Huli Huli Chicken BBQ – Sweet, Smoky, and Hawaiian-Inspired Backyard Bliss!
A sticky-sweet glaze, juicy grilled chicken, and tropical flavors come together in this crowd-pleasing BBQ favorite.
I remember the first time I tried Huli Huli Chicken at a small roadside stand in Maui—the chicken was sizzling over an open flame, the air filled with a smoky pineapple aroma that made everyone stop and stare. This recipe brings that unforgettable flavor right to your own grill, making it perfect for summer nights or weekend cookouts.
Ingredients:
- 4–6 boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening glaze)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade for glazing later.
- Place chicken in a zip-top bag or dish, pour in remaining marinade, and refrigerate 3–8 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, basting frequently with reserved marinade.
- For thicker glaze, simmer reserved marinade with cornstarch slurry in a pan until glossy.
- Serve hot with rice, grilled pineapple, or a tropical salad.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Printable Recipe Summary
| Huli Huli Chicken BBQ | |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Chicken, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger |
| Instructions | Marinate chicken, grill while basting, thicken glaze if desired, serve hot |
FAQs
Q: Can I bake instead of grill?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, basting halfway.
Q: Can I use chicken breast?
You can, but thighs stay juicier and absorb more flavor during grilling.
Q: How long should I marinate it?
At least 3 hours, but overnight gives the best flavor.
Q: Can I freeze the chicken in marinade?
Absolutely. Freeze in a sealed bag with marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.
