Introduction

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a tropical-inspired dish that brings the sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors of Hawaii right to your grill. The term “Huli Huli” translates to “turn, turn,” referring to the technique of turning the chicken on the grill to ensure it’s perfectly caramelized and tender. With each flip, you get that golden, crispy skin while the meat inside stays juicy and flavorful. The marinade, a delicious blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger, creates a tangy, sweet, and umami-packed profile that’s irresistibly good.

One of my favorite memories of making Grilled Huli Huli Chicken was during a summer barbecue with friends. The moment the chicken hit the grill, the sweet aroma from the pineapple and brown sugar started to fill the air, and everyone gathered around in anticipation. As the chicken cooked, I could see the glaze turning into a beautiful caramelized crust, and the sizzle was music to my ears. When we finally dug in, the combination of flavors was absolutely heavenly. The tangy sweetness paired with the savory depth of soy sauce made for an unforgettable bite.

What I love about this recipe is how it brings the vibrant, tropical flavors of the islands right into your backyard. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, enjoying a weeknight dinner, or planning a summer get-together, Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is the perfect dish to try. It’s a crowd-pleaser, super easy to prepare, and sure to transport your taste buds to a sunny Hawaiian island with each bite.

Perfect for:

Summer cookouts
Weeknight dinners
Family gatherings
BBQ parties
Tropical-themed meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is sure to be a hit:

Tropical Sweetness: The pineapple and brown sugar marinade creates a delightful sweetness that complements the savory soy sauce, bringing the perfect balance of flavors.
Perfectly Grilled: The chicken is grilled to perfection, with crispy, caramelized edges and juicy, tender meat that’s packed with flavor.
Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, this recipe is easy to prepare yet bursting with delicious tropical flavors.
Easy to Make: The marinade is simple to make, and grilling the chicken is a quick process, making this dish both easy and fast.
Great for Outdoor Cooking: Perfect for grilling outdoors, whether you’re using a traditional grill, charcoal, or even an indoor grill pan.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour (includes marinating time)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30-45 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup pineapple juice
½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

Pineapple Juice: This ingredient adds a natural sweetness and tang, helping to tenderize the chicken while providing a tropical twist.
Soy Sauce: Provides a rich, salty base to balance the sweetness of the pineapple juice and brown sugar, adding depth of flavor to the marinade.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness and enhances the savory flavors in the marinade.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic bring a burst of aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the pineapple and the umami of the soy sauce.
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way to impart a nutty, earthy flavor that enhances the dish’s overall profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken:

Prepare the Marinade:

Combine the Marinade Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well until the sugar dissolves completely.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 45 minutes for more flavor.

Grill the Chicken:

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). If using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down to a steady medium-high heat.
Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and place the chicken on the preheated grill. Grill the chicken for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown with crispy, caramelized edges.
Turn the Chicken: Make sure to turn the chicken halfway through grilling to achieve an even, perfectly cooked result.

Serve and Garnish:

Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds for an added crunch. Serve with your favorite side dishes like rice, grilled vegetables, or a tropical fruit salad.

How to Serve

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments:

With Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of jasmine rice, coconut rice, or even quinoa for a filling meal.
With Grilled Vegetables: Pair with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or pineapple slices to bring out the tropical theme.
On a Salad: Slice the grilled chicken and serve it on top of a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a lighter meal.
With Potato Salad: Serve with a creamy potato salad for a classic summer BBQ combination.
With a Cold Drink: Pair with a refreshing drink like iced tea, a fruity cocktail, or coconut water for a tropical touch.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Grilled Huli Huli Chicken turns out perfectly every time:

Don’t Over-Marinade: While the marinade adds flavor and tenderness, marinating the chicken for too long (over 2 hours) can cause the meat to become too soft. 30 to 45 minutes is ideal.
Grill with the Skin Side Down (for skin-on chicken): If you’re using skin-on chicken, grill with the skin side down first to get a nice crispy texture.
Baste with Extra Marinade: For extra flavor, reserve a little bit of the marinade (before adding the chicken) to baste the chicken while grilling.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Grill with Lids Closed: Keep the grill lid closed during cooking to maintain a consistent heat and ensure even grilling.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken:

Spicy Huli Huli Chicken: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Huli Huli Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and skewer them for easier grilling and serving at parties.
Citrus Huli Huli Chicken: Add the zest and juice of an orange or lime to the marinade for a citrusy flavor.
Honey Huli Huli Chicken: Swap the brown sugar for honey to give the chicken a slightly different sweetness and flavor.
Huli Huli Pork: Use the same marinade with pork tenderloin or pork chops for a different take on the recipe.
Coconut Huli Huli Chicken: Mix in a few tablespoons of coconut milk into the marinade for a creamier texture and a hint of coconut flavor.
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Wraps: Wrap the grilled chicken in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy dressing for a delicious lunch.
Pineapple Salsa Huli Huli Chicken: Top your chicken with a fresh pineapple salsa made from diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice for added texture.
BBQ Huli Huli Chicken: Add your favorite BBQ sauce to the chicken after grilling for an additional layer of flavor.
Teriyaki Huli Huli Chicken: Incorporate a few tablespoons of teriyaki sauce into the marinade for a more savory variation.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: You can freeze marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just ensure that the chicken is properly sealed in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the grill to preserve the crispy texture.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Grilled Huli Huli Chicken easier:

Grill: A gas or charcoal grill is ideal for achieving the perfect smoky flavor and grill marks.
Grill Thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential to ensure your chicken reaches the right temperature.
Resealable Plastic Bag: Use this for marinating the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the marinade.
Tongs: Long tongs are perfect for flipping and handling the chicken without piercing the meat.
Basting Brush: If you choose to baste with extra marinade, a basting brush helps distribute it evenly on the chicken.

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may dry out more quickly than thighs, so be sure not to overcook them.
Can I make the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook the chicken in a grill pan on the stovetop or in the oven by broiling it to achieve similar results.
Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
Yes, you can substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option or tamari for a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, the recipe is not spicy unless you choose to add chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade.

Conclusion

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that captures the vibrant, tropical flavors of Hawaii in every bite. The sweet and savory marinade infuses the chicken with delicious flavor, while the grilling process creates a perfectly caramelized crust. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave everyone coming back for more.

The recipe comes together with simple ingredients that are easy to find, making it a go-to for any occasion. Plus, with just a few grilling tips, you’ll be able to achieve the ideal tender and juicy chicken every time. It’s a fun, flavorful meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with delicious, tropical goodness.

I can’t wait to see how your Grilled Huli Huli Chicken turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your creation! Feel free to share any tweaks you made or leave a comment. Enjoy!