Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Bring the tropical flavors of Hawaii straight to your kitchen with this Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken recipe. Juicy, marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce that’s bursting with pineapple, ginger, and soy flavors. It’s a backyard BBQ favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Island Flavor – Sweet pineapple, salty soy, and aromatic ginger create a mouthwatering glaze.
Grill-Friendly – Perfect for summer cookouts or any time you want a taste of the tropics.
Juicy & Tender – Marinated overnight for maximum flavor and moisture.
Family Favorite – Sweet, savory, and kid-approved.
Versatile – Pairs well with rice, grilled veggies, or fresh fruit salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Marinade & Glaze:
½ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
¼ cup brown sugar or honey
2 tbsp ketchup
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water to thicken glaze)

For the Chicken:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in if preferred)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon
Zip-top bag or shallow dish for marinating
Grill or grill pan
Small saucepan
Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil until fully combined.
Set aside ½ cup of the marinade to make the glaze later.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow dish.
Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.

Step 3: Make the Glaze
Pour the reserved ½ cup marinade into a small saucepan.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, about 1–2 minutes.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Remove chicken from marinade and pat slightly dry.
Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, basting with the glaze during the last few minutes.
Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer grilled chicken to a platter.
Brush with extra glaze and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve with your favorite sides.

Tips for the Best Huli Huli Chicken
Marinate Overnight – Deepens flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
Use Thighs – They stay moist and tender on the grill.
Grill Over Medium Heat – Prevents burning the glaze while getting a good char.
Don’t Skip the Glaze – It adds a sticky, glossy finish that makes this dish irresistible.

Serving Suggestions
With Steamed Rice – White or brown rice is perfect to soak up the glaze.
Grilled Pineapple – Adds sweetness and complements the marinade.
Macaroni Salad – A classic Hawaiian plate lunch pairing.
Mango Slaw – Bright and tangy, balances the richness of the chicken.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Grill or Oven: Reheat gently at 350°F until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, covered to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts?
   Yes, but thighs are juicier. If using breasts, don’t overcook to avoid dryness.
2. Can I bake this instead of grilling?
   Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, basting with glaze halfway through.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
   Not at all! But you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat.
4. Can I use canned pineapple juice?
   Yes, just choose one with no added sugar for the most authentic flavor.

Final Thoughts
This Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken brings big island flavor to your table with minimal effort. Sweet, sticky, and perfectly grilled, it’s everything you want in a tropical-inspired dish. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or cooking up something special for dinner, this recipe will transport you straight to paradise.

Fire up the grill and give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes (+ marinating)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 480mg

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