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Juicy sweet and savory Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is perfect for lazy summer grilling with family or a weekend cookout with friends. This recipe brings an irresistible tropical flair to classic grilled chicken by marinating it in a pineapple-rich sauce and finishing it over flame for that signature savory char.
My first taste of Huli Huli Chicken was at a seaside cookout where neighbors shared family recipes and plates were always piled high with seconds. Now it is the number one dish my family asks for when the grill comes out.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: tender and juicy choose organic or air-chilled if possible for best texture
- Teriyaki sauce: the building block of umami flavor choose one with low sodium if you prefer
- Pineapple juice: sweetens and tenderizes try to use 100 percent pure juice with no added sugar
- Soy sauce: balances sweetness with a little salty kick look for a naturally brewed or low sodium option
- Brown sugar: adds a subtle molasses-rich sweetness opt for dark brown sugar for deeper flavor
- Fresh garlic: minced for background warmth use firm heavy cloves
- Fresh ginger: grated for zesty spice go for unblemished smooth ginger knobs
- Sesame oil: brings nutty aroma and richness choose toasted sesame oil for boldest flavor
- Fresh pineapple: sliced into rings for grilling and spectacular garnish pick a ripe pineapple with a sweet fragrance and green leaves
- Garnishes: sesame seeds and sliced green onions add crunch and color select fresh green onions with firm bright stalks
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl whisk together teriyaki sauce pineapple juice soy sauce brown sugar minced garlic grated ginger and sesame oil until fully combined. This forms the base of your marinade and makes sure every bite sings with sweet savory and tangy flavors
- Infuse the Flavor:
- Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow glass dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Work the marinade into all surfaces then seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for a minimum of two hours and up to overnight. Longer marinating means more flavor soaking in and juicier chicken
- Heat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium high heat. A properly heated grill will keep the chicken from sticking and help those grill marks appear
- Grill and Baste:
- Take the chicken out of the marinade letting excess drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting as the chicken cooks. Grill chicken for six to seven minutes on each side basting occasionally with the reserved marinade. Your goal is for the chicken to be fully cooked through with golden caramelized surfaces but still tender inside
- Grill the Pineapple:
- Lay pineapple rings directly on the hot grill grates. Cook for two to three minutes per side turning once. Look for deep grill marks and a little caramelization which turns each slice extra juicy and sweet
- Finish and Serve:
- Arrange the grilled chicken on a serving platter and top each piece with a warm pineapple ring. If you like sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a final splash of color and crunch
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My favorite part is always those deeply caramelized pineapple slices. The combination of grilled fruit and smoky chicken reminds me of outdoor family picnics where laughter and the smell of the barbecue lingered in the air. Huli Huli nights at our house mean everyone comes hungry and leaves happy
Storage Tips
Keep leftover chicken and pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days for best texture and flavor. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have teriyaki sauce use an equal mix of soy sauce honey and a splash of rice vinegar. For added tropical flair add a bit of orange juice to the marinade. Chicken thighs give you the best juiciness but breasts work beautifully with a slightly shorter grill time
Serving Suggestions
Serve with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice for a simple meal. Pair with a crisp cucumber salad or coleslaw to balance the sweet heat. Huli Huli Chicken is also wonderful sliced and tucked into soft rolls with a handful of grilled pineapple
Cultural and Historical Context
Huli Huli Chicken is a beloved Hawaiian roadside barbecue classic. The term huli means turn referring to the rotation of chicken on open grills during traditional cookouts. The famous sweet savory glaze became popular in the 1950s and has since been a staple at island parties and fundraisers
Seasonal Adaptations
Use boneless chicken thighs in cooler months and grill on a stovetop grill pan Add a pinch of cayenne or sliced jalapenos for a little summer heat Grill fresh local peaches or mangoes along with pineapple for extra seasonal fruitiness
Success Stories
One summer my nephew surprised us by making his own version of this recipe with mango in the marinade and the smiles said it all. Every time friends come over asking for that pineapple chicken I know this has become more than a recipe in our lives. It is a tradition we build memories around
Freezer Meal Conversion
Marinate chicken as described then transfer both chicken and marinade into a labeled freezer bag. Lay flat and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with grilling for fresh-off-the-grill flavor any time
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Try this Huli Huli Chicken for your next cookout and let every juicy bite transport you to the islands. It is easy enough for a weeknight and special enough for a celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer the juiciest result, but chicken breasts are a great option too.
- → Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Fresh pineapple gives the best caramelization and flavor, but canned rings can be used if needed.
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
For best flavor, marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.
- → Do I have to grill the chicken and pineapple?
Grilling enhances smoky sweetness, but you can use a grill pan or broiler as alternatives.
- → What can I serve as sides?
Steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad complement the flavors beautifully.