Huli Huli Chicken Hawaiian Grilled Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes  

   Prep Time: 20 minutes

Huli Huli Chicken Hawaiian Grilled Chicken Ingredients

Huli Huli Chicken Hawaiian Grilled Chicken Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, light brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sliced scallions. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is well blended.
  2. Place the boneless, skin-on chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, turning the chicken occasionally to marinate evenly.
  3. About 30 minutes before grilling, remove the chicken from the refrigerator to let it come to room temperature. Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade and set aside for basting.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside for basting.
  6. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the hot grill. Grill for 5-6 minutes without moving, until the skin is crisp and has grill marks.
  7. Flip the chicken and baste generously with the thickened marinade. Continue grilling, turning and basting every 2-3 minutes, for another 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Transfer the grilled chicken to a platter and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
  9. Slice the chicken thighs into strips. Garnish with extra sliced scallions, chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with fresh pineapple cubes on the side.

Estimated Calories: 274, Servings: 6

Recommended Dishes

Healthy Huli Huli Chicken Tips

If you’re on a quest for the best, most delicious, and healthy twist on the classic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken recipe, you’re in the right place! Let’s face it—sometimes our favorite dishes need a little health makeover, and this easy, homemade version is here to save your taste buds and your waistline. By swapping out some traditional ingredients for lighter options, you can still enjoy that authentic, tasty flavor without the guilt. Think less sugar, more fresh pineapple, and a marinade that’s as quick to whip up as it is good for your health. Who knew that making the perfect, healthy Huli Huli Chicken could be this simple?
Now, let’s talk about how to make this recipe even better for your health. Instead of using the usual soy sauce, try a low-sodium version to keep your heart happy. For that sweet, caramelized glaze, ditch the refined sugar and opt for honey or pureed fruit—your body (and your dentist) will thank you! Grilling instead of frying is another pro tip for a health boost, locking in all those delicious flavors while keeping things light. Trust us, your taste buds won’t even notice the difference, but your health definitely will. Plus, you’ll have more energy for that impromptu hula dance in your kitchen!
Don’t forget the power of fresh, wholesome ingredients when crafting your best homemade Huli Huli Chicken. Load up on vibrant veggies as sides, and use skinless chicken for a leaner, protein-packed meal. These simple swaps make this recipe not just easy and quick, but also a champion for your health. Got your own healthy tips or secret ingredients? Share them below—we love hearing how you make your Huli Huli Chicken recipe even more perfect and tasty! After all, the best recipes are the ones we make together, with a dash of fun and a whole lot of health.

Huli Huli Chicken Story

I will never forget the first time I shared my version of this dish with a close friend who considered herself a connoisseur of all things homemade. She had always been skeptical of recipes that claimed to be both healthy and delicious, believing that you usually had to sacrifice one for the other. When she took her first bite, her eyes widened in surprise and she immediately asked for seconds. She told me it was the best meal she had tasted in months, and that she could not believe something so good could also be so easy to prepare.
What really stayed with me was how she kept talking about the experience long after the meal was over. She raved to her family and friends about how quick and fast the whole process was, and how the flavors lingered in her memory. She even asked for the recipe, which was a great compliment coming from someone who rarely cooked anything outside her comfort zone. Her unexpected reaction made me realize that sometimes the simplest dishes can have the most profound impact.
That interaction inspired me to keep sharing my creations and to encourage others to try new things in their own kitchens. I love showing people that making something both healthy and delicious does not have to be complicated or time consuming. If you are looking for a meal that is easy to make, quick to serve, and sure to impress, I invite you to try this recipe and see for yourself why it left such a lasting impression. Your next great food memory could be just one meal away.

About Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the best Hawaiian-inspired dinner, look no further than this easy Huli Huli Chicken recipe! This dish is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, making it a delicious crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The secret to this authentic homemade recipe lies in its tasty marinade, packed with simple ingredients like pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. Wondering how to make the best Huli Huli Chicken at home? With just a few quick steps, you’ll have a meal that tastes like a Hawaiian vacation—no plane ticket required!
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy and quick it is to prepare. Even if you’re not a grill master, you’ll find this homemade Huli Huli Chicken recipe simple enough to tackle on a busy weeknight. The marinade does most of the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with mouthwatering flavor while you kick back and dream of sandy beaches. For the perfect result, don’t forget these tips: marinate your chicken for at least a few hours, and baste it frequently while grilling to lock in all that delicious, authentic taste. Your taste buds will thank you, and your neighbors might start peeking over the fence, wondering what smells so tasty!
If you’re still wondering how to make this Hawaiian classic, just remember: it’s all about the ingredients and a little bit of patience. This recipe is the best way to bring a taste of the islands to your backyard, and it’s so easy, even your pet goldfish could probably follow along (though we don’t recommend letting them near the grill). Serve your homemade Huli Huli Chicken with rice, grilled pineapple, or a fresh salad for the perfect meal. With these tips and tricks, you’ll have a quick, delicious, and authentic dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Huli Huli Chicken Quick Mistake Fixes

When it comes to Huli Huli Chicken, achieving the best balance of flavors is key to a truly delicious experience. Sometimes, the dish can turn out a bit too salty, especially if the marinade is left on for too long or if soy sauce is used too generously. The good news is that a quick fix can save the meal. Adding a splash of pineapple juice or a sprinkle of brown sugar right before serving can mellow out the saltiness and bring a healthy, sweet tang that makes every bite more enjoyable. This easy adjustment ensures your chicken is not only tasty but also crowd pleasing, making your recipe a great hit at any gathering.
No one wants their Huli Huli Chicken to be dry or soggy, and finding that perfect texture is what sets a good meal apart from a great one. If the chicken ends up overcooked, it can lose its juiciness and become tough, which is far from the fast, flavorful meal you envisioned. On the other hand, undercooking or letting it sit in sauce too long can make it soggy, robbing it of that signature grilled appeal. The best approach is to keep a close eye on the cooking time and temperature, ensuring a quick sear that locks in moisture while delivering a delicious, slightly charred exterior. This way, every bite is as satisfying as the last.
Sometimes, even with the best intentions, the flavors can come out a bit bland, especially if the marinade does not have enough time to work its magic. The great thing about Huli Huli Chicken is how easy it is to give it a last minute boost. A quick brush of extra sauce during the final minutes of grilling or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can instantly elevate the taste, making the dish more vibrant and inviting. This simple step transforms a good meal into a truly memorable one, ensuring your recipe is always a hit and your guests are left wanting more.

Huli Huli Chicken Pairings

When you think about the best flavors to complement a Hawaiian meal, imagine a symphony of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes dancing on your palate. The right flavor pairing can elevate your dining experience from good to unforgettable. A quick and easy way to achieve this is by adding a fresh pineapple salsa or a mango-lime drizzle to your plate. These bright, tropical flavors are not only delicious but also healthy, bringing out the natural juiciness of your main dish. If you are searching for a great recipe to impress your guests, try experimenting with a touch of ginger or a hint of chili for that extra kick.
No Hawaiian feast is complete without a selection of vibrant sides that bring color and texture to your table. A fast and easy side like coconut rice or a crisp green papaya salad can make your meal feel like a true island getaway. These sides are not just delicious, they are also healthy and quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. For the best results, look for recipes that use fresh, local produce to capture the spirit of aloha in every bite. Your guests will love the variety and the way these sides round out the meal.
To round out your Hawaiian-inspired spread, consider serving a refreshing drink that ties all the flavors together. A good non-alcoholic option is a homemade passion fruit iced tea, which is both easy and fast to prepare. If you are in the mood for something a bit more festive, a tropical rum punch is always a great choice for adults. These drinks are not only delicious but also help to cleanse the palate and enhance the overall dining experience. Whether you are hosting a big luau or a casual family dinner, the right beverage can make your meal feel extra special and memorable.