Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken) Recipe
Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken) is a sun-soaked, flavor-packed dish that’s practically a Hawaiian vacation on your plate. This recipe brings together tender, marinated chicken and a rich, glossy glaze infused with ginger, garlic, pineapple, and soy—each bite is juicy, sticky, and outrageously aromatic. Imagine the smoky sweetness of grilled pineapple playing perfectly alongside the savoriness of the chicken. Whether it’s a family BBQ, a festive gathering, or just a midweek dinner that needs a bit of magic, Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken) is about as joyful as home cooking gets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish relies on a handful of wholesome pantry staples and a few fresh flavors that really make it pop. Each ingredient brings its own personality—from juicy, marinated chicken to that magical tropical tang, every element helps build the dish’s sweet-savory profile and irresistible caramelized crust.
- Chicken thighs (or breast): Go for chicken thighs for extra juiciness, though breasts work too—just adjust the cooking temp and time.
- Vegetable oil: This helps the chicken grill up beautifully golden and prevents sticking.
- Pineapple juice, canned or bottled (NOT fresh): The canned stuff has the right enzyme activity—fresh will make the chicken mushy.
- Ginger, freshly grated: Adds zingy, peppery warmth to balance all that sweetness.
- Garlic, freshly grated: For deep savory “umami” that soaks into the chicken.
- Tomato ketchup (or Aussie tomato sauce): Sweet, tangy base for the sauce that caramelizes perfectly when grilled.
- Soy sauce: Duty calls for that deep saltiness and color.
- Sherry or Chinese cooking wine: Enhances flavor complexity and also helps tenderize.
- Brown sugar: The secret to lush caramelization and sticky goodness.
- Sriracha: Just a hint of heat to brighten everything up.
- Rice vinegar (or cider vinegar): Offers a subtle tang that lifts all the other flavors.
- Sesame oil, toasted: For nutty, toasty notes right in the finish.
- Sliced green onion: Adds freshness and a little zip for serving.
- Pineapple slices, grilled: Optional but spectacular—they make the dish look and taste totally Hawaiian.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken)
Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade
Start by prepping your marinade—this is where the magic happens! In a big bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, ginger, garlic, ketchup, soy sauce, sherry (or Chinese cooking wine), brown sugar, Sriracha, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Don’t skimp on the ginger or garlic; they’re the flavor backbone of Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken).
Step 2: Reserve Marinade for Basting
Before you pour anything over your chicken, remember to set aside about 3/4 cup of the marinade. This will become your basting glaze later and will transform your chicken into a sticky, glossy, truly drool-worthy main event.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Nestle your chicken thighs (or breast) into a glass or ceramic dish and pour the rest of the marinade over the top. Toss until everything is totally coated. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 24 hours (if you can swing 48, even better—flavor city awaits!). Avoid metal or plastic, as they can react with the marinade and change the flavor.
Step 4: Heat and Prep Your Grill or Skillet
Brush your BBQ grill with oil and preheat it to medium-high, or heat a dab of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat if you’re cooking indoors. Either way, you want a ripping hot surface that’s ready to give the chicken a nice sear.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Shake off excess marinade and lay your chicken pieces on the grill or skillet. Sear the first side for 2–3 minutes until a gorgeous golden crust forms, then flip and do 2 minutes more on the second side. If it’s browning too quickly, lower the heat a touch—patience makes perfect Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken)!
Step 6: Baste and Flip in Stages
Time to break out that reserved marinade! Dab the chicken generously, flip, and repeat every minute, letting it sizzle and soak in flavor. Alternate basting and flipping for about 10 minutes total, or until the thickest part reads 75°C/167°F (for thighs) or 65°C/150°F (for breast) on an instant-read thermometer.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish for Perfect Finish
After cooking, let your chicken rest, loosely covered with foil, for 3 minutes so those juices redistribute. Shower with sliced green onion and, if you want a true tropical finish, serve with slabs of golden, grilled pineapple on the side. Now it’s officially Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken)!
