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Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe – Sweet & Smoky Grilled Delight

Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

This authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli chicken recipe brings smoky island flavor to your grill. Marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, the chicken is grilled to sticky, caramelized perfection.

  • Total Time: 25 mins (+marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in if preferred)

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp ketchup

1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening marinade into glaze)

Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and Worcestershire sauce.

2. Reserve 1/3 cup of the marinade for basting. Pour remaining marinade over chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Marinate at least 4 hours or overnight.

3. Preheat grill to medium heat. Oil grates lightly.

4. Grill chicken 6–7 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade, until cooked through and caramelized.

5. (Optional) Simmer reserved marinade with cornstarch slurry until thickened to use as glaze.

6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice and grilled pineapple.

Notes

Chicken thighs stay juicier, but chicken breasts work if not overcooked.

You can bake the chicken at 400°F for 25–30 minutes if needed.

Pairs well with Hawaiian mac salad, coconut rice, or coleslaw.

  • Author: Mila Bryn
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 thighs
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 880mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: huli huli chicken, hawaiian grilled chicken, pineapple soy chicken, island bbq chicken