Fire up the grill and take your taste buds straight to the islands with this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken! 🍍🔥 Each juicy bite bursts with a mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors — thanks to a tropical pineapple-teriyaki marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Paired with smoky pineapple rings, sesame seeds, and fresh green onions, this dish is pure paradise on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have
- Bursting with bright, tropical pineapple flavor
- A fun excuse to get outside and grill
- Easy to marinate ahead for quick cooking later
- Works perfectly with either chicken breasts or thighs
The first time I tried Huli Huli Chicken was at a beach cookout with neighbors — the smell alone had everyone gathering around the grill. Ever since then, it’s become a family favorite for summer weekends and backyard get-togethers.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
For the Chicken and Pineapple
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 ripe pineapple, cut into rings
For Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until smooth and fully combined. This creates the signature sweet-and-savory Huli Huli flavor base.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over it, ensuring each piece is coated well. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Heat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill helps sear the chicken quickly, locking in juices and creating beautiful grill marks.
4. Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade (set the marinade aside for basting). Grill for 6–7 minutes per side, brushing with reserved marinade occasionally. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the edges are caramelized.
5. Grill the Pineapple
Add pineapple rings directly to the grill. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and slightly charred. The smoky sweetness pairs perfectly with the chicken.
6. Plate and Garnish
Arrange grilled chicken on a serving platter and top each piece with a pineapple ring. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for crunch and color.
Pro Tips
- Marinate overnight for the most flavorful chicken.
- Bring chicken to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
- Watch for flare-ups — move chicken to a cooler side of the grill if needed.
- Don’t skip the grilled pineapple! It’s the secret to that perfect balance of sweet and smoky.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Huli Huli Chicken with coconut or jasmