Name: Huli Huli Chicken (Grilled Hawaiian Chicken & Sauce Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-497188H9M2S
Total time: 6 h 30 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2.5-3 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs; 2 6 oz cans Pineapple Juice (or 1.5 cups); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar; 1/4 cup Soy Sauce; 1/4 cup Ketchup; 2 tsp Fresh Ginger (minced); 2 tsp Fresh Garlic (minced); 1 tsp Sriracha; 2 tsp Sesame Oil; 1/4 cup Sherry (optional); 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving a taste of the islands, the Huli Huli Chicken (Grilled Hawaiian Chicken & Sauce Recipe) Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish brings together the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, thanks to a marinade packed with pineapple juice, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, all grilled to caramelized perfection. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just want to infuse a bit of aloha spirit into your dinner, this recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a bright, tangy glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl with a deep brown, thin sauce inside, showing small bits of spices floating through it. A shiny silver metal whisk with thin wires is resting partially in the sauce, angled from the bottom right toward the center. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background. The sauce has a slightly oily sheen and smooth texture, with light reflecting softly off the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes the Huli Huli Chicken (Grilled Hawaiian Chicken & Sauce Recipe) Recipe so captivating lies in its mix of simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each one plays its part in layering flavor, balancing sweetness with a hint of spice, and ensuring that beautiful glossy finish.

2.5-3 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs stay juicy and soak up marinade better than breast meat.
2 6 oz cans Pineapple Juice (or 1.5 cups): Adds tropical sweetness and tenderizes the chicken.
1/2 cup Brown Sugar: Provides caramelization and deep molasses flavor.
1/4 cup Soy Sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
1/4 cup Ketchup: Adds tang and body to the marinade.
2 tsp Fresh Ginger (minced): Imparts a zingy, fresh spice note.
2 tsp Fresh Garlic (minced): Gives a pungent depth that enhances the overall taste.
1 tsp Sriracha: Brings a subtle kick of heat without overpowering.
2 tsp Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and richness.
1/4 cup Sherry (optional): Enhances flavor complexity with subtle nuttiness.
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt: Elevates all the other ingredients.

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken (Grilled Hawaiian Chicken & Sauce Recipe) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

First things first, combine all ingredients except for the chicken in a large bowl. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended and the sugar begins to dissolve. This marinade is the heart of the dish, so don’t skip the step of letting those flavors meld together.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Pour the marinade over the boneless skinless chicken thighs, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Don’t forget to remove about 1.5 cups of the marinade before adding the chicken, reserve this for later! Refrigerate the chicken and marinade for at least 6 hours, or even overnight if you can. This slow soak helps the chicken absorb all those gorgeous tropical and savory notes.

Step 3: Heat Up the Grill

Preheat your grill for about 15 minutes to medium-high heat. This ensures those perfect grill marks and that slightly smoky char that makes this dish so special. Clean the grates well to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken on the grill grates, basting often with the reserved marinade you set aside. Flip the chicken once it starts to caramelize to ensure an even, sticky glaze. If the outside looks done before the center is cooked through, move the thighs to indirect heat and continue grilling gently until the internal temperature hits 175-190°F for thighs. White meat cooks at 165°F.

Step 5: Reduce and Glaze

While the chicken is resting, pour that reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Let it simmer on medium-low heat until thickened and sticky, about 15 to 20 minutes. This vibrant sauce finishes the dish beautifully, so don’t rush it! Drizzle or toss your grilled chicken in this luscious glaze just before serving.

How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken (Grilled Hawaiian Chicken & Sauce Recipe) Recipe

A white plate filled with several pieces of grilled chicken that have a shiny, reddish-brown glaze. The chicken pieces are uneven in shape, with noticeable char marks and small burnt edges, giving a slightly crispy texture. They are stacked close together covering most of the plate. The plate is sitting on a wrinkled light green cloth, and the whole scene is lit by bright sunlight, showing clear shadows. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really bring out the island vibe, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken. Bright pineapple chunks or a squeeze of fresh lime juice add a refreshing contrast and enhance the natural sweetness.

Side Dishes

Serve your Huli Huli Chicken alongside sticky white rice, coconut rice, or even a fresh cabbage slaw for crunch. Grilled vegetables or roasted sweet potatoes also pair perfectly, soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, assemble the chicken on Hawaiian rolls as sliders, or chop it into wraps with crunchy veggies. You can even use it as a topping for pizza or tacos to transport your taste buds directly to the islands.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce will continue to infuse into the meat, making the next day’s meal just as flavorful if not more.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken in individual portions with some sauce to retain moisture and flavor. Frozen chicken keeps well for about 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the meat tender and prevent drying out. Adding a splash of reserved or fresh pineapple juice while warming will help maintain moisture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, though thighs tend to stay juicier and soak up the marinade better, so keep a close eye on cooking time to avoid drying out the meat.

Is sherry necessary in the marinade?

Sherry is optional but recommended for a subtle complexity. If you don’t have it, the recipe will still be delicious without it or you can substitute with a dry white wine or even a little apple cider vinegar.

How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

A minimum of 6 hours is great, but overnight will deepen the flavors and tenderize the chicken beautifully. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated while marinating.

What can I use if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can broil the chicken in your oven or cook it on a hot grill pan on the stove. Just be sure to watch cooking times and baste often to mimic that delicious glaze.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes! Making the marinade ahead can actually improve the flavor as the ingredients meld. Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge until you’re ready to marinate the chicken.

Final Thoughts

The Huli Huli Chicken (Grilled Hawaiian Chicken & Sauce Recipe) Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly transports you to a sunny, tropical paradise with each bite. It’s a perfect blend of easy preparation and unforgettable flavor that I promise will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try at your next cookout or family dinner, and watch it disappear from the plate faster than you can say “Aloha!”

Huli Huli Chicken (Grilled Hawaiian Chicken & Sauce Recipe) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need