What is Huli Huli Chicken made of?

Huli Huli Chicken is made of marinated chicken—typically thighs or drumsticks—in a Hawaiian-style blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and vinegar. The marinade gives it a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor, especially when grilled.

What does “huli huli” mean in Hawaiian cooking?

“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian. “Huli Huli” refers to the traditional method of continuously flipping the chicken over an open grill to achieve even cooking and caramelization on both sides. It’s both a cooking method and a name for the dish itself.

Can I bake Huli Huli Chicken instead of grilling it?

Yes! Baking Huli Huli Chicken is a great alternative to grilling. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the marinated chicken on a foil-lined tray, and bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway. Baste with extra marinade for best results.

What sides go well with Huli Huli Chicken?

This dish shines with tropical and comforting sides like sticky rice, grilled pineapple, Hawaiian rolls, macaroni salad, or even roasted vegetables. You can also pair it with lighter options like cucumber salad or sautéed greens for balance.

Huli Huli Chicken – 5 Secrets to Perfect Hawaiian Flavor

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

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Instructions

Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
Add chicken thighs and marinate for 4–12 hours.
Preheat grill or oven to 400°F.
Grill chicken, turning and basting every 5 minutes for 30 minutes.
(Or bake for 35–40 minutes, turning once.)
Simmer leftover marinade until thick to use as glaze.
Brush glaze on chicken before serving.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for best flavor.
Don’t reuse marinade without boiling it first.
Pairs well with rice, grilled pineapple, and Hawaiian macaroni salad.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling, Baking
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Diet: Vegetarian