Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian classic that turns any meal into a backyard luau. Juicy chicken is marinated in a sweet-and-savory glaze of soy sauce, pineapple, and ginger, then grilled to perfection with irresistible smoky char. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners exciting and gatherings unforgettable. With every bite, you’ll taste sunshine, island flavor, and the magic of sharing food with loved ones.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Huli Huli Chicken
Huli Huli Chicken brings irresistible flavors that dance on your taste buds. The rich, sweet sauce and grilled goodness create a meal that everyone loves. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, turning any dinner into a joyful occasion.
Each bite is filled with the magic of summer, making it an ideal choice for backyard barbecues or warm evenings. You will find that the season’s warmth and joy are baked right into this dish!
The Cozy Secret Behind This Recipe
This recipe holds a special place in my heart. It brings back memories of family gatherings during summer. My aunt would fire up the grill, and we’d gather around, waiting for that tantalizing aroma to fill the air. Once it was ready, we all dove into the delicious Huli Huli Chicken, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. That sense of togetherness makes this dish even more special.
Ingredient You Will Need
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Baking Fun
1. Get the Marinade Ready
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to make the marinade. This tasty mixture is what makes Huli Huli Chicken so amazing!
Once everything is mixed, place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over them. Let it soak up those flavors for at least 2 hours, but it’s even better if you can marinate them overnight!
2. Grill Up the Chicken
After marinating, it’s time to fire up the grill! Preheat it to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and place it on the grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and has a lovely char.
Don’t forget to baste with remaining marinade while grilling! It adds extra flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
3. Add the Finishing Touches
To give your Huli Huli Chicken a pop of color and flavor, garnish it with fresh green onions. This simple step adds a nice touch, making your dish look as good as it tastes.
Now you’re ready to enjoy this delicious chicken!
How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken in Style
Huli Huli Chicken is fantastic on its own but can be served in fun ways! Try pairing it with a colorful salad or a side of jasmine rice for a complete meal.
For a festive touch, serve it on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at family gatherings or parties. You can even create a Hawaiian-themed dinner night with tropical drinks and decorations!
How to Store (If Any Survive!)
If there are any leftovers of your delightful Huli Huli Chicken, don’t worry! Let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for about 3-4 days.
To reheat, simply warm it on the grill or in a microwave. While it may lose some of its char, the flavors will still shine bright!
Fun Twists and Variations
Want to switch things up? Try adding a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick! You can also mix in different spices, like paprika or cayenne pepper, to give the marinade a unique twist.
If you like a tropical feel, toss in diced strawberries or mango to the marinade for a fruity flavor explosion. The possibilities are endless!
Hungry for More?
If one recipe is never enough, you’re in the right place. I’ve gathered a cozy mix of our most-loved and up-and-coming dishes over on the Recipe Trends page. Go take a peek you just might find your next family favorite waiting there.
Huli Huli Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over them. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
- Baste with the remaining marinade while grilling to enhance flavor and juiciness.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish the Huli Huli Chicken with fresh green onions before serving.
- Serve with colorful salads or jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
Can I marinate Huli Huli Chicken overnight?
Yes! In fact, overnight marinating gives the chicken even more flavor. Just keep it refrigerated in a sealed bag or container. If you’re short on time, even 2 hours makes a big difference, but overnight gives you the juiciest, most flavorful results.
What should I serve with Huli Huli Chicken?
This chicken pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, grilled pineapple, or a fresh green salad. For a Hawaiian-inspired feast, add macaroni salad and tropical drinks. It’s also great chopped up in wraps, tacos, or over rice bowls for easy weeknight meals.
Can I cook this without a grill?
Absolutely. If you don’t have a grill, bake it at 375°F for 25–30 minutes or use a stovetop grill pan. You won’t get the same smoky char, but the flavor from the marinade still makes it irresistible. A quick broil at the end helps mimic grilled edges.
How do I keep leftovers juicy when reheating?
Warm leftovers in a covered skillet with a splash of pineapple juice or water to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving too long since it can dry out the chicken. A quick reheat on the grill also revives the charred flavor beautifully.
Bake, Share, and Pin for Later
Now that you’ve discovered the joy of cooking Huli Huli Chicken, it’s time to bake this delightful dish at home! Share it with loved ones and create your own beautiful memories around the table.
Don’t forget to save this on Pinterest to bake it later! Enjoy every bite!
Let’s Stay Connected
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