Some recipes are a celebration of tradition and comfort, and Easy Huli Huli Chicken is exactly that. This iconic Hawaiian dish brings together the sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors of the islands in every bite. Imagine tender, juicy chicken marinated in a blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then grilled to perfection. The result is a dish that’s both exotic and familiar, perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or festive gatherings.

The first time I made Huli Huli Chicken, it was for a backyard luau-themed party. I wanted to bring a taste of Hawaii to my friends and family. As the chicken grilled, the aroma of caramelizing pineapple and smoky char filled the air. When I served the first plate, my best friend took a bite and exclaimed, “This is like a vacation on a plate!” Since that day, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that transports me to the sandy beaches and lush landscapes of Hawaii with every bite. Let’s bring a little bit of aloha spirit to your kitchen with this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Easy Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious twist on traditional grilled chicken. Featuring a sweet and tangy marinade, this dish is tender, flavorful, and packed with tropical vibes. Ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just because, this chicken is sure to impress.

The first time I served this chicken, it was during a family reunion. I wanted to bring something unique, so I decided to try my hand at Easy Huli Huli Chicken. As I placed the platter on the table, my uncle skeptically picked up a piece. “Huli Huli? What’s that?” he asked. But after one bite, he was hooked. “This is incredible!” he exclaimed, reaching for another piece. By the end of the night, the entire platter was empty, and everyone was asking for the recipe. It was then I realized that this dish wasn’t just a meal—it was a conversation starter, a way to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Why Easy Huli Huli Chicken?

Selling Points:

• Tropical Flavors: Combines the sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors of Hawaii.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a great recipe for family meals.
• Versatile: Perfect for grilling, baking, or even cooking on the stovetop.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for summer barbecues, potlucks, or just because.

What You Need for Easy Huli Huli Chicken

Ingredients

• 4 lbs chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Easy Huli Huli Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
3. Prep the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade for basting) and place it on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired.

Tips for Easy Huli Huli Chicken

• Don’t Skip the Marinade: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
• Baste Generously: Basting with the marinade during grilling adds layers of flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
• Use Fresh Pineapple Juice: Fresh juice adds a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to canned.
• Adjust the Heat: Add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
• Grill Alternatives: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or cook it on a stovetop grill pan.

Substitutions and Variations

• Pineapple Substitute: Use orange juice or mango juice for a different tropical twist.
• Low-Sodium Option: Swap regular soy sauce for low-sodium soy sauce.
• Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
• No Grill? No Problem: Bake or broil the chicken in the oven for similar results.

Make a Healthier Version

• Skinless Chicken: Use skinless chicken to reduce fat content.
• Reduce Sugar: Cut the brown sugar in half or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Grill, Don’t Fry: Grilling is a healthier cooking method compared to frying.
• Add Veggies: Serve with grilled pineapple slices, bell peppers, or zucchini for a balanced meal.

Closing for Easy Huli Huli Chicken

Easy Huli Huli Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and creativity. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to bring a taste of Hawaii to your kitchen. Don’t forget to let us know how your batch turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more culinary inspiration. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Huli Huli Chicken

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.

Can I freeze the chicken?
Absolutely. Freeze the marinated chicken in a resealable bag for up to 3 months.

Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless thighs or breasts work great. Adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use bottled pineapple juice?
Yes, but fresh pineapple juice will give you the best flavor.

What’s the best way to grill the chicken?
Cook over medium-high heat, turning and basting occasionally.

Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, basting halfway through.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the sweet and tangy flavors.

Can I add veggies to the grill?
Yes, grilled pineapple, bell peppers, or zucchini pair beautifully.

How do I make it spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade.

Can I use this marinade for other proteins?
Yes, it works great with pork, shrimp, or tofu.

What sides go well with Huli Huli Chicken?
Serve with rice, coleslaw, or a fresh tropical salad.

Let us know how your Easy Huli Huli Chicken turns out, and don’t forget to share your creations with us! Aloha and happy cooking!

Easy Huli Huli Chicken

Recipe by Aisha DevCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 4 lbs chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)

• 1 cup pineapple juice

• ½ cup soy sauce

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
• Prep the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
• Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade for basting) and place it on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired.