If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold, tangy, and sweet flavors, this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe will absolutely delight your taste buds. Originating from Hawaii, this grilled chicken combines a gorgeous marinade of soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and a few secret touches that result in tender, juicy meat with a caramelized glaze that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and tropical notes that bring a little vacation right to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Huli Huli Chicken is surprisingly simple to prepare, and each ingredient plays an essential role in crafting its iconic flavor profile. From the salty soy sauce to the sweet pineapple juice and honey, every element contributes to the vibrant taste and irresistible glaze.
- Soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami base essential for the marinade’s depth.
- Ketchup: Adds a subtle tang and helps balance the sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce and aids in caramelization when grilling.
- Honey: Enhances sweetness with a luscious, sticky texture for that glossy finish.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a mild acidity that brightens the flavors and tenderizes the chicken.
- Pineapple juice: Infuses tropical sweetness and a tenderizing effect thanks to its natural enzymes.
- Sesame oil: Adds a subtle nuttiness that complements the overall marinade.
- Garlic (minced): Boosts savory depth and aromatic warmth.
- Grated ginger: Provides a fresh, zesty bite enhancing the tropical vibe.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and complexity.
- Chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all these vibrant flavors.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, and sesame oil in a medium bowl. Whisk them together until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is smooth, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
Step 2: Add Fresh Aromatics
Next, stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground black pepper. These fresh ingredients elevate the marinade with bursts of sharpness and warmth that balance the sweetness perfectly.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts into a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, then pour the marinade over them. Ensure each piece is evenly coated to soak up every bit of flavor. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, allow it to marinate between 2 to 4 hours. This rest time lets the chicken tenderize and absorb the vibrant marinade.
Step 4: Heat the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Getting your grill properly hot ensures a beautiful sear and helps caramelize the marinade into that classic Huli Huli glaze.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, reserving the excess liquid for later. Grill the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The exterior should be nicely charred while the inside remains juicy and tender.
Step 6: Simmer and Thicken the Reserved Marinade
While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally and let it reduce and thicken for about 5 minutes. This concentrated glaze will beautifully enhance your grilled chicken when brushed on at the end.
Step 7: Brush and Rest
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then generously brush on the thickened marinade to lock in flavor and add a glossy finish that’s both delicious and visually tempting.
How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To highlight the vibrant colors and flavors, garnish your Huli Huli Chicken with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even some fresh cilantro. These add a fresh crunch and bright green color, making the dish as pretty as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Huli Huli Chicken pairs wonderfully with classic Hawaiian staples like steamed white rice or coconut rice, which soak up the extra sauce perfectly. For a refreshing contrast, add a tangy pineapple slaw or grilled vegetables that complement the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Jazz up your presentation by serving Huli Huli Chicken alongside grilled pineapple rings or on a bed of leafy greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette. You could even slice the chicken and pile it into soft tortillas with a tropical salsa to switch things up for a fun twist on tacos.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it is cooled to room temperature before storing to maintain juiciness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Huli Huli Chicken by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag or container. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it perfect for quick future meals.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the chicken in the oven or on the stovetop to avoid drying it out, brushing with any reserved or leftover marinade to maintain moisture and that iconic glaze.
FAQs
What is Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian grilled chicken dish featuring a sweet, tangy, and savory marinade made from ingredients like soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and garlic. The name “Huli Huli” means “turn, turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the turning of the chicken on the grill.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and can handle the robust marinade well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a little longer on the grill.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes is enough to infuse flavor, but letting the chicken rest for 2 to 4 hours yields the best tenderness and deeper taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a grill?
Yes! You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil the chicken in your oven. Just watch carefully to prevent burning and try to achieve a nice caramelized exterior.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Definitely. The marinade can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes the recipe even easier when you’re ready to cook your Huli Huli Chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is a wonderful way to bring the bright, tropical flavors of Hawaii into your own kitchen. Its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes combined with the juicy grilled chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious dish as much as I do. Give it a try and make any meal a special occasion!
Print
Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken recipe featuring a sweet and savory marinade made from soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and a blend of spices. Marinated chicken breasts are grilled to perfection and brushed with a thickened glaze for a flavorful and juicy dish perfect for any barbecue or family dinner.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, and sesame oil. Whisk together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground black pepper, then whisk again until fully incorporated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours, to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, preparing it for cooking the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Simmer the Reserved Marinade: While the chicken grills, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to reduce and thicken slightly for about 5 minutes, creating a flavorful glaze.
- Rest and Glaze: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Brush the thickened marinade glaze generously over the chicken breasts before serving to add extra flavor and shine.
- Serve: Serve the Huli Huli Chicken hot, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds to enhance both presentation and taste.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but longer marinating (up to 4 hours) will deepen the flavor.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- You can garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh pineapple chunks for added texture and taste.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler can be used as alternatives.
- Simmering the reserved marinade eliminates raw chicken exposure, making it safe to brush onto cooked chicken.
