Sweet, smoky island-style BBQ
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is the ultimate tropical grilled chicken recipe — sweet, savory, smoky, and irresistibly sticky. This island favorite is marinated in a pineapple-soy glaze, then grilled until beautifully caramelized and juicy. Perfect for summer BBQs, weeknight dinners, or backyard gatherings, this easy Hawaiian chicken recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal prep. The word “huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian — because the chicken is traditionally flipped over open flames for that signature char. Serve it with grilled pineapple and rice for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal that tastes like a vacation on a plate.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinate Time: 2–8 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: About 3 hours
- Servings: 6
📝 Ingredients
- 3 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening, optional)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Grilled pineapple slices (optional, for serving)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Zip-top bag or shallow dish (for marinating)
- Grill or grill pan
- Saucepan (if thickening sauce)
- Tongs
- Basting brush
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, reserving ½ cup for later. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best for deeper flavor). 🍍
3. Preheat the Grill
Heat grill to medium (about 375–400°F). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
4. Grill & “Huli” (Turn)
Remove chicken from marinade and place on grill. Cook for about 10–12 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are nicely charred. 🔥
5. Glaze for Extra Flavor
While grilling, simmer reserved marinade in a saucepan for 5 minutes. If desired, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until slightly thick and glossy. Brush over chicken during the last few minutes of grilling.
6. Rest & Serve
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions and serve with grilled pineapple and rice. 🌺
💡 Pro Tips
- Oven Option: Bake at 400°F for 35–45 minutes, broiling the last 3–4 minutes for caramelization.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Great for meal prep bowls!
- Extra Smoky Flavor: Add a splash of liquid smoke if cooking indoors.
- Don’t Skip Marinating: Longer marinating time = deeper flavor and juicier chicken.
🔄 Variations
- Use boneless chicken thighs for faster cooking.
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Thread chicken onto skewers for kabobs.
- Turn leftovers into Hawaiian chicken tacos.
❓ FAQ
What does “Huli Huli” mean?
“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian — referring to flipping the chicken while grilling.
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but reduce cook time to avoid drying out.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium heat.