Name: Mouthwatering Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken for BBQ Lovers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner cut.); 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (Opt for gluten-free for a suitable variation.); 3/4 cup Brown Sugar (Honey or coconut sugar can be used as alternatives.); 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice (Fresh pineapple can be blended as a substitute.); 1/4 cup Ketchup (Low-sugar or homemade ketchup is a healthier choice.); 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil (Any neutral oil, such as canola or avocado, works.); 1 tablespoon Minced Fresh Ginger (Ground ginger can be used in a pinch, though fresh is preferred.); 2 cloves Garlic (minced) (Garlic powder can substitute if fresh garlic isn't handy.); 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (A blend of apple cider vinegar and sugar can serve as a replacement.); 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground offers the best flavor.); 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onion (Use fresh herbs like cilantro for a different flair.); 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (Optional for a crunchy texture and nutty touch.)

The sound of sizzling chicken on the grill is like music to my ears, especially when I whip up a batch of Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken. This dish offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that transport me straight to a tropical paradise with every bite. Perfect for backyard barbecues or an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but delivers wonderfully juicy chicken that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re looking to elevate your grilling game or simply want a comforting meal that feels like a vacation on a plate, this recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen. Ready to dive into this Hawaiian delight? Let’s get grilling!

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Why is Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken So Special?

Tropical Flavor Explosion: The unique blend of sweet pineapple juice and savory soy sauce infuses the chicken with an irresistible taste that whisks you away to a Hawaiian beach.

Easy to Prepare: With minimal ingredients and a simple marinating process, this recipe is perfect for busy home cooks who want a flavorful dish without the fuss.

Grill Perfection: Achieving a caramelized, tender exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside is a breeze, making it an excellent choice for grilling enthusiasts.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Serve this dish at your next BBQ, and watch your friends and family rave about its delectable flavor. Pair it with grilled vegetables or coconut rice for a complete meal.

Versatile Options: Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for breasts or make it spicier with added chili flakes. This recipe adapts to your taste, like our equally delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli for those who love comfort food.

Get ready to make this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken a star in your kitchen!

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Ingredients

For the Marinade

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – Tender and juicy, perfect for absorbing the marinade’s flavors; substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner cut.
Soy Sauce – Delivers savory umami goodness; opt for a gluten-free soy sauce for a suitable variation.
Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps achieve a beautiful caramelization; honey or coconut sugar can be used as alternatives.
Pineapple Juice – Provides sweetness and acidity, enhancing the chicken’s tenderness; fresh pineapple can be blended as a substitute.
Ketchup – Introduces tangy sweetness; low-sugar or homemade ketchup is a healthier choice.
Vegetable Oil – Keeps the chicken moist while grilling; any neutral oil, such as canola or avocado, works.
Minced Fresh Ginger – Infuses warm spice into the dish; ground ginger can be used in a pinch, though fresh is preferred.
Garlic (minced) – Deepens the flavor profile; garlic powder can substitute if fresh garlic isn’t handy.
Rice Vinegar – Adds necessary acidity for flavor balance; a blend of apple cider vinegar and sugar can serve as a replacement.
Black Pepper – Enhances seasoning with a subtle kick; freshly ground offers the best flavor.

For Garnishing

Chopped Green Onion – Adds color and mild spice, or use fresh herbs like cilantro for a different flair.
Sesame Seeds – Optional for a crunchy texture and nutty touch, elevating your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken experience.

Now that we have the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the exciting preparation and grilling process!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Marinade
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, ketchup, vegetable oil, minced ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and black pepper. This flavorful mixture will enhance the chicken, creating that signature Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken taste. Set the marinade aside while you prepare the chicken, allowing the ingredients to blend beautifully.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken
Place your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to permeate deeply into the chicken, enhancing its tenderness and taste.

Step 3: Preheat Grill
As the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Ensuring the grill is hot enough is crucial for achieving that perfect caramelized exterior on your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes, giving you time to prepare for grilling.

Step 4: Remove Chicken
After marinating, take the chicken out of the refrigerator. Allow the excess marinade to drip off before placing it on the grill, as this prevents flare-ups and ensures even cooking. Visual cues, such as the marinade clinging to the chicken, will indicate it’s ready to go on the grill for that tantalizing barbecue flavor.

Step 5: Grill Chicken
Lay the marinated chicken thighs onto the preheated grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should have beautiful grill marks and a slightly charred look, indicating it’s cooked perfectly while remaining juicy and flavorful, true to the essence of Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.

Step 6: Baste (Optional)
In the final few minutes of grilling, for an extra layer of flavor, you can brush the chicken with reserved marinade. This step enhances the sweetness and richness of the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken. Make sure to discard any excess marinade left in the bowl for food safety reasons, especially after it has been in contact with raw chicken.

Step 7: Rest Chicken
Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, carefully remove it from the grill and place it on a cutting board or plate. Allow the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is succulent and tender.

Step 8: Garnish & Serve
Before serving, slice the chicken against the grain for the best texture. Top with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. Present your beautiful Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken to your eager guests, capturing the essence of a tropical BBQ experience.

