Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe – A Popular Hawaiian Recipe

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious and easy to make recipe that is perfect for a summer time barbecue. This popular Hawaiian recipe is made up of chicken that has been marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce.

The base of the sauce is typically made with a combination of soy sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar, along with a few other ingredients. Once cooked the chicken is most often served with rice and vegetables, however there are several other ways that you can serve it to enjoy a little taste of Hawaii.

The dish originated in the 1950s by Ernest Morgado, a businessman on the big island of Hawaii. He was looking for a new way to cook chicken that would be both flavorful and easy to prepare.

He came up with the idea of grilling the chicken and basting it with a sauce made with the readily available ingredients of pineapple juice and soy sauce. The combination tasted so good that it quickly became a popular dish in Hawaii.

It is now served at nearly every restaurant and farmer’s markets across the islands. However this dish is also a favorite of many home cooks as well, not only because it is delicious, but it is also easy to make.

Why Is It Called Huli Huli Chicken

In the Hawaiian language huli means ‘to turn’. Because the original recipe required the chicken to be turned constantly to prevent the sauce from scorching, it quickly became known as grilled huli huli chicken.

And the popular term has stuck with the recipe for decades.

What Type Of Chicken To Use

The best type of chicken to use for huli huli chicken is chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are not only less expensive, but they are also more flavorful and have a higher fat content than chicken breasts.

And this means that the thigh meat will turn out more moist when grilled. Although bone in and skin on chicken thighs will give you the most flavor, for the ease of serving I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

However, you can also use bone in, skin on chicken thighs, but you will need to increase the cooking time. And of course, if you really want to make this recipe with chicken breasts you can certainly do so.

Although the meat won’t be as tender and juicy, the flavor will still be fantastic.

The Marinade

The key for making the best grilled huli huli chicken is in the marinade itself. I have adapted the marinade several times to make it taste exactly like the sauce that I had when I was in Hawaii.

Although there are a few key ingredients in making this sauce turn out perfect.

1. Pineapple Juice

It is important to use canned or bottled pineapple juice and not fresh pineapple juice. Sounds crazy, because I almost always recommend using fresh ingredients.

However fresh pineapple juice contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can break down the proteins in the chicken meat and make it mushy.

Therefore in order to use pineapple juice in marinade, it is best to use canned or bottled pineapple juice because the enzyme has been deactivated during the canning or bottling process.

2. Light Soy Sauce

Light soy sauce is the preferred soy sauce of choice when it comes to marinating meat. It is thinner and lighter in color than dark soy sauce, yet it has more of a salty flavor.

It is often used in cooking not only for the flavor but also it is preferred because it won’t make the meat too dark. When you go to the grocery, be aware that this is not the same as low sodium soy sauce.

Low sodium soy sauce is dark soy sauce that has a lower salt content. Therefore, be sure to look for the label of Light Soy Sauce.

3. Smoked Paprika

If you follow any of my recipes, you know that I frequently use smoked paprika in my kitchen. From my Tex Mex Skillet recipe to White Chicken Chili, this spice makes all the difference in terms of providing a slightly smoky flavor the the dish.

And there is not exception to this grilled huli huli chicken recipe. The smoked paprika adds another layer of flavor that you don’t want to miss when making this dish!

You can find the spice at most grocery stores. However, I typically purchase Smoked Paprika in bulk because I use it so often.

How To Serve Huli Huli Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked you can either serve the chicken pieces whole or shred the meat with two forks. It is served both ways in Hawaii.

The most common way to serve the sweet and tangy chicken is with cooked white rice. However it is often also served with grilled vegetables as well.

Although it can be served in many different ways as well. For instance, you can serve the meat in a pita pocket or in a wrap with lettuce, tomatoes and onions.

Or instead of serving it over rice, serve it over a bed of pasta noodles. Although one of my favorite and unique ways to serve it is as a topping for Hawaiian pizza!

As you can see there are many different ways to enjoy the succulent pieces of chicken! The possibilities are endless!

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup canned pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless & skinless

Garnish (optional)

• Sliced green onions
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Pineapple slices

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large resealable bag, add canned pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, light soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Remove ½ cup of the marinade and store in a covered container in the refrigerator for later use.

Carefully place the chicken thighs in the marinade inside the plastic bag. Seal and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 12 hours.

When you are ready to grill, remove the chicken in the marinade from the refrigerator and let it begin to come to room temperature (about 20-30 minutes)

Before you begin cooking the grilled huli huli chicken, make sure to preheat the grill over medium-high heat. Carefully coat the grates with a high heat oil (olive oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil).

Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and discard the marinade.

Grilling Instructions

Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook on one side for 5-6 minutes. It is important to let the chicken grill undisturbed for at least 5 minutes before moving.

Once the chicken can easily be released away from the grill grates, flip and cook for 4 minutes.

Brush half of the reserved marinade (from the refrigerator not the marinade that the chicken soaked in) on the top surface of the chicken thighs. Then flip and brush the other side of the chicken with the remaining marinade.

Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the internal temperature of the thickest portion of each thigh reaches 165°F when tested by an instant read digital thermometer. (Total Grill Time Approximately 15-18 minutes)

Remove the chicken thighs from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. 

Serve warm and garnish with diced green onions, pineapple slices and chopped fresh parsley (if desired)

Baking Instructions:

• Place the marinated chicken thighs in a 8 x 8 inch square baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Place in a preheated oven set at 375°F for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Brush with the reserved refrigerated marinade and broil for 2-3 minutes until the marinade begins to bubble and caramelize.

Enjoy! Mary

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