
Why Make This Recipe
Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious Hawaiian dish that brings a taste of the tropics right to your backyard. It’s packed with flavor thanks to the sweet and savory marinade. This recipe is great for a family gathering, a barbecue, or any time you’re craving something exciting and tasty. Plus, the addition of grilled pineapple gives it a unique twist that makes it unforgettable.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 pineapple, sliced
- Green onions, for garnish
Directions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to create the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
- In the last few minutes of grilling, add pineapple slices to the grill and caramelize for 2-3 minutes.
- Stack grilled chicken with grilled pineapple slices and garnish with green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy your taste of the tropics!
How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken
Serve Huli Huli Chicken hot off the grill with a side of rice or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with extra grilled pineapple for a fun touch. Adding a drizzle of the leftover marinade can enhance the flavor even more.
How to Store Huli Huli Chicken
Store any leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be good for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply use a microwave or reheat on the grill to maintain that grilled flavor.
Tips to Make Huli Huli Chicken
- For extra flavor, let your chicken marinate overnight.
- Make sure the grill is hot before adding the chicken to get nice grill marks.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar or pineapple according to your taste.
Variation
You can use other proteins like pork or shrimp in place of chicken. Both work well with the same marinade and grilling method, giving you a delicious twist on this classic dish!
FAQs
Can I bake Huli Huli Chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for about 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked.
Can I freeze Huli Huli Chicken?
Absolutely! Marinate and freeze the chicken in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the fridge overnight and grill as directed.
What sides go well with Huli Huli Chicken?
Great sides include coconut rice, coleslaw, or a fresh fruit salad. These complement the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken perfectly!

Huli Huli Chicken
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar adjust sweetness to taste
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 whole pineapple, sliced for grilling
- for garnish green onions chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to create the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator.
Grilling
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
- In the last few minutes of grilling, add pineapple slices to the grill and caramelize for 2-3 minutes.
- Stack grilled chicken with grilled pineapple slices and garnish with green onions.