Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful grilled dish featuring juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and smoky paprika. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a tropical-themed dinner, this recipe brings vibrant island flavors straight to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
Marinade
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar or honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar or honey, rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, olive oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and smoked paprika until well combined and smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or drumsticks in a large zip-top bag or airtight container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight to let the flavors fully develop.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 450°F). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally. Baste with the reserved marinade every 5–7 minutes to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and has a slightly charred exterior, remove it from the grill. Garnish with sliced fresh green onions and sesame seeds before serving to add a fresh, crunchy finish.
Notes
- Marinating overnight improves the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- You can substitute chicken breasts, but the thighs and drumsticks tend to remain juicier on the grill.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha into the marinade.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, basting with marinade occasionally.
- Always discard any marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian chicken recipe, grilled chicken, pineapple chicken marinade, BBQ chicken, tropical chicken