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Make Ahead Options

These Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken thighs are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time on meal prep! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply whisk together the marinade ingredients, coat the chicken in it, and refrigerate it in a resealable bag or dish. This method not only contributes to tender, flavorful meat but also makes your grilling day effortless. On the day you’re ready to grill, just remove the chicken from the marinade (discarding any leftover) and cook it as instructed. With this simple prep, you’ll enjoy delicious, restaurant-quality Hawaiian flavor with minimal last-minute effort!

Expert Tips for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Marinate Longer: For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken overnight. This enhances the sweetness and savory notes of the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.
Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure there’s enough space between the chicken pieces on the grill. This allows for even cooking and prevents steaming, ensuring that perfect grilled texture.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safely cooked while remaining juicy—never under or overcook!
Baste Smartly: If you choose to baste with leftover marinade during grilling, do so in the last few minutes. However, discard any marinade that has come in contact with raw chicken to ensure food safety.
Rest Before Slicing: Let the grilled chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a tender bite of Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.

What to Serve with Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Complement your tropical feast with delightful sides that enhance the flavors of this succulent chicken.

Grilled Pineapple: The natural sweetness of grilled pineapple perfectly aligns with the tropical notes in the chicken, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut rice adds a luscious texture and a subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the tangy glaze of the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.
Fresh Tropical Salad: A mix of vibrant greens, mango, and avocado creates a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors, enhancing your meal with fresh, zesty notes.
Grilled Vegetables: Colorful veggies like bell peppers and zucchini bring a smoky element, rounding out the meal while adding healthy crunch and nutrition.
Chilled Cucumber Salad: The coolness of cucumbers with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the savory notes, providing a refreshing palate cleanser amidst delicious BBQ flavors.
Mai Tai Cocktail: This classic Hawaiian drink with rum, lime juice, and orgeat syrup echoes the tropical theme and adds a festive twist to your meal.

By pairing these sides, you’ll create a vibrant, flavorful dining experience that truly celebrates the essence of Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Variations

Feel free to get creative and personalize your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken experience with these enticing variations.

Gluten-Free:
Substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce for a safe delight that everyone can enjoy. Your barbecue will remain just as flavorful without compromising on taste!
Spicy Twist:
Add chili flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for those who crave extra heat. A little spice will elevate the tropical flavors and add excitement to every bite.
Citrus Zest:
Incorporate the zest of fresh lime or orange into the marinade for a bright, zesty kick that complements the sweetness of the pineapple juice beautifully. It brings an uplifting freshness to the dish.
Veggie Medley:
Grill some diced bell peppers or onions alongside the chicken to introduce colorful veggies, adding flavor and texture. They caramelize beautifully, offering a wonderful contrast to the juicy chicken.
Honey Substitute:
If you’re looking for a natural sweetener, consider replacing brown sugar with honey for a different sweetness profile. Mixing in honey will add a lovely richness that pairs perfectly with the marinade.
Serving Twist:
Serve your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken on a bed of coconut rice or alongside some grilled pineapple for a traditional Hawaiian touch. This makes for a complete, mouthwatering meal enhancement!
Smoky Flavor:
For a smoky twist, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade before grilling. This adds depth that perfectly complements the tropical flavors, creating a BBQ experience like no other.
Herb Infusion:
Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil in the marinade for an aromatic twist. This lightens the dish and adds a refreshing layer that works beautifully with the grilled chicken.

Explore these variations, and don’t forget to check out other delightful recipes, such as our Mexican Rotisserie Chicken or the savory Grilled Chicken Skewers for even more flavor-packed meals!

Storage Tips for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken fresh and ready to enjoy again.
Freezer: If you want to save it for later, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To maintain moisture, reheat on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat, covering it to prevent it from drying out. Enjoy the flavors just as wonderfully as when it was first made!
Avoid Temperature Fluctuations: Keep cooked chicken at a consistent refrigerator or freezer temperature to ensure safety and quality.

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Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken works best for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the star of this dish, as they are tender and juicy, allowing for maximum flavor absorption from the marinade. You can absolutely substitute chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, but remember, thighs tend to stay juicier during the grilling process!

How should I store leftover Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best results, reheat on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat, covering to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months—just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating!

Can I freeze Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the cooked chicken to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring it’s well-sealed to avoid freezer burn. For reheating, gently thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on a grill or skillet for the best texture and flavor.

What if my marinade isn’t thick enough?
If your marinade appears too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it on the stove over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes until it reduces slightly. This creates a more robust flavor and ensures it clings better to the chicken, resulting in a beautiful glaze once grilled. Just remember to discard any marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken for safety!

Are there any dietary considerations for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken?
If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, don’t worry! You can use gluten-free soy sauce to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities. Additionally, if you’re concerned about sugar intake, consider substituting brown sugar with honey or coconut sugar for a healthier option, just adjust to taste. Always double-check the labels of your ingredients for allergens.