Name: Huli Huli Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; ½ cup pineapple juice; ⅓ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoon ketchup; 2 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Hey y'all! If you're craving a burst of tropical flavor with juicy, caramelized chicken that practically melts in your mouth, then this Huli Huli Chicken recipe will blow you away. Whether you're firing up the grill for a summer BBQ, planning a laid-back family dinner, or just want to explore vibrant Hawaiian cuisine, this sweet-and-savory classic ticks all the boxes. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Huli Huli Chicken

Super juicy chicken thanks to a magical marinade that tenderizes every bite.
Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors reminiscent of a Hawaiian luau.
Simple ingredients and minimal prep for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner.
Grills up beautifully with irresistible char marks and caramelization.
Easily scalable for a cozy meal or a lively backyard gathering.

Huli Huli Chicken Ingredients

2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
½ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
½ cup pineapple juice (unsweetened)
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Huli Huli Chicken Directions

1. Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, smoked paprika, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour in ⅔ of the marinade, reserving the remaining ⅓ for basting. Seal the bag and massage gently to coat chicken. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for maximum flavor.

3. Prep the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Oil the grates to prevent sticking.

4. Grill the Huli Huli Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade (discard used marinade) and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is caramelized with gorgeous grill marks.

5. Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest on a platter for 5 minutes. Slice or serve whole, garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds for that Hawaiian flair. Enjoy hot, straight off the grill!

Notes for Perfect Huli Huli Chicken

For extra-juicy chicken, use bone-in thighs—just add 2-3 minutes to cook time. Learn more about grilling chicken thighs here.
Don’t skip the marinade time—overnight marination creates the best flavor absorption.
If you need pineapple juice, you can find great options at your local market or check recommendations from Bon Appétit.

Tasty Huli Huli Chicken Variations

Oven-Baked Huli Huli Chicken: Bake marinated thighs at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, basting twice with marinade.
Huli Huli Chicken Breasts: Swap thighs for chicken breasts—pound to even thickness and adjust cook time to 5-6 minutes per side.
Spicy Huli Huli Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha or chili paste to the marinade for a fiery kick.

What You Need to Make Huli Huli Chicken

Outdoor Grill or Grill Pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs
Basting brush (for marinade)
Instant-read thermometer

Huli Huli Chicken Storage Instructions

Store leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap portions tightly and keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a microwave or covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Huli Huli Chicken Pairings & Serving Ideas

Serve with classic steamed white rice or coconut rice for an authentic touch.
Pair with a fresh pineapple salsa or grilled veggies for added vibrancy.
For a crowd, present alongside Hawaiian macaroni salad and sweet rolls for a true luau feast.

Pro Tips for Foolproof Huli Huli Chicken

For deep caramelization, use direct high heat for the final 2 minutes per side (watch carefully for burning!).
Let chicken rest before slicing—this keeps all those flavorful juices locked in.
If using a broiler instead of a grill, adjust the rack so chicken is 6 inches below the flame for even browning. Check out more chicken grilling tips here.

Huli Huli Chicken FAQs

Can I make Huli Huli Chicken ahead of time?: Yes! Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, then grill just before serving for best results.
Is Huli Huli Chicken gluten-free?: To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Can I cook Huli Huli Chicken indoors?: Absolutely! Use a grill pan or broiler—keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the glaze.

Ready to grill up some island magic? Once you taste this juicy, smoky, sweet-and-savory Huli Huli Chicken, you’ll want to add it to your rotation all summer long!

Huli Huli Chicken