Get ready to fire up your grill because we’re diving into a tropical flavor explosion with Authentic Huli Huli Chicken! 🌺🍍 This juicy, marinated chicken is bursting with sweet-and-savory Hawaiian flavors that will transport you straight to a luau with every bite.
Fun fact: the word huli means “turn” in Hawaiian, inspired by the traditional cooking method of turning chicken repeatedly on the grill for even caramelization. The result? Tender, smoky chicken coated in a glossy, irresistible glaze.
The best part? This dish is incredibly simple—perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests at your next backyard BBQ. If you’re a fan of bold, tropical flavors, this recipe will earn a permanent spot on your menu!
What is Authentic Huli Huli Chicken?
If you’ve ever heard of Huli Huli Chicken, you might have thought: What a fun name! And you’d be right—it’s as delightful as it sounds. Originating in Hawaii in the 1950s, this dish features chicken marinated in a blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, ginger, and garlic, then grilled to perfection.
It’s a dish that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors beautifully. Imagine smoky grilled chicken paired with caramelized pineapple slices—it’s like a mini Hawaiian vacation on your plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Irresistible Flavor – A glaze that perfectly balances sweet and savory.
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Budget-Friendly – Skip the takeout and make it at home for less.
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Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients, big flavors, minimal fuss.
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Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or family dinners.
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Tropical Vibes – Pineapple and ginger make it feel like a festive luau!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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½ cup soy sauce
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½ cup pineapple juice
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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Green onions (for garnish)
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Pineapple slices (for grilling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until sugar dissolves. -
Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor). -
Preheat the Grill
Heat grill to medium-high. For charcoal, wait until coals are glowing red with a light layer of ash. -
Grill the Chicken
Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess. Grill for 5–7 minutes per side, turning frequently (huli huli = “turn, turn”), until chicken is caramelized and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). -
Grill the Pineapple
In the last few minutes, grill pineapple slices 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and marked. -
Serve & Garnish
Let chicken rest a few minutes. Top with chopped green onions and serve with grilled pineapple.
What to Serve with Huli Huli Chicken
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Classic pairing: Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice.
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Fresh balance: Hawaiian-style coleslaw or tropical fruit salad.
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BBQ spread: Grilled veggies, mac salad, or corn on the cob.
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Drinks: Sweet iced tea, fruity, or pineapple lemonade.
Top Tips for Success
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⏱ Marinate longer – Overnight = maximum flavor.
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🔥 Flip often – Frequent turning creates even caramelization.
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🌿 Use fresh aromatics – Fresh ginger and garlic make a huge difference.
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🌡 Don’t overcook – Use a thermometer to keep chicken juicy.
Authentic Huli Huli Chicken
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice Preferably fresh
- ¼ cup brown sugar Packed
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (grated) Use fresh for best flavor
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) Use fresh for best flavor
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For Garnish
- to taste green onions Chopped, for garnish
- to taste pineapple slices For grilling
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until sugar is dissolved.
- Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag, removing excess air, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for more flavor.
Grilling
- Preheat the grill to medium-high.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Place chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, turning frequently.
- In the last few minutes of grilling, toss pineapple slices on the grill until they’re caramelized and have grill marks, about 2-3 minutes each side.
- Once chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with the grilled pineapple.
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