fun! Serve it alongside grilled pineapple and fluffy coconut jasmine rice, and you’ll have a meal that feels like a vacation on a plate. Curious to dive into this culinary escape? Let's get started!

Why is Huli Huli Chicken unforgettable?

Easy to Prepare: The marinade comes together in just minutes, making it a breeze to prep for your next gathering.
Flavor Explosion: Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
Versatile Options: Whether grilled chicken thighs, kabobs, or wings, this recipe is adaptable for any occasion or preference.
Crowd Favorite: Perfect for summer cookouts, it guarantees smiles and satisfied bellies all around.
Authentic Hawaiian Touch: This dish brings a taste of Hawaii right to your backyard, elevating your cookout experience to an island getaway.
Explore more delicious recipes like grilled summer vegetables to pair with this flavorful chicken!

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Ingredients

For the Marinade
• 4 pounds boneless chicken thighs – Tender and juicy when grilled; can substitute with chicken breasts, drumsticks, or bone-in thighs.
• ½ cup light brown sugar – Adds sweetness and enhances caramelization; no substitute recommended.
• ½ cup ketchup – Provides a rich, tangy flavor; barbecue sauce could be an alternative but may alter taste.
• 1 cup canned pineapple juice – Base of the marinade for a sweet, tropical flavor; avoid using fresh pineapple juice as it can over-tenderize the meat.
• ½ cup light soy sauce – Adds depth and umami flavor; tamari can be used for a gluten-free version.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – Enhances flavor complexity; no substitutes noted.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – Offers a tangy acidity; white vinegar can be used in a pinch.
• ½ teaspoon minced fresh ginger – Contributes warmth and spice; powdered ginger can work as a substitute.
• 4 cloves minced garlic – Adds a robust savory flavor; fresh is preferred over garlic powder.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Provides smokiness; regular paprika can be used if a smoky flavor is not desired.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – Essential for seasoning; white pepper may be used for a milder flavor.

For Grilling
• Fresh pineapple slices – Grill alongside chicken to enhance flavor and add a tropical touch.
• Vegetable oil – Grease the grill grates to prevent sticking.
• Sliced green onions – Use for garnish, offering a fresh and crunchy element to your presentation.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large resealable bag, combine ½ cup light brown sugar, ½ cup ketchup, 1 cup canned pineapple juice, ½ cup light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon minced fresh ginger, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Ensure everything is well mixed before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Reserve ½ cup of the marinade in the refrigerator for later basting. Add 4 pounds of boneless chicken thighs into the remaining marinade, seal the bag tightly, and gently massage it to coat all the chicken pieces. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight, allowing the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken to absorb those delicious flavors.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill
About 20-30 minutes before grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean. Lightly oil the grill grates using vegetable oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. While the grill heats up, remove the marinated chicken from the fridge to bring it to room temperature.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated grill and cook for about 6 minutes without moving them, allowing those signature grill marks to form. After 6 minutes, flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Step 5: Baste and Finish Grilling
Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade, then flip it again. Continue to grill for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is beautifully charred—about 15-16 minutes total grilling time.

Step 6: Grill the Pineapple
While the chicken is finishing, place fresh pineapple slices on the grill. Grill until marked, about 2-3 minutes per side, allowing them to caramelize slightly. This step adds a delightful tropical twist to complement your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the chicken and pineapple are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill. Let the chicken rest briefly before slicing. Serve your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken along with the grilled pineapple slices, garnishing with sliced green onions for that fresh crunch and color contrast.

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken and make it uniquely yours! Let your taste buds explore different flavors and textures.

Breast Swap: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option. Keep an eye on grilling time as they cook faster.
Kabobs Galore: Thread marinated chicken pieces with colorful bell peppers and skewered pineapple chunks. Grilled kabobs are a fantastic party treat!
Wing It: Transform this recipe into crispy Huli Huli chicken wings, perfect for game day snacks. Just be sure to adjust the grilling time for those smaller pieces.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra zing that will excite your palate!
Smoky Twist: Instead of smoked paprika, use chipotle powder for a deeper, smokier flavor that adds a delightful warmth to the dish.
Coconut Infusion: Replace half of the pineapple juice with coconut milk for a rich and creamy marinade, giving a more tropical essence.
Fresh Herb Burst: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into the marinade for a vibrant, aromatic lift that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
Grill Veggies: Don’t just stop at chicken; add some zucchini or corn on the cob to the grill for a colorful summer vegetable medley. These pair wonderfully with the chicken!

