traditional huli huli chicken recipe

Written ByEmma Smyth Updated on
traditional huli huli chicken recipe
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The Best traditional huli huli chicken recipe

I’ve been making Huli Huli chicken for years, and it’s one of those recipes that just never gets old. The sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes perfectly on the grill, giving the chicken a sticky, smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. My kids ask for it all the time—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends. It’s simple enough for a quick meal but impressive enough for company, which is why it’s always a hit in our house. What I love most about this recipe is how balanced it is. The sauce is made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and a touch of ketchup, so it’s got that natural sweetness without being overly sugary. Plus, grilling the chicken keeps it lean and healthy, while the marinade adds just enough flavor to make it satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is actually pretty good for you, especially if you use skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy, flavorful dinner, Huli Huli chicken is always a great choice.
Traditional Huli Huli Chicken

Traditional Huli Huli Chicken

4.5 from 1904 votes

A beloved Hawaiian dish featuring tender grilled chicken glazed with a sweet and tangy huli huli sauce. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that are sure to impress.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken
  • 4 lbs chicken thighs and/or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
For the Huli Huli Sauce
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

  1. 1 In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all pieces. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. 2 In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside half of the sauce for basting.
  3. 3 Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  4. 4 Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes.
  5. 5 Begin basting the chicken with the reserved huli huli sauce, turning and basting every 3-4 minutes. Continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce has caramelized.
  6. 6 Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with any remaining sauce if desired.

🔧Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Basting brush
  • Tongs
  • Small saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 140mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in half of the huli huli sauce for 2-4 hours before grilling. If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, basting occasionally. Serve with steamed rice and grilled pineapple for a complete Hawaiian meal.

Watch Video Of How Traditional Huli Huli Chicken Works

This Huli Huli chicken recipe is one of those foolproof dishes that always delivers—juicy, flavorful, and easy to scale up for a crowd. It’s perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight dinner because it pleases kids and adults alike without any fuss. If you want a meal that’s guaranteed to disappear fast and leave everyone asking for seconds, this is the one to make.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Huli Huli Chicken

1. What is Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken is a popular Hawaiian dish known for its sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor. The name “Huli Huli” means “turn turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the method of grilling the chicken and frequently turning it to ensure even cooking and caramelization of the glaze. The dish is typically made with a marinade or sauce that includes ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, and garlic.

2. How long should I marinate Huli Huli Chicken?

For the best flavor, it’s recommended to marinate Huli Huli Chicken for at least 4 hours, though overnight marination (8-12 hours) will yield the most tender and flavorful results. If you’re short on time, even 1-2 hours of marination can still enhance the taste. Be sure to refrigerate the chicken while it marinates to prevent bacterial growth.

3. Can I make Huli Huli Chicken in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake Huli Huli Chicken in the oven if grilling isn’t an option. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting with the sauce every 10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

4. What’s the best way to achieve a sticky, caramelized glaze?

To get that signature sticky, caramelized glaze, baste the chicken frequently while cooking—every 5-10 minutes on the grill or every 10 minutes in the oven. Use a high-heat brush to apply the sauce, and avoid flipping the chicken too early to prevent the glaze from sticking to the grill grates. For extra shine, you can reduce the leftover sauce on the stovetop and drizzle it over the cooked chicken before serving.

5. Can I use bottled pineapple juice, or should I make fresh?

While fresh pineapple juice is ideal for its bright, natural sweetness, bottled pineapple juice works perfectly fine in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure juice without added sugars or preservatives. If using bottled juice, you may want to reduce it slightly on the stovetop to intensify the flavor before mixing it into the marinade or sauce.

Hi, I’m Emma, the creator of Tasty Chicken Recipes, where I share my favorite chicken dishes and simple recipes anyone can make at home. I love experimenting with flavors and helping fellow food lovers cook delicious chicken meals with ease. 🍗✨

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