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Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe (Easy & Flavorful)

Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Juicy grilled chicken is marinated in a pineapple-soy sauce, turned frequently over medium heat, and finished with a glossy sweet-savory glaze. Bone-in thighs and drumsticks provide especially rich flavor and stay tender on the grill.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 3 pounds Chicken thighs and/or drumsticks
Huli Huli Sauce
  • 1 cup Pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup Soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup
  • 1/2 cup Packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger, grated
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon, optional Red-pepper flakes or hot sauce
Garnish
  • as needed Sliced green onions or sesame seeds

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Whisk pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, Worcestershire sauce, and optional red-pepper flakes together in a bowl.
  2. Reserve 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the sauce in a clean container and refrigerate it for basting. Place the chicken in a nonreactive container or resealable bag, pour the remaining sauce over it, cover, and refrigerate for 2–24 hours.
  3. Preheat a grill to medium heat, approximately 350–400°F. Set up an indirect-heat area if possible so the chicken can cook gently before browning.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill, preferably over indirect or medium heat.
  5. Grill for approximately 25–35 minutes for bone-in pieces, turning frequently so the brown sugar does not burn. Move the chicken between indirect and direct heat as needed to control browning.
  6. During the final 10–15 minutes, brush the chicken repeatedly with the reserved clean sauce. Continue turning until the thickest part reaches 165°F and the outside is glossy with lightly charred edges.
  7. Transfer the cooked chicken to a platter and rest it for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For a thicker glaze, simmer the reserved sauce for 5–8 minutes before brushing it on the chicken. Never brush sauce that has touched raw chicken onto cooked food. Boneless thighs may cook in approximately 15–20 minutes, while bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks are more flavorful and forgiving.