Tasty Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken: A Grilled Island Classic with Big Flavor

Looking for a flavorful grilled chicken recipe that brings tropical island vibes right to your backyard? Look no further than Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken—a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky dish that’s become a classic not just in Hawaii, but across the world. Bursting with bold flavor from a rich marinade and perfect for your next cookout, this chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make.

What Is Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian barbecue dish that dates back to the 1950s. The term “huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian—a nod to the original cooking method where the chicken was rotated on a spit over an open flame. It was traditionally prepared at fundraisers and roadside stands, and today, it’s a beloved comfort food known for its sticky, sweet, and smoky glaze.

This dish typically features bone-in, skin-on chicken that’s marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, and pineapple juice, then grilled to perfection.

Ingredients

For the Marinade and Sauce:

1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar (dark or light, depending on your preference)
1/3 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional but adds depth)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added umami)

For the Chicken:

2–3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, grated ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour about 2/3 of the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Reserve the remaining 1/3 of the marinade separately (this will be reduced into a glaze later).

Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

3. Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350–375°F). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking. If you’re using a charcoal grill, set up two zones—one for direct heat and one for indirect heat.

4. Grill the Chicken

Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Grill the chicken over indirect heat, skin side down, for about 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally. Then move to direct heat for another 10–15 minutes, brushing with the reserved marinade and turning frequently to develop a caramelized glaze. Be careful not to burn the sugar in the marinade.

The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is nicely charred and sticky.

5. Make the Glaze (Optional)

While the chicken grills, you can reduce the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat until it thickens into a glaze (about 5–10 minutes). Brush this over the chicken in the last few minutes of grilling for an extra punch of flavor.

6. Serve

Transfer the chicken to a platter, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot. Pair with steamed rice, grilled pineapple, or a Hawaiian-style macaroni salad.

Tips for Success

Don’t skip the marinating time – Overnight marination infuses the chicken with deep flavor.
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken – This helps retain moisture and adds extra richness to the final dish.
Grill with care – Sugar burns easily. Keep an eye on the chicken and use indirect heat to avoid scorching.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Huli Huli Chicken is the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, kissed by smoky grill marks. It’s perfect for summer BBQs, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something tropical and satisfying. It’s also budget-friendly, easy to prep ahead, and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is more than just grilled chicken—it’s a taste of island tradition with flavors that dance on your tongue. Whether you’re hosting a luau, looking to impress your guests, or simply want to spice up your weekly dinner routine, this grilled island classic brings big flavor with minimal fuss.

So fire up that grill, turn up the aloha spirit, and enjoy this mouthwatering masterpiece!