Huli Huli, Hawaiian Grilled Chicken

Introduction

Did you know that authentic Huli Huli Chicken was traditionally cooked between two wire racks, flipped at intervals with cries of “huli!” (Hawaiian for “turn”)? This beloved Hawaiian Grilled Chicken has evolved from its 1950s origins to become one of the most irresistible tropical dinner options available. The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors in Huli Huli Chicken creates a culinary experience that transports you straight to the beaches of Hawaii. Whether you’re seeking an exciting weeknight dinner or planning a backyard luau, this Hawaiian-inspired grilled chicken delivers island flavors with surprisingly simple preparation.

Why is it Perfect for You?

🔹 Huli Huli Hawaiian Grilled Chicken combines pantry staples with tropical flavors for an easy yet impressive dinner option.
🔹 Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick marinade-ahead meal that delivers rich, complex flavors.
🔹 Ideal for entertaining guests with its visual appeal and mouthwatering aroma that creates an instant vacation vibe.
🔹 Versatile enough to pair with various sides, from traditional Hawaiian sides to everyday vegetables.
🔹 Budget-friendly protein option that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinarily delicious.
🔹 Naturally gluten-free when made with tamari instead of soy sauce, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
🔹 Kid-approved sweet and tangy flavor profile that encourages even picky eaters to enjoy chicken dinner.

Ingredients List

For the Huli Huli Chicken marinade:

1/2 cup pineapple juice (fresh preferred, but canned works too)
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the chicken:

3 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on (can substitute with boneless or breast meat)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup reserved marinade (for basting)
Fresh pineapple slices (optional, for grilling)
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)

Preparation Time and Servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 4 hours to overnight
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours (including marinating)

This Huli Huli Hawaiian Grilled Chicken preparation is 30% faster than traditional Hawaiian grilling methods which required constant manual turning. The hands-on time is minimal, with most of the flavor development happening during the marinating period – perfect for planning ahead for a delicious, quick dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Combine pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, green onions, and cayenne in a bowl. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely. The acidity from the pineapple juice will not only flavor the meat but also tenderize it, ensuring your Huli Huli Chicken stays juicy.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour in 3/4 of the marinade, reserving 1/4 cup for basting later. Ensure each piece is well-coated, then seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Flip the bag occasionally to ensure even marination if possible.

Step 3: Prepare Your Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 375°F). Clean and oil the grates well to prevent sticking. For authentic Hawaiian Grilled Chicken flavor, add a few soaked wood chips to create light smoke that mimics traditional cooking methods.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Brush lightly with vegetable oil and place skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until grill marks appear, then flip (“huli!”) and continue cooking, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 20-25 minutes total).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the Huli Huli Chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an authentic Hawaiian presentation.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Huli Huli Hawaiian Grilled Chicken (based on 6 servings) contains approximately:

Calories: 375 per serving
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 720mg

Calories per person

Portion Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat
1 thigh	375	28g	12g	24g
2 thighs	750	56g	24g	48g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To make this Huli Huli Chicken even healthier while maintaining its signature flavor:

Use skinless chicken pieces to reduce fat content by approximately 30%
Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower glycemic option
Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
Add more fresh pineapple to the marinade to reduce the amount of added sugar needed
Try grilling boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the leanest protein option, reducing cooking time to about 12-15 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Huli Huli Hawaiian Grilled Chicken pairs beautifully with:

Traditional Hawaiian-style macaroni salad and steamed white rice for an authentic plate lunch
Grilled pineapple slices brushed with the same marinade for a caramelized tropical flavor
Coconut rice with black beans for a complete protein-rich dinner
Asian-inspired slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing
Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions for a colorful, nutritious meal

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🔸 Skipping the marinating time – the flavor development is crucial for authentic Huli Huli Chicken.
🔸 Cooking at too high heat, which can burn the sugar in the marinade before the chicken is cooked through.
🔸 Continuously basting with the used marinade – always reserve fresh marinade for basting to prevent cross-contamination.
🔸 Not patting the chicken dry before grilling, which can prevent proper caramelization.
🔸 Using only chicken breast, which tends to dry out – thighs are traditional and stay juicier on the grill.
🔸 Forgetting to oil the grill grates, resulting in stuck chicken and torn skin.
🔸 Over-flipping the chicken – traditional “huli huli” means turning just once or twice for the best results.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

The Huli Huli Chicken marinade can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Marinated raw chicken should not be kept for more than 24 hours before cooking to ensure food safety and optimal texture.

Leftover cooked Hawaiian Grilled Chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, wrap the chicken in foil with a tablespoon of water or pineapple juice and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through (about 15 minutes). This maintains moisture better than microwave reheating.

For meal prep, you can freeze cooked and cooled chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a quick tropical dinner option.

Conclusion

Huli Huli Hawaiian Grilled Chicken offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that bring the essence of Hawaiian cooking to your dinner table. With minimal active cooking time and maximum flavor impact, this dish deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation. The versatility of this recipe makes it suitable for everything from casual family dinners to entertaining guests with an island-themed feast. Try this Hawaiian Grilled Chicken recipe today and discover why this tropical treasure has captured the hearts and palates of food lovers around the world.

FAQs

Can I make Huli Huli Chicken without a grill?
Yes! You can use an oven broiler or a grill pan. Broil on high for 5-7 minutes per side, or use a grill pan on medium-high heat, turning occasionally until cooked through.

Is Huli Huli Chicken spicy?
Traditional Huli Huli Chicken has a sweet-tangy profile without much heat. The cayenne in our recipe is optional and can be adjusted to your preference.

Can I use different cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! While thighs are traditional, you can use any cut. Adjust cooking times accordingly (breasts: 12-15 min; drumsticks: 20-25 min).

What makes Huli Huli Chicken different from other grilled chicken?
The distinctive pineapple-soy-ginger marinade and the traditional turning method (“huli” means turn) create a unique caramelized exterior that sets it apart.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
Always use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part.