Let me take you on a flavorful journey to the tropical shores of Hawaii with a dish that’s as fun to say as it is to eat—easy Huli Huli Chicken. succulent chicken thighs, marinated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky glaze, grilled to perfection over an open flame. The scent alone will take you to a beachside luau, with the sun melting into the horizon and the ocean breeze blowing in from paradise.
This recipe embodies simplicity and flavor. Huli Huli Chicken means turn-turn in Hawaiian, which was the traditional method of cooking the chicken over an open flame while turning it over and over. In Hawaiian culture, Huli Huli chicken is almost a staple at family gatherings, festivals or community events.
Why is this recipe so special? Because it balances sweet and savory with an awesome marinade of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of ginger. It can be delicious and simple. Any cooking skill level can make this recipe, you can’t go wrong!
But the best part? This recipe is versatile. You can grill it, bake it or cook it in a skillet. it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, and meal prep. Plus, it’s kid friendly and adults will want seconds too.
So grab your apron, get the grill hot and let’s bring Hawaii home to your kitchen. This Easy Huli Huli Chicken is not just a recipe, it’s an experience. And let me tell you, once you try this recipe, it will make its way into your weeknight meals.
Here’s Why You’ll Love This Easy Huli Huli Chicken
This Easy Huli Huli Chicken is perfect for anyone who loves bold, tropical flavors and wants to put forth the least amount of effort. Here’s why you want to try this :
- Mouth-Watering Flavor : The marinade is a delicious balance of sweet pineapple juice and soy sauce, with ginger and garlic hints. The flavor is both familiar and exotic.
- So Many Cooking Options : Grill it, bake it, or cook it in a skillet. No matter how you like to cook, this recipe has you covered.
- It’s a FOOL proof family favorite : Huli Huli Chicken is sure to please both kids and adults, making it great for family dinners or larger gatherings.
- Easiest Prep Flex : With very few ingredients and minimal prep time, this meal is a perfect choice for busy weeknights.

Tips For Making Easy Huli Huli Chicken
- Marinate chicken longer : I prefer to marinate my chicken cutlets overnight for even better flavor.
- Don’t let it dry out : Chicken thighs are quite forgiving, but watch your temps to keep it from drying out.
- Make double the marinade : You can use it for dipping sauce or rice drizzle.
Substitutions and Alternatives
- Protein Replacement : You can substitute chicken breasts, pork chops, or even tofu.
- Gluten-Free : Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adding Heat : You can add sriracha or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Ways to Make a Healthier Version
- Lower Sodium : Substitute low-sodium soy sauce.
- Lower Carb : Instead of brown sugar, use a sugar alternative like monk fruit.
- Skinless : Use skinless chicken thighs to remove fat.
Conclusion For Easy Huli Huli Chicken
That’s it! You made a little piece of Hawaii that’s easy to make and very tasty. Please let us know how it turned out, and please also browse some of our other recipes, like/or our juicy Coca-Cola Cake.
Easy Huli Huli Chicken
Description
This Easy Huli Huli Chicken recipe is a Hawaiian favorite, featuring juicy grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for a taste of the tropics right in your backyard!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by whisking together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl. This is your marinade—your ticket to flavor town. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them soak up all that goodness for at least 30 minutes, or better yet, overnight.
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When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade for basting) and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. While grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade to build that irresistible glaze.
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Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that extra touch of flair.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 2613.36kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 169.19g261%
- Saturated Fat 43.23g217%
- Cholesterol 889.04mg297%
- Sodium 7510.11mg313%
- Potassium 2683.72mg77%
- Total Carbohydrate 108.47g37%
- Dietary Fiber 2.78g12%
- Sugars 86.35g
- Protein 162.91g326%
- Vitamin A 895.35 IU
- Vitamin C 28.15 mg
- Calcium 272.61 mg
- Iron 11.44 mg
- Vitamin D 0.91 mcg
- Vitamin E 2.69 mg
- Vitamin K 22.84 mcg
- Thiamin 0.96 mg
- Riboflavin 1.51 mg
- Niacin 48.21 mg
- Vitamin B6 3.84 mg
- Folate 102.99 mcg
- Vitamin B12 5.81 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 9.94 mg
- Phosphorus 1680.54 mg
- Magnesium 289.8 mg
- Zinc 12.92 mg
- Selenium 175.78 mcg
- Copper 1.21 mg
- Manganese 2.35 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.