Easy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe for Grilling is the sticky-sweet, smoky chicken you crave every summer. In just 40 minutes you’ll get caramelized edges, juicy centers, and that island-style flavor without a plane ticket. Serve it with my <a href="https://lowcarb.pafag.com/2026/04/easy-hawaiian-chicken-with-creamy.html">Easy Hawaiian Chicken with Creamy Coconut Rice Recipe</a> and you’ve got a weeknight luau on a budget.
Why You'll Love Easy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe for Grilling (Sticky-Sweet in 40 Min)
Easy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe for Grilling gives you juicy chicken glazed in a sweet-savory pineapple-soy sauce in under an hour. Fire up the grill tonight!
- One-bowl marinade—no fancy gadgets
- Family-friendly sweet-savory glaze kids devour
- Grill, stovetop, or oven options
- Leftovers make killer sandwiches or salads tomorrow
Ingredients for Easy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe for Grilling (Sticky-Sweet in 40 Min)
Chicken thighs: stay juicier than breasts; swap breasts if neededPineapple juice: canned works; orange juice works in a pinchBrown sugar: sub honey or coconut sugar for paleo
- Chicken thighs: stay juicier than breasts; swap breasts if needed
- Pineapple juice: canned works; orange juice works in a pinch
- Brown sugar: sub honey or coconut sugar for paleo
📋 Full measurements for Easy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe for Grilling (Sticky-Sweet in 40 Min) are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Easy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe for Grilling (Sticky-Sweet in 40 Min)
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Make the Huli Huli Marinade: Whisk pineapple juice, soy, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Marinate the Chicken: Add thighs, coat, cover, and chill 15 min (up to 24 hr for deeper flavor).
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Preheat Grill: Heat gas grill to medium-high (400 °F). Oil grates.
Expert Tips for Easy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe for Grilling (Sticky-Sweet in 40 Min)
- Boil leftover marinade 2 min for a safe table sauce
- Use a grill basket to keep smaller thighs from slipping
- Charcoal adds authentic smoky notes—add soaked wood chips for extra
Easy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe for Grilling (Sticky-Sweet in 40 Min)
Easy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe for Grilling gives you juicy chicken glazed in a sweet-savory pineapple-soy sauce in under an hour. Fire up the grill tonight!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 8 pieces)
- 1 cup pineapple juice (from can or carton)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh pineapple wedges
Instructions
How to Make Easy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe for Grilling
- Make the Huli Huli Marinade: Whisk pineapple juice, soy, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and pepper in a bowl.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add thighs, coat, cover, and chill 15 min (up to 24 hr for deeper flavor).
- Preheat Grill: Heat gas grill to medium-high (400 °F). Oil grates.
- Grill & Glaze: Grill 6 min per side, brushing with reserved marinade, until 175 °F and sticky.
- Rest & Serve: Tent 5 min, sprinkle onions and sesame seeds, then serve hot.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended — texture changes on thawing.
- Reheat: Best served chilled or at room temperature.
Easy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe for Grilling (Sticky-Sweet in 40 Min) FAQs
Can I make Easy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe for Grilling ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate up to 24 hr; grill just before serving for best texture.
What’s the best substitute for pineapple juice?
Orange juice + 1 tsp honey gives similar sweet acidity.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Why did my chicken turn out dry?
Overcooking—use a digital thermometer and pull at 175 °F for thighs.
You Might Also Like
- Easy Hawaiian Chicken with Creamy Coconut Rice Recipe
- Easy Raspberry Coconut Margarita Recipe for Summer
Before You Go
If you try this Easy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe for Grilling (Sticky-Sweet in 40 Min), I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a ⭐ rating or drop a comment below — it really helps other readers find this recipe.