Quick Huli Huli Chicken

This quick Huli Huli chicken recipe brings the famous Hawaiian flavors home with minimal fuss and big taste. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something sweet, savory, and packed with flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

I first made this after a last-minute dinner plan and was amazed at how the simple marinade transformed basic chicken thighs into something special we wanted to make again immediately.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: offer dark meat juiciness and stay tender when grilled
• Soy sauce: provides the salty backbone essential for Hawaiian-style dishes, pick a naturally brewed one for best flavor
• Pineapple juice: adds sweetness and a slight tang, fresh juice enhances freshness but canned works fine
• Brown sugar: balances the acidity and caramelizes nicely during grilling
• Fresh garlic and ginger: bring aromatic warmth, freshly minced is best to keep the flavors bright
• Ketchup: lends a subtle tang and helps the glaze stick well to the chicken
• Sesame oil: adds a nutty richness to round out the marinade, use toasted sesame oil for deeper flavor

Instructions

Build The Marinade:

Combine soy sauce pineapple juice brown sugar minced garlic minced ginger ketchup and sesame oil in a bowl. Whisk these together thoroughly until the sugar dissolves. The balance of ingredients gives the glaze its signature sweet and savory punch.

Marinate The Chicken:

Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken making sure each piece is well coated. Let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes or longer if you have time. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.

Preheat The Grill:

Heat your grill to medium-high. A properly heated grill gives you good searing and grill marks which add flavor and eye appeal. If using a grill pan indoors preheat it over medium-high heat as well.

Grill The Chicken:

Place the marinated thighs on the grill. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown with a slightly sticky glaze and fully cooked through. Turning once is enough to keep the glaze intact.

Rest Before Serving:

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.

I love the pineapple juice in this recipe because it brings tropical brightness without needing complicated ingredients. One summer I made this for friends during a backyard party and the chicken disappeared faster than anything else on the table.

Storage tips

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out by warming in a skillet over low heat or in the oven wrapped loosely with foil. If you want to freeze portions wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn and consume within 2 months for best quality.

Ingredient swaps

If you don’t have pineapple juice fresh orange juice or apple juice can be interesting substitutes providing sweetness with a different twist. Swap ketchup for tomato paste mixed with a little honey if you prefer a thicker glaze. Chicken breast can be used but watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out.

Serving ideas

Serve this chicken over steamed white rice with grilled pineapple slices for the full Hawaiian experience. A side of stir-fried vegetables or a crisp green salad cuts through the richness nicely. You can also shred leftovers into tacos or wraps for an easy lunch the next day.

This quick Huli Huli chicken balances tropical sweetness with savory umami for a fast flavorful meal that anyone can make at home.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What cut of chicken works best?

Chicken thighs are ideal due to their rich flavor and ability to stay juicy when grilled.

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

At least 30 minutes allows good flavor absorption, but marinating overnight intensifies taste.

→ Can I use a different cooking method?

Grilling is preferred for that smoky char, but baking or broiling are suitable alternatives.

→ What gives the glaze its sweetness?

Pineapple juice combined with brown sugar creates a natural, sweet balance to the savory ingredients.

→ Any suggestions for serving sides?

Steamed rice and grilled pineapple pair wonderfully, enhancing the Hawaiian-inspired flavors.

→ How can I add heat to the dish?

Including a pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade provides a pleasant spicy kick.