A beloved Hawaiian classic, Huli Huli Chicken is known for its irresistible balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Originating from roadside grills and island gatherings, it’s a dish that embodies aloha spirit and is perfect for any barbecue or casual dinner.
The marinade, a tropical blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, infuses the chicken with a bright and complex flavor that gets even better with time. When grilled, the sugars in the marinade caramelize beautifully, creating a golden, sticky glaze that clings to the juicy chicken pieces.
Huli Huli means “turn, turn” in Hawaiian—a nod to the traditional rotisserie-style cooking used on the islands. But don’t worry if you don’t have a spit-roaster; this recipe works beautifully on a standard grill or even a grill pan. The key is turning the chicken often to develop that signature char and lacquered finish.
ADVERTISEMENT
Whether you’re hosting a summer luau or simply craving a taste of the tropics, Huli Huli Chicken is sure to become a go-to favorite. It’s a low-effort, high-reward recipe that brings sunshine to your plate, no matter the season.
Servings and timing:
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 4 hours to marinate)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes active, 4 hours 35 minutes total
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon water (for slurry, optional)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions:
See Next Page =>