How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken)
Garnishes
A flurry of thinly sliced green onions instantly brightens the rich caramelized chicken, while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro brings extra color and flavor. And don’t forget those caramel-striped grilled pineapple slices—they’re not only stunning but add a juicy, tart counterpoint that ties everything together.
Side Dishes
Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken) loves classic backyard sides! Think fluffy steamed rice or coconut rice, a cool Hawaiian-style macaroni salad, or just a simple green salad tossed with citrus dressing. For a true tropical feast, add roasted sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, or even a fresh mango salsa.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your chicken family-style on a big platter, scattering pineapple and fresh herbs over the top, or slice the chicken and layer it onto soft Hawaiian rolls for festive sliders. You can even cube it and thread onto skewers with pineapple between each piece—guaranteed to wow at any party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken) to room temperature, then pack into airtight containers. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, still juicy and bold in flavor. Don’t forget to stash the extra pineapple too!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual chicken pieces (with or without pineapple) wrapped tightly in plastic and foil, or in freezer bags. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a foil-covered baking dish at 160°C/325°F until heated through, or gently in the microwave. For best results—and to bring back any lost juiciness—add a splash of leftover marinade or pineapple juice before reheating.
FAQs
What does “Huli Huli” mean?
“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, so Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken) gets its name from the traditional grilling method—frequently turning (or “huli-ing”) the chicken while it’s basted with sauce for a beautiful, even glaze.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work in this recipe, just adjust your cooking time and pull them off the heat as soon as they reach 65°C/150°F to keep them juicy—not dry.
Is there a substitute for sherry or Chinese cooking wine?
If you don’t have sherry or Chinese cooking wine, use a touch of dry white wine or even unsweetened apple juice. The flavor will be slightly different, but you’ll still get great results.
Why can’t I use fresh pineapple juice?
Fresh pineapple contains enzymes that break down proteins too aggressively and could make your chicken mushy. Canned or bottled juice has these enzymes deactivated, making it perfect for marinades like this.
Can I cook this Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken) in the oven?
You can! Roast the marinated chicken at 200°C/400°F on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, basting with reserved marinade every few minutes, until golden and cooked through. A quick flash under the broiler at the end adds some delicious char.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall head over heels for Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken) with its sticky, tropical, and totally irresistible flavors. If you’re ready to bring the taste of Hawaiian sunshine to your own table, give this recipe a try—you’ll be dreaming of island breezes with every bite!
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Huli Huli Chicken (Tropical Hawaiian chicken) Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a tropical Hawaiian dish featuring succulent chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other delicious ingredients. Perfect for a summer BBQ or luau party, this dish is a crowd-pleaser with its sweet and savory profile.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 kg / 3 lb chicken thighs (or breast, Note 1)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice, canned or bottled (unsweetened, Note 2)
- 1 1/2 tbsp ginger, freshly grated (Note 3)
- 1 1/2 tbsp garlic, freshly grated (Note 3)
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup (or Aussie tomato sauce)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sherry or Chinese cooking wine (Note 4)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
For Serving:
- Sliced green onion
- Grilled pineapple slices
Instructions
- Marinade: Mix marinade ingredients, reserving 3/4 cup for basting. Pour the rest over chicken in a glass or ceramic container, coat chicken well, and marinate for 24 – 48 hours.
- Cooking: Brush BBQ grills with oil and preheat to medium-high heat or heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess marinade from chicken and cook on the BBQ/skillet. Cook each side until golden, basting with reserved marinade periodically. Cook until internal temperature reaches 75°C/167°F for thighs or 65°C/150°F for breasts.
- Transfer chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 3 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions and grilled pineapple slices.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 24 hours.
- Adjust the heat during cooking to prevent burning.
- Ensure chicken reaches the recommended internal temperatures before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Grilled Chicken
