What is Huli Huli chicken in Hawaii?

Huli Huli chicken is a popular Hawaiian dish made by grilling marinated chicken over an open flame while continuously turning it. “Huli” means “to turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the method of flipping the chicken while it cooks. It’s commonly sold at fundraisers, roadside stands, and family gatherings.

What is Huli Huli sauce made of?

The signature sauce includes a base of soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, ketchup, garlic, and ginger. This combination creates a sweet, tangy, and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully when grilled or roasted.

Why is it called Huli Huli chicken?

The name comes from the Hawaiian word “huli,” meaning “turn.” Originally, the chicken was cooked on a spit roast and turned manually over open flames. Ernest Morgado, who created the dish in the 1950s, coined the term during a community cookout.

What is Hawaiian chicken made of?

Hawaiian chicken recipes vary, but Huli Huli chicken typically uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or halves marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy, pineapple, ginger, and sugar. Other Hawaiian chicken dishes may include tropical ingredients like coconut milk or pineapple glaze.

Is Huli Huli chicken healthy?

It can be. While the marinade contains sugar, you can reduce the sweetness or use skinless chicken for a lighter version. Grilling the chicken allows fat to drip away, making it healthier than frying.

Why is it called devil chicken?

Some spicy versions of grilled chicken are nicknamed “devil chicken,” but Huli Huli chicken isn’t typically fiery. The name might come from its rich color or the intense smoky char from traditional grilling.

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken: The Sweet & Smoky Grilled Favorite You'll Love

Name: Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup pineapple juice (not from concentrate); 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp sesame oil (optional); Chopped green onions, for garnish; Grilled pineapple rings (optional), for serving

Description

Juicy, sticky, sweet-salty grilled Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken made with a pineapple-soy marinade that’s full of tropical flavor. Perfect for backyard barbecues or a family-style meal that brings the taste of the islands home.

Ingredients

Scale

2.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup pineapple juice (not from concentrate)

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

Chopped green onions, for garnish

Grilled pineapple rings (optional), for serving

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.

2. Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or bowl. Pour in the marinade and toss to coat. Marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

3. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and reserve extra marinade in a small saucepan.

4. Grill the chicken, turning every 4–5 minutes and basting with reserved marinade until cooked through (about 30 minutes). Internal temp should reach 165°F.

5. If using an oven: Preheat to 400°F. Bake chicken skin-side up on a lined tray for 40–45 minutes. Baste in the last 10 minutes and broil for a caramelized top.

6. Optional: Grill or broil pineapple slices for 2 minutes per side until caramelized.

7. Garnish with green onions and serve hot over rice with grilled pineapple on the side.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.

You can also make this recipe with boneless thighs, but reduce cooking time accordingly.

The reserved marinade should be boiled for 5 minutes before basting or serving.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling, Baking
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 thigh + sides
Calories: 360
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 115mg