Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken - Hawaii's one of the MOST popular Chicken Recipes, Huli Huli Chicken is basically grilled chicken coated in Huli Huli Sauce. Served with Plain Rice, Huli Huli Chicken is definitely the recipe you should try right now.

These days, Huli Huli Sauce is easily available in the market. But, I really don't recommend buying it - because - you can easily make it at home.

The recipe for Huli Huli Chicken is so easy. All you have to do is make "Huli Huli Sauce" and then coat your chicken in the sauce for about an hour.

Then simply grill chicken with pineapples and serve it over rice. isn't that easy?

What is Huli Huli Chicken?

History says that Ernest Morgado and Mike Asagi - these two guys grilled chicken and served it in a sauce which was actually - Morgado's mother's recipe. Obviously, people started liking it. And that is how Huli Huli Chicken became popular. People started making it for fundraisers.

But, do you know why is this called "Huli Huli Chicken"?

In Hawaii Chicken is grilled in a makeshift spit on the roadside. When the onlookers would see the chicken getting charred and grilled on one side they would shout - "Huli" meaning "turn". And, then the chicken would be turned. This is how this "hulied chicken" got its name.

Huli Huli Chicken Maui

Hawaii is a beautiful Island country. Sitting in a small restaurant by the beach looking at the waves crashing on the shore, and the clear blue tropical sky reflecting on your plate. The only thing that you would want is a crispy grilled chicken coated in juicy pineapple sauce, ketchup, sticky brown sugar, and some other spices.

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken

Here is the recipe for Huli Huli Chicken with step-by-step photos.

• Step 1: Make Huli Huli Sauce

In a bowl combine Pineapple Juice, Dark Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar (Dark/Light), Ketchup, Sesame Oil, chopped Ginger, minced garlic, and Rice vinegar. This is your Huli Huli Sauce. You can keep the extra in an air-tight jar and refrigerate it for 2-months. You can use it in any other recipe that you want or you can make Huli Huli chicken once again after few days.

• Step 2: Coat your Chicken in the Marinade

Now coat your chicken in the Marinade for at least 2-hours. It is best if you can keep it covered in the refrigerator overnight.

• Step 3: Grill Chicken and Pineapple

Now Grill Chicken and Pineapple in an outdoor grill or grill pan. Baste midway so that the chicken doesn't dry out.

• Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finally, Garnish and serve with chopped cilantro over rice and green veggies.

What do I Serve with Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken can be served with so many things.

• Roasted Green Beans
• Roasted Broccoli
• Creamed Corn
• Southern Fried Corn
• Pineapple Fried rice
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Other Variations or Possible Substitutions

• Honey - Instead of Brown Sugar you can use Honey for a sweet taste in your sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce - Worcestershire Sauce has a tangy, salty, and sour taste which can add depth of flavors to this grilled marinated chicken.
• Sriracha - If you like some heat, you can definitely add some Sriracha while making your sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes - They'll help you add more heat to your Huli Huli sauce.
• Mustard - Though traditionally mustard is not used. But, just to get that sharp kick of mustard you can add it.

Extra Tips

• Marinate Chicken - Be patient and allow the chicken to sit in the marination for at least 2-hours. It is best if you marinate your chicken, cover it with a closed lid and refrigerate overnight.
• Do Not turn often while grilling - One of the biggest mistakes we make while grilling is that we turn our chicken/meat to see if it is done. Don't do that. Just wait for a few minutes and then turn over to grill the other side as well.
• Baste Chicken while Grilling - Generally, when we grill chicken, the chicken turns dry. So, it is super-important that you baste your chicken with the sauce at regular intervals.
• Pineapple Juice - Do not choose sliced pineapple which is packed in heavy syrup. Choose pineapple juice that is packed in Pineapple juice.

Can I Prep this Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can. You can prepare the marinade. Pour the marinade and uncooked chicken pieces in a ziplock bag. Refrigerate for 2- days. Or else you can Freeze this for 2-months.

When ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. And, the grill as per the recipe.

Other recipes you might like:

• Shredded Hawaiian Chicken Sliders
• Instant Pot Shredded Hawaiian Chicken Tacos
• Traditional Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
• BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs in Oven / Air Fryer / Grill
• Chipotle Grilled Chicken Pineapple Tacos

if you are making this recipe, then please leave a rating below. Also, take a snap and share it on Instagram with #recipemagik. Tag me @recipemagik so that I can see how this turned out.