Description
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a smoky-sweet grilled chicken dish marinated in a pineapple-soy blend with garlic and ginger. Juicy, caramelized, and packed with tropical flavor, it’s perfect for cookouts, family dinners, or anytime you want a taste of the islands.
Ingredients
2–3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening sauce)
Chopped green onions, for garnish
Grilled pineapple slices, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Whisk well.
- Add chicken to the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from marinade, reserving liquid. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side, until charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- Pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer 5–7 minutes. For a thicker sauce, add cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
- Baste chicken with sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for a glossy finish.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and grilled pineapple slices.
Notes
Bone-in, skin-on chicken works well for juicier results—just adjust cooking time.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes if you don’t want to grill.
Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a different sweetness.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
You can freeze raw chicken in the marinade for make-ahead prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
