The sweet aroma of marinated chicken wafting through the air is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. When you sink your teeth into Huli Huli Chicken, expect an explosion of flavors that dances on your palate like a hula dancer at a luau. It’s juicy, tender, and packed with a delightful combination of sweet and savory notes that makes it an unforgettable meal. For more inspiration, check out this easy chicken fajitas recipe.

I remember the first time I tried Huli Huli Chicken at a family barbecue. My uncle was at the grill, flipping chicken breasts like a pro while cracking jokes that had everyone in stitches. It was one of those moments where laughter and good food intertwined perfectly, creating memories that linger long after the last bite is gone.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Huli Huli Chicken recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will make your taste buds sing
- Preparation is quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings
- The vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas create an impressive dish for any occasion
- Enjoy it straight from the grill or bake it for a cozy night in
I still chuckle when I think about how my cousin accidentally set off the smoke alarm while trying to impress everyone with his grilling skills!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: You’ll want about 3-4 chicken breasts for optimal flavor absorption during marinating.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves; fresh garlic adds incredible depth to your marinade.
- Brown Sugar: This helps balance out the soy sauce with its sweetness, giving you that perfect glaze.
- Pineapple Juice: Fresh juice is best; it provides tanginess while tenderizing the chicken.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep things flavorful without overwhelming saltiness.
- Ground Ginger: A teaspoon adds warmth and a hint of spice that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle enhances the overall flavor profile, providing a nutty undertone.
- Green Onions: These add freshness as a garnish at the end; don’t skip them!
- Pineapple Slices (optional): Grilling pineapple slices alongside adds extra tropical sweetness to your dish. caramelized pineapple side dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create Your Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and aromatic.
Add Chicken to Marinade: Place your chicken breasts in the bowl with marinade. Ensure they’re fully submerged for maximum flavor infusion. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—longer if you can wait!
Preheat Your Grill or Oven: If using a grill, fire it up to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C). If baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while waiting for those flavors to meld.
Grill or Bake Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade (reserving leftover marinade) and place on the grill or in a baking dish. Cook for around 6-7 minutes per side on the grill or about 25-30 minutes in the oven until fully cooked through.
Add Pineapple Slices (optional): During the last few minutes of grilling or baking, throw those pineapple slices on the grill or into the oven with the chicken for extra caramelization and sweetness.
Baste with Reserved Marinade & Serve Hot!: Brush some reserved marinade onto chicken while cooking for added moisture and flavor. Once done cooking, let rest briefly before slicing into juicy pieces; serve hot garnished with chopped green onions.
Now you have all the steps lined up like ducks in a row! Your kitchen will smell heavenly while you prepare this delightful Huli Huli Chicken recipe. flavorful teriyaki stir fry Enjoy every bite as you reminisce about family gatherings filled with laughter and love.
You Must Know
- This delightful Huli Huli chicken recipe not only brings tropical flavors to your kitchen but also makes dinner entertaining
- The aromatic marinade infuses the chicken with sweetness and tang, making every bite a mini-vacation
- Perfect for grilling, but just as good baked or pan-seared
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken for at least an hour to soak up all that delicious flavor. Grill it on medium heat to achieve a nice char while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the pineapple juice with orange juice for a citrus twist. You can also add some chopped jalapeños for an unexpected kick that will surprise your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Huli Huli chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Huli Huli chicken is flavorful and tender, always opt for bone-in pieces rather than boneless
- Marinating overnight delivers even deeper flavor, so plan ahead!
- Lastly, allow the chicken to rest after cooking for juicier bites
The first time I made Huli Huli chicken, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! They even asked if I was secretly a Hawaiian chef. Who knew this dish could earn me such culinary street cred?
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken for this Huli Huli chicken recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken works fine but may dry out faster during cooking.
What can I serve with Huli Huli chicken?
Pair it with rice or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal that’s full of flavor. Cajun grilled salmon.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken for at least one hour enhances its flavor significantly; overnight is best!

Huli Huli Chicken
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- Author: Mery Mack
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a mouthwatering Hawaiian dish bursting with sweet and savory flavors. This easy-to-make recipe features juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection, delivering a delightful taste that transports you straight to the islands. Perfect for family gatherings or a weeknight dinner, serve it alongside rice or grilled vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Pineapple slices (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil until smooth.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F) or oven to 375°F.
- Remove chicken from marinade (reserve leftover marinade) and cook on the grill for about 6-7 minutes per side or bake for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
- Optional: Add pineapple slices during the last few minutes of grilling or baking.
- Brush reserved marinade onto chicken while cooking for added moisture and flavor.
- Let rest briefly before slicing; serve hot garnished with chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg