Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

You're about to discover the ultimate Hawaiian grilling sensation that'll transform your backyard barbecue. Huli huli chicken isn't just a meal; it's a flavor journey that'll transport you straight to the tropical islands. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy marinade and charred perfection, this dish promises to become your new summer staple. Want to know how to create restaurant-quality Hawaiian chicken that'll have everyone asking for your secret? Let's uncover the magic.

Table of Contents

Recipe Highlights

Marinate 4 pounds of chicken thighs overnight in a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic for maximum flavor infusion.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-425°F) and use indirect heat to prevent burning, turning chicken regularly for even cooking and caramelization.
Continuously baste chicken with marinade during grilling to create a glossy, sweet-savory glaze that captures the traditional Hawaiian Huli Huli style.
Cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring juicy meat with a caramelized exterior that represents authentic Hawaiian grilling techniques.
Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after grilling to retain moisture, then serve with traditional Hawaiian side dishes for a complete tropical meal experience.

History

Although Huli Huli Chicken might seem like a modern Hawaiian culinary creation, its roots trace back to the mid-20th century.

You'll find that the dish was pioneered by Ernest Morgado, a Hawaiian businessman who first grilled the chicken at a farmers' conference in 1955. He'd perfected a unique basting technique using a special sauce that quickly became legendary across the islands.

Morgado initially cooked his chicken on an open rotisserie, continuously turning (or "huli-ing") the meat to ensure even caramelization. He soon began selling his recipe at local events, transforming it from a regional specialty into a statewide sensation.

Recipe

Huli Huli Chicken is a beloved Hawaiian grilling tradition that brings the flavors of the islands directly to your backyard. This dish transforms simple chicken into a succulent, caramelized masterpiece through a magical marinade that balances sweet, salty, and umami notes.

The secret to perfect Huli Huli Chicken lies in its dynamic cooking method and flavorful sauce. By repeatedly turning the chicken and basting it with a pineapple-based glaze, you create a glossy, deeply flavored exterior that seals in the meat's natural juiciness.

Ingredients:

4 pounds chicken thighs
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 cloves minced garlic

In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic until the sugar completely dissolves. Set aside half the mixture for basting and use the remaining liquid to marinate the chicken.

Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or container, pour in the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor penetration.

When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place the pieces on the grill, skin-side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes, then flip and baste with the reserved sauce.

Continue turning and basting every few minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and develops a beautiful, caramelized exterior.

For the best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which remain more tender and flavorful than other cuts. Watch the chicken carefully during grilling, as the sugar in the marinade can quickly burn.

If the chicken is browning too rapidly, move it to a cooler section of the grill or reduce the heat. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist and flavorful.

Cooking Steps

You'll start by whisking together the marinade ingredients, letting the chicken soak up those sweet and tangy Hawaiian flavors overnight in the refrigerator.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and prepare to transform those marinated chicken thighs into a caramelized masterpiece.

Grill the chicken carefully, turning frequently and basting with the reserved sauce, until you achieve a glossy, bronzed exterior and the meat reaches a safe internal temperature.

Step 1. Combine Marinade Ingredients

When preparing the Huli Huli Chicken marinade, gather all your ingredients to create a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors.

You'll need pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and carefully measure each ingredient: 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 4 cloves of freshly minced garlic.

Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar completely dissolves, creating a smooth, glossy marinade.

Make sure to stir thoroughly, paying attention to any sugar crystals that might cling to the bowl's sides. The marinade should look consistent and have a rich, caramel-like sheen that promises deep, complex flavors for your chicken.

Step 2. Marinate Chicken Overnight

A critical step in achieving authentic Huli Huli Chicken flavor involves marinating the meat overnight to ensure deep, comprehensive flavor penetration.

You'll want to place your chicken thighs in a large, non-reactive container or sealed plastic bag, then pour the reserved marinade mixture completely over the meat.

Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated, turning the chicken to distribute the liquid evenly.

Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows:

Deeper flavor absorption
Enhanced meat tenderness
Complete seasoning penetration

When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling, letting it come to room temperature.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure optimal caramelization during cooking.

Step 3. Preheat Grill to Medium-High

After removing the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and allowing it to rest at room temperature, prepare your grill for cooking.

Set your grill to medium-high heat, targeting around 400-425°F, which creates the perfect environment for caramelizing the Huli Huli glaze. Clean and oil your grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful sear marks.

Key prep steps include:

Check grill temperature with a digital thermometer
Arrange coals or burners for direct and indirect heating zones
Position chicken skin-side down initially for crisp, golden exterior
Keep a spray bottle nearby to manage potential flame flare-ups
Have tongs and basting brush ready for frequent turning

Position chicken pieces with enough space between them to allow even heat circulation and promote consistent cooking.

Step 4. Grill Chicken, Turning Occasionally

Fire up those grill skills and transform your marinated chicken into a Hawaiian flavor sensation!

Place chicken thighs on the preheated grill, positioning them skin-side down first. Cook for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully for even caramelization. Use tongs to turn the chicken every 2-3 minutes, basting generously with the reserved marinade.

Key grilling tips:

Maintain medium-high heat
Check internal temperature reaches 165°F
Rotate chicken to prevent burning
Look for a glossy, golden-brown exterior

The sugar in the marinade creates beautiful char marks, so stay attentive. If chicken starts to burn, move to a cooler grill zone or reduce heat.

The goal is a perfectly caramelized, juicy chicken that's crispy on the outside and tender within. Keep turning and basting until you've achieved that classic Huli Huli perfection.

Step 5. Rest Chicken Briefly

Once your Huli Huli chicken comes off the grill, you'll want to let it rest for about 5 minutes, allowing the juicy internal moisture to redistribute throughout the meat.

This crucial resting period helps ensure each bite remains tender and succulent, preventing precious juices from escaping when you cut into the chicken.

Place the grilled thighs on a clean cutting board or serving platter, tenting them loosely with aluminum foil to retain warmth.

During these few minutes, the protein's muscle fibers will relax, reabsorbing cooking liquids and creating a more balanced texture.

Keep the chicken uncovered if you prefer a slightly crisp exterior
Avoid cutting or piercing the meat during resting
Maintain a consistent, warm ambient temperature around the chicken

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a backyard grilling enthusiast or a home cook looking to explore Hawaiian flavors, this Huli Huli Chicken recipe offers a delicious gateway into island-inspired cuisine.

You'll find that mastering this dish isn't just about following steps, but understanding the balance of sweet, savory, and caramelized flavors. The key is patience during marinating and attentiveness while grilling.

Don't rush the process or skimp on quality ingredients. Experiment with the marinade ratios to suit your taste, but respect the fundamental Hawaiian technique of frequent turning and basting.

Your reward will be tender, glossy chicken with a complex flavor profile that'll transport your taste buds to the tropical shores of Hawaii. Enjoy the culinary journey!