These variations provide endless possibilities to personalize your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken. Don’t forget to check out other delightful recipes for grilled summer vegetables to complement your meal!

Expert Tips for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Marinate Longer: A longer marination time of up to 48 hours will yield even more vibrant flavor in your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.
Reserved Marinade Caution: Ensure that you only use the reserved marinade for basting that hasn't touched raw chicken. This avoids cross-contamination and keeps your dish safe to enjoy.
Room Temperature Rest: Allow the marinated chicken to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before grilling. This promotes even cooking and juiciness.
Watch the Grill Temp: Preheat your grill to medium-high; too high, and the outside will char before the inside cooks, leading to dry chicken.
Perfectly Grilled Pineapple: For a delightful touch, grill pineapple slices the last few minutes of cooking. Their natural sugars caramelize, adding a sweet burst that complements the chicken.

Make Ahead Options

These Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken meal prep tips will save you time and make your busy weeknights a breeze! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing it to soak in all those delightful flavors. For best results, after mixing the marinade, simply add the chicken to a resealable bag, coat it well, and refrigerate. If you have leftovers, grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just grill the marinated chicken and pineapple slices, finishing them on the grill until beautifully charred. This way, you can enjoy an island-inspired feast with minimal effort!

Storage Tips for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Fridge: Store leftover Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful for your quick meals.

Freezer: For longer-lasting freshness, freeze the cooked chicken in airtight freezer bags for up to 3 months. Label bags with the date to keep track.

Reheating: Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating. Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave, ensuring it's heated through to maintain moisture.

Serving Tip: Reheat alongside grilled pineapple slices for a delicious reunion of flavors.

What to Serve With Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Bring your summer cookout to life with delicious pairing options that complement the tropical vibes of this vibrant dish.

Coconut Jasmine Rice: This aromatic side absorbs the savory marinade’s goodness, creating a light and fluffy base that beautifully balances the flavors.
Grilled Pineapple Slices: Enhance your meal with naturally sweet and caramelized pineapple—its juiciness elevates the chicken's smoky notes while nodding to Hawaiian traditions.
Summer Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion are grilled to tender perfection, adding crunchy textures and fresh flavors to your plate.
Mango Salad: A refreshing mango salad with lime dressing adds a burst of sweetness, perfectly contrasting the savory notes of the chicken and keeping that tropical feel.
Hawaiian Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw with a tangy dressing provides crunch and creaminess, balancing the richness of the chicken.
Light Beer or Pineapple Mocktail: Serve chilled, refreshing beverages that echo the tropical flavors—think a crisp light beer or a fruity pineapple mocktail for a lively touch.

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken works best for Huli Huli Chicken?
Absolutely! The best choice for Huli Huli Chicken is boneless chicken thighs. They remain juicy and tender when grilled. However, you can also use chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even bone-in thighs if you prefer.

How should I store leftover Huli Huli Chicken?
You can store leftover Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain its moisture, gently reheat it. Just be sure to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Can I freeze Huli Huli Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it! To do so, let the cooked chicken cool completely, then place it in airtight freezer bags. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge and reheat it until warmed throughout.

What should I do if my chicken is overcooked?
If your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken turns out to be overcooked, don’t worry! You can slice it into strips and sauté it in a little chicken broth or a sauce of your choice to reintroduce moisture. This also works well if you want to create a chicken salad or a wrap.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Definitely! To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the light soy sauce with tamari. It will maintain the umami flavor of the marinade without the gluten. Just check the labels of your other ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce, to ensure they're gluten-free as well.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
To ensure your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer! It should register at least 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken. Alternatively, you can cut into the chicken and check that the juices run clear, with no pink remaining.