Imagine the sun on your face and the sound of waves crashing nearby. The smell of grilled chicken fills the air. This is what Huli Huli Chicken is all about—a taste of Hawaiian BBQ with vibrant flavors.
As you make this tropical chicken dish, you’re not just cooking. You’re creating moments that take you to a beachside luau with every bite. The sweet, tangy marinade and smoky grill notes make it a hit at any gathering. Let’s get started on making the perfect Huli Huli Chicken for you and your loved ones!
Key Takeaways
- Huli Huli Chicken is a beloved Hawaiian BBQ dish with a unique marinade.
- The recipe features a balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors.
- It’s easy to prepare and perfect for summer gatherings.
- Marinating the chicken enhances its flavor and tenderness.
- This dish can be paired with various sides for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Huli Huli Chicken
This dish brings the magic of Hawaiian cooking to your BBQ. It’s all about the special pineapple marinade. This mix of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates a burst of flavor.
Grilling the chicken adds a smoky taste. It also keeps the chicken juicy, making every bite a treat.
Huli Huli chicken is a hit at family gatherings and celebrations. It’s not just food; it’s a way to share joy and laughter. When you serve it, you show Hawaiian hospitality. Your guests will want more.
Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Starting to make your own Huli Huli Chicken is thrilling. It mixes a tasty easy chicken marinade with the softness of boneless skinless chicken thighs. Here’s what you need to know to make this Hawaiian BBQ chicken dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4-5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup light soy sauce
- 1/2 cup canned pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste or minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste or minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 pineapple or 1 can of pineapple slices, drained
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
Tips & Variations
Want to make your chicken dish unforgettable? A few tweaks can turn it into something special. Try these tips to make your huli huli chicken recipe stand out.
Marinating: Longer = deeper flavor; up to 24 hours.
Marinate your chicken for up to 24 hours for the best taste. This long soak lets the marinade deeply flavor the meat. You’ll get a rich, delicious taste.
Smoky twist: Add wood chips (hickory or applewood).
Add a smoky touch to your huli huli chicken with wood chips. Hickory and applewood are great choices. They add a deep flavor that boosts the dish.
Chicken alternatives: Bone-in thighs, drumsticks—adjust cook time.
Want to try different chicken cuts? Bone-in thighs and drumsticks are great options. Just remember, cooking times might change. Make sure they’re cooked to the right temperature.
Sweetness level: Swap brown sugar with honey for variation.
Try using honey instead of brown sugar for a sweet twist. It changes the flavor and adds a beautiful glaze. Your huli huli chicken will look and taste amazing.
Make‑Ahead & Storage
Planning ahead with your Huli Huli Chicken meal prep can save time and enhance flavors. You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the fridge. This lets the tangy-sweet marinade soak in deeply, making the chicken taste better. This method not only builds flavor but also simplifies your cooking process.
Marinated chicken keeps up to 24 hours in fridge.
This makes it perfect for preparing your meals ahead of time. Just ensure it’s securely placed in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3–4 days.
After cooking, any remaining chicken can be stored in an airtight container for a convenient meal option. Following these chicken storage tips keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful, while also reducing food waste.
Reheat under broiler or on grill; add reserved sauce to refresh.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, consider reheating under the broiler or grilling. This helps revive its delicious texture. Drizzling some reserved sauce will elevate the flavor, making your reheated Huli Huli Chicken just as enjoyable as when it was fresh.
Nutrition & Servings
This healthy chicken recipe is not just tasty but also nutritious. It makes about eight servings, perfect for parties or meal prep. Each serving has around 350 calories, which is great for a healthy diet.
Yields ~8 servings • ~350 kcal per serving
Knowing the nutritional facts helps you make better choices. Here’s the Huli Huli Chicken nutrition information to help you understand its key components.
(Optional) nutritional breakdown: protein, carbs, fat
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
To make your Huli Huli Chicken even better, try some tasty sides. Sides like pineapple-coconut rice, grilled veggies, or mac salad are perfect. They balance the flavors of the chicken beautifully.
Drinks also add to the Hawaiian BBQ vibe. Here are some great options:
- Mai Tai – This tropical cocktail has rum and fruity tastes.
- Pineapple lemonade – It’s a cool, fruity drink that goes well with the chicken.
- Cold beer – A light lager or pilsner is crisp and refreshing.
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Pairing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pineapple-Coconut Rice | Sweet and tropical | Balances the savoriness of the chicken |
| Grilled Vegetables | Smoky and charred | Adds texture and richness |
| Mac Salad | Creamy and tangy | Offers a comforting contrast |
Choosing the right sides and drinks makes your meal unforgettable. Your guests will love the flavors and combinations. Enjoy every bite!
Conclusion
In this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe overview, you’ve learned about its amazing flavors. The sweet pineapple marinade and smoky grill make it special. It’s also easy to make and perfect for any event, making your meal unforgettable.
With the tips given, you can make your Huli Huli chicken just the way you like it. It’s great for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or having a family dinner. This dish brings a taste of the islands to your home.
Now, you can easily impress your loved ones with this recipe. It’s a simple way to make any day feel like a celebration. Enjoy the delicious flavors of your homemade Huli Huli chicken!
If you enjoyed this Huli Huli Chicken, try these other delicious options! Our BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are perfect for smoky flavor lovers, while this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is ideal for make-ahead meals. Craving something tropical? Blend up a refreshing Green Smoothie with Spinach and Pineapple to round out your Hawaiian-inspired menu!
Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4-5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup light soy sauce
- 1/2 cup canned pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste or minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste or minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
- 1 pineapple or 1 can of pineapple slices drained
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry.
- In a large bowl or gallon-sized ziplock bag, mix together all ingredients except for the chicken, including brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, ginger, garlic, apple cider vinegar, cumin, black pepper, and paprika.
- Set aside 1/2 cup of the sauce for later use.
- Add the chicken thighs to the remaining marinade, ensuring all chicken pieces are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F) and lightly oil the grates.
- Place the marinated chicken on the grill without turning or moving for about 10 minutes. Flip and continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (approximately 10 more minutes). Discard the used marinade.
- Halfway through cooking the chicken, grill the pineapple rings until golden on each side.
- Remove the chicken and pineapple from the grill.
- Brush the reserved marinade over the chicken. You can thicken the sauce by placing the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes or by heating the reserved sauce in a saucepan on the stovetop until slightly thickened, then brush it over the chicken.
Notes
For added flavor, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds over the chicken before serving.
