Hawaiian Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Juicy, flavorful, and kissed by the grill, this Hawaiian Grilled Huli Huli Chicken brings a taste of the islands right to your backyard. Marinated in a sweet and savory pineapple-ginger glaze, then grilled to perfection, this dish is ideal for summer cookouts, family dinners, or a quick tropical escape at the dinner table. It’s bold, sticky, smoky—and absolutely unforgettable.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tropical Flavors – Pineapple, soy, garlic, and ginger create a mouthwatering balance.
Perfectly Grilled – Caramelized edges and juicy, tender chicken every time.
Great for Meal Prep – The marinade works beautifully overnight.
Kid-Friendly – Sweet and smoky flavors the whole family enjoys.
Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for BBQs, luaus, or potlucks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Marinade:

• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional for extra depth)
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening glaze)

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Grilled pineapple slices (optional, for serving)

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon
Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish for marinating
Grill or grill pan
Tongs
Small saucepan (for glaze)
Brush for basting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Marinade

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
2. Set aside ½ cup of the marinade to use later as a glaze.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Season the chicken thighs lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Place in a resealable bag or shallow dish, and pour in the remaining marinade.
3. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
2. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

1. Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off excess.
2. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F).
3. Brush with reserved marinade during the last few minutes of grilling for extra flavor.

Step 5: Make the Glaze (Optional)

1. While the chicken cooks, place reserved marinade in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer, then stir in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water.
3. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Brush over chicken or serve on the side.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Serve with grilled pineapple slices, rice, or tropical slaw.

Tips for Perfect Huli Huli Chicken
Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicy and flavorful on the grill.
Marinate Overnight – For the best flavor infusion.
Don’t Skip the Basting – Adds incredible glaze and sticky texture.
Control the Heat – Keep an eye out to avoid burning the sugars in the marinade.
Make it Spicy – Add a splash of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Jasmine or Coconut Rice – Soaks up all the saucy goodness.
Grilled Pineapple – A classic Hawaiian combo.
Tropical Coleslaw – Bright and crunchy contrast to the sweet chicken.
Hawaiian Rolls – For sliders or a full sandwich option.
Grilled Vegetables – Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini make great sides.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze grilled and cooled chicken for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Grill or Pan: Reheat on a grill or skillet over medium heat until warmed.
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, covered.
Microwave: Use in short intervals and cover with a damp paper towel for moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, but thighs stay juicier. If using breasts, pound them to even thickness for best results.
2. Can I bake this instead of grilling?
   Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, basting with marinade halfway through.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it gluten-free.
4. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Yes—marinate overnight and grill just before serving.
5. What does “Huli Huli” mean?
   “Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to how the chicken is traditionally turned on a spit over a grill.

Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is everything you want in a summer meal—sweet, smoky, and packed with bold tropical flavor. It’s easy to prep, fast to grill, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests. Bring the island vibes home and enjoy a little taste of Hawaii, no plane ticket required.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—don’t forget to share your grill-master moments!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Hawaiian-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 340 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 720mg

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