Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy grilled chicken this summer, this Grilled Huli Huli Chicken recipe is a must-try. A Hawaiian favorite, it features juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a few simple seasonings.

As the chicken marinates, the flavors soak deep into the meat, creating tender, flavorful bites that caramelize beautifully on the grill.

While it’s traditionally served with rice and vegetables, this versatile chicken is just as delicious piled onto Hawaiian rolls for sandwiches, sliced over a fresh salad, tossed with pasta, or even used as a topping for homemade pizza.

Why Is It Called Huli Huli Chicken

In the Hawaiian language huli means ‘to turn’. Because the original recipe required the chicken to be turned constantly to prevent the sauce from scorching on the grates of the grill, it became known as grilled huli huli (turn, turn) chicken.

And the popular term has stuck with the recipe for decades. Not only is it a popular menu item at restaurants across the island, this recipe has become a go-to recipe in homes all around the world.

What Type Of Chicken To Use When Making Huli Huli Chicken

For the most flavor use it is best to use chicken thighs in this recipe. They have a higher fat content and when cooked the thighs become super moist and tender.

This is especially the case if you use bone in, skin on chicken thighs. However, for the ease of serving (and eating) I prefer to use boneless, skinless thighs.

If you do choose to use bone in, skin on chicken thighs, be sure to increase the cook time. And if you are wanting to eat a little healthier, you can certainly replace the chicken thighs with chicken breasts.

Although the meat won’t be as tender and juicy, the flavor will still be fantastic.

The Marinade

Although you may want to simply make a sauce to spread over the chicken, it is important that you let the Huli Huli Chicken sit in the marinade. This is what allows it to become so tender and flavorful. Luckily it is easy to make with just a few basic ingredients.

1. Pineapple Juice

Although I am a huge advocate of using fresh ingredients in recipes, for this recipe it is best to use canned or bottled pineapple juice instead of fresh pineapple juice.

That is because fresh pineapple juice contains an enzyme that will break down the proteins in the chicken meat. Once this happens the meat actually turns soft and mushy.

2. Light Soy Sauce

When it comes to marinating meat it is best to use light soy sauce. It has a thinner texture and is lighter in color than standard, dark soy sauce. However, it has a slightly saltier flavor.

Many people get this confused with low-sodium soy sauce. These two products are not the same.

Low-sodium soy sauce is dark soy sauce that has a lower sodium count. Therefore, when you head to the grocery be sure to look for the label of Light Soy Sauce. This is typically found in the Asian section of the grocery store, but if you can’t find it you can always order it online. (Product Affiliate Link: Light Soy Sauce).

3. Smoked Paprika

If you follow my recipes, you know that I frequently use smoked paprika to add both flavor and color to a lot of my dishes. From my Smoked Pulled Pork recipe to Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, this ground spice provides a slightly smoky flavor to the dish.

And that is exactly why I use it in this Grilled Huli Huli Chicken recipe. The smoked paprika adds a layer of flavor that you don’t want to miss!

You can find the spice at most grocery stores. However, I typically purchase Smoked Paprika in a 1 pound package because I use it so often.

How To Serve Huli Huli Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F it is time to serve. You can serve it as whole pieces or shred it with two forks. It is served in both styles in Hawaii.

The most common way to serve the chicken is with cooked white rice. However, it is often also served with grilled vegetables on the side as well.

Although this chicken is so good that I have turned it into several different dishes. Serve it in between a sweet Hawaiian roll as a sandwich. Or how about putting the meat in a pita pocket or tortilla shell with your favorite vegetables?

However one of my favorite ways to use the chicken is as a topping for Hawaiian pizza instead of ham. It is such a delicious and versatile recipe that I am sure you will put to use in so many different ways.

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup canned pineapple juice
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup ketchup
• ½ cup light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 pounds chicken thighs, boneless & skinless

Optional

• Fresh pineapple slices
• Sliced green onions

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large resealable bag, add the pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, paprika, and ground black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
2. Remove ½ cup of the marinade and place in the refrigerator for later use. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade in the bag, remove the air and seal. Be sure that the chicken is coated in the liquid. Place the bag in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.

Grilling Instructions

1. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to near room temperature. Preheat the grill over medium-high heat and brush the grill grates with oil.
2. Once the grill is hot remove the chicken from the marinade, and place the chicken pieces on the grill. Discard the marinade in the bag.
3. Grill the chicken thighs for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for about 4 minutes. Remove the reserved marinade from the refrigerator and brush it on the chicken as it cooks. Continue to flip the chicken after the initial cook time on each side, adding more marinade each time. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. (approximately 15-17 minutes total cook time) Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes, covered, before serving.
4. As the chicken rests, grill the pineapple slices until they begin to caramelize.
5. Serve the chicken with the grilled pineapple and garnish with green onions.

Baking Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Place the chicken in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Then, brush the marinade on top, flip and place pineapple slices on top. Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the pineapples begin to caramelize.

There you have it! A Hawaiian chicken recipe that is sure to become your favorite!

Enjoy! Mary

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