Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken dish known for its sweet, savory, and slightly smoky glaze. The chicken is marinated in a rich pineapple-soy sauce, then grilled until beautifully caramelized and juicy, just like in the image with that glossy, sticky finish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in) or breasts
For the Marinade & Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Grilled pineapple slices
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
In a bowl, mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined.
Add chicken to the marinade and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
Preheat grill to medium heat (around 375–400°F). Lightly oil the grates.
Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill. Cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, turning occasionally.
While grilling, brush the chicken with reserved marinade (or simmered sauce) to build that sticky, caramelized coating.
Cook until the chicken is fully done (internal temp 165°F / 75°C) and nicely charred with a glossy finish.
Serve over rice with grilled pineapple and garnish with green onions.
Notes
- The sugars in the marinade create that caramelized glaze
- Always cook marinade before using as a sauce
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts
- Grill marks and slight char add flavor
- Pineapple enhances the sweet-savory balance
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per serving
- Calories: 390