Sizzling Huli Huli Chicken Recipe: Hawaii’s Sweet & Tangy Delight

Succulent Hawaiian-style huli huli chicken sizzles with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate.

This island-inspired dish brings the spirit of tropical grilling right to your kitchen.

Marinated in a mouthwatering blend of soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar, the chicken becomes impossibly tender and caramelized.

The name “huli” comes from the Hawaiian word meaning “turn,” reflecting the traditional grilling technique.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this recipe for its simplicity and explosive taste.

Each bite transports you to the sunny beaches of Hawaii, where backyard barbecues come alive with incredible aromas.

Huli Huli Chicken – Hawaiian BBQ at Home

• Burst with Tropical Flavors: Dive into a mouthwatering blend of sweet, tangy, and savory Hawaiian-inspired ingredients that transport your taste buds to a beachside paradise.
• Master Easy Grilling Technique: Perfect for backyard cookouts or weekend gatherings, this recipe offers simple steps that even novice grillers can confidently tackle with delicious results.
• Quick Meal Prep Champion: Minimal ingredients and straightforward marinating process make this chicken dish a go-to option for busy home cooks craving maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein Solution: Guaranteed to impress family and friends with its rich, caramelized glaze and juicy chicken that appeals to various taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Authentic Huli Huli Chicken Flavor

• Soy Sauce: A savory base that adds depth and saltiness to the chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Ketchup: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet component to the marinade.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle acidity that helps tenderize the chicken.
• Pineapple Juice: Contributes a tropical sweetness and helps to tenderize the meat.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the umami flavor and adds complexity to the marinade.
• Sriracha: Introduces a spicy kick to the sauce.

• Chicken: The star of the dish that absorbs all the delicious marinade flavors.

• Ginger, Garlic: Provide a classic Asian-inspired flavor profile and aromatic base.

• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, sharp finish and a pop of color to the dish.

Huli Huli Chicken Grilling Directions Stepwise

Step 1: Whip Up the Magical Marinade

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together a symphony of flavors including soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, pineapple juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Sriracha.

Whisk these ingredients until they create a harmonious, glossy sauce that will transform your chicken into a tropical taste sensation.

Step 2: Bath the Chicken in Flavor

Submerge the chicken completely in the marinade, ensuring every inch is coated.

Let the chicken soak up these incredible flavors for a minimum of 30 minutes, though overnight marinating will create an even more intense taste experience.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Prepare your grill by heating it to a medium-high temperature.

The goal is to create those perfect, slightly charred edges that bring out the deep, caramelized flavors of the marinade.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the marinated chicken on the grill, cooking for 6-8 minutes on each side.

Generously baste the chicken with the reserved marinade during cooking to build layers of sticky, sweet, and savory goodness.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

The meat should be juicy, tender, and cooked through with no pink remaining.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the top of the chicken.

Plate and serve immediately while the chicken is hot and glistening with its delicious Hawaiian-inspired glaze.

Tips for Sweet, Smoky Huli Huli Chicken

• Let the chicken soak in the sauce overnight for maximum flavor absorption and incredibly tender meat.
• Adjust Sriracha levels to match your spice tolerance, making the dish mild or fiery hot.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F, preventing undercooking while maintaining juiciness.
• Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken for safe basting during grilling.
• Sprinkle chopped green onions just before serving to add a crisp, zesty finish and boost visual appeal.

Hawaiian Chicken Variations for Backyard Grilling

• Vegan Hawaiian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit, using the same marinade. Press and cube tofu, or shred jackfruit, then marinate and grill for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sodium Swap: Substitute regular soy sauce with low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos. Reduce brown sugar and use fresh herbs for added flavor without compromising taste.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: Skip the grill and bake chicken in a preheated 375°F oven. Place marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet, cook for 25-30 minutes, turning once and basting with sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Replace Worcestershire sauce with coconut aminos to ensure the recipe meets gluten-free dietary requirements.

Serving Huli Huli Chicken for Summer Feasts

• Tropical Luau Platter: Arrange grilled Huli Huli chicken on a large wooden board with fresh pineapple rings, grilled bell peppers, and coconut rice for a vibrant Hawaiian-inspired presentation.
• Island Side Harmony: Pair the chicken with a crisp Asian slaw made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame dressing to balance the sweet and tangy flavors of the marinade.
• Backyard Feast Companion: Serve alongside grilled corn on the cob brushed with butter and sprinkled with green onions, creating a perfect summer barbecue meal that captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine.
• Quick Lunch Transform: Slice the chicken and stuff into soft flour tortillas with a drizzle of extra marinade, creating delicious Huli Huli chicken wraps perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch.

Storage for Huli Huli Chicken Leftovers

• Store leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains fresh and flavorful.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving the delicious Hawaiian-style chicken.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the meat stays juicy and tender.

FAQs

• What is Huli Huli Chicken's origin?

Huli Huli Chicken originated in Hawaii in the 1950s, created by Ernest Morgado, who developed a unique sweet and tangy barbecue-style sauce that became popular at local gatherings and events.

“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the technique of repeatedly turning the chicken on the grill to ensure even cooking and caramelization of the marinade.

• Is Huli Huli Chicken spicy?

The dish has a mild heat level from Sriracha sauce, but it’s more known for its sweet and tangy flavor profile from ingredients like brown sugar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce.

Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken brings island-inspired flavors to your dinner table with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy marinade. Grilled to perfection, this dish delivers a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4–6 chicken thighs or drumsticks, bone-in and skin-on

Marinade and Sauce:

• 0.5 cup soy sauce
• 0.25 cup pineapple juice
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Aromatics and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic

Optional Garnishes:

• sliced green onions
• sesame seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, pineapple juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Sriracha in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes, ideally overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
3. Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, approximately 375-400°F. Clean and lightly oil grate to prevent sticking.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Reserve remaining marinade for basting.
5. Position chicken on hot grill, maintaining consistent spacing between pieces. Cook for 6-7 minutes on initial side, developing caramelized exterior.
6. Flip chicken carefully, brush with reserved marinade. Continue grilling additional 6-7 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even browning.
7. Monitor internal temperature using meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F at thickest portion.
8. Remove from grill, let rest 3-5 minutes to redistribute internal juices. Garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

• Choose chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results since they retain moisture better than chicken breasts during grilling.
• Allow extra marinating time overnight to develop deeper, more complex Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile that truly penetrates the meat.
• Control heat carefully while grilling to prevent burning, as the sugary marinade can caramelize quickly and create bitter spots if not monitored closely.
• Consider using a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness and food safety without overcooking the chicken.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 45753
• Calories: 4
• Sugar: 0.1 g
• Sodium: 13 mg
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.05 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0.6 g
• Cholesterol: 1 mg