Juicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe – Island BBQ Magic

Sizzling and golden, this Hawaiian huli huli chicken recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the islands right to your kitchen.

Marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, the chicken develops a caramelized exterior that locks in all the juicy goodness.

The blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger creates a mouthwatering glaze that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Every bite transports you to a sunny beach with its perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Grilled to perfection, this dish promises a delightful meal that captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to experience a tropical flavor explosion that will become a new favorite at your dinner table.

Steps to Make Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

• Flavor Preparation

Mix spices and create a tangy sauce by combining zesty ingredients in a bowl. Separate a small portion for marinating and reserve the rest for later use.

• Chicken Soaking

Add marinade and olive oil to a freezer bag with chicken. Seal and refrigerate for several hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

• Seasoning Layer

Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry. Create a spice coating by mixing reserved spices with olive oil. Gently massage this mixture onto chicken surfaces and let rest.

• Sauce Transformation

Simmer remaining sauce in a pan, reducing it until it becomes a thick, glossy glaze that will add incredible depth to the chicken.

• Grilling Magic

Heat grill to medium temperature. Cook chicken, turning once, until internal temperature reaches safe levels. Brush with reserved sauce during final cooking minutes to create caramelized edges.

• Final Touch

Remove chicken from grill and generously coat with reduced glaze. Sprinkle with fresh green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.

Pro Tips to Add More Flavor to Huli Huli Chicken

• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for extra kick and personalized heat levels that match your taste buds.
• Transform this recipe by using the same marinade with pork tenderloin, salmon, or tofu for diverse protein options that keep meals exciting.
• Prepare the entire marinade and sauce up to 3 days in advance, storing in sealed containers to streamline meal preparation and enhance flavor development.
• When outdoor grilling isn't possible, use a cast-iron grill pan or broil in the oven, ensuring you maintain the same temperature and cooking time for perfect caramelization.
• Serve the chicken over coconut rice, tucked into soft Hawaiian rolls, or chopped into a tropical salad for versatile meal presentations that keep dinner interesting.

Serving Suggestions for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

• Pair with Tropical Rice Delight: Complement the chicken's sweet and tangy flavor by serving over coconut-infused jasmine rice sprinkled with toasted macadamia nuts.
• Create Island-Style Plate: Arrange the glazed chicken alongside grilled pineapple slices, cucumber salad, and a small portion of macaroni salad for an authentic Hawaiian dining experience.
• Refresh with Zesty Sidekick: Serve with a crisp, cold coleslaw dressed in a light citrus vinaigrette to balance the rich, caramelized glaze of the chicken.
• Elevate with Fresh Garnish: Top the grilled chicken with finely chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and a pop of fresh flavor.

Keeping Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Fresh After Cooking

• Smart Storage Strategy: Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Wrap tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor intensity.
• Quick Freezing Technique: Slice cooled chicken and place in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
• Reheat with Care: Warm chicken gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Microwave works too, but can make meat tough if overheated. Aim for 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each.
• Sauce Saving Hack: Store extra Huli Huli sauce separately in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator. Will last up to 1 week. Great for quick marinades or additional chicken flavor boosts during the week.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s in Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

• Brown Sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness and helps create beautiful grill char.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers robust, concentrated flavor without raw garlic chunks.
• Ginger Powder: Introduces warm, zingy undertones with subtle heat.
• Onion Powder: Provides deep, savory background notes without texture.
• Paprika: Contributes earthy color and mild pepper warmth.

• Soy Sauce: Brings umami depth and salty complexity to the marinade.
• Pineapple Juice: Offers tropical sweetness and natural meat tenderizing enzymes.
• Ketchup: Adds tangy richness and helps create glossy glaze consistency.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents chicken from sticking.
• Rice Vinegar: Introduces subtle acidic brightness to balance sweetness.

• Green Onions: Provides fresh, crisp onion bite and vibrant color contrast.
• Chicken Thighs: Ensures juicy, flavorful meat with excellent grilling potential.

Tools That Help Cook Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Easily

• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing spices and creating the marinade.
• Medium bowl: Essential for preparing the initial spice mix.
• Freezer bag: Great for marinating chicken and ensuring even coating.
• Baking sheet: Helps prepare chicken for seasoning before grilling.
• Whisk: Needed to blend sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Grill: Primary cooking tool for achieving delicious charred chicken.
• Basting brush: Useful for applying sauce during grilling.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning and handling chicken on the grill.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.

Succulent Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Succulent Hawaiian huli huli chicken delivers sweet and tangy flavors from Pacific Island grilling traditions. Local cooks and backyard chefs embrace this classic marinade that melds pineapple, soy sauce, and ginger for an unforgettable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–5 lbs bone-in skinless chicken thighs
• ½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup canned pineapple juice
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) ketchup
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) reduced sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
• 1.5 tsps paprika
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Sriracha sauce
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk together the spice mixture and Huli Huli sauce ingredients in a medium bowl, ensuring a smooth, integrated blend of flavors.
2. Marination Process: Transfer a portion of the sauce into a large freezer bag with olive oil, add chicken pieces, seal completely after removing excess air, and refrigerate for 4-8 hours to allow deep flavor infusion.
3. Seasoning Setup: Remove chicken from marinade, pat dry, and apply a robust rub created by mixing reserved spices with olive oil, massaging evenly across both sides of the meat. Allow to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
4. Sauce Reduction: Simultaneously, simmer the remaining Huli Huli sauce in a saucepan, reducing for approximately 10 minutes until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
5. Grilling Technique: Preheat grill to medium heat (350-375 degrees Fahrenheit), lightly grease grates, and cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius), basting generously with reserved sauce during the final 5 minutes.
6. Final Presentation: Remove chicken from grill, lavish with reduced Huli Huli glaze, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve immediately with additional sauce on the side.

Notes

• Marinating Magic: Refrigerate chicken for 4-8 hours to allow deep flavor penetration, transforming ordinary meat into a Hawaiian taste sensation.
• Temperature Triumph: Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every single time.
• Sauce Savvy: Reserve a portion of marinade before adding raw chicken to create a delicious basting and finishing glaze without cross-contamination risks.
• Resting Ritual: Let seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before grilling, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

• Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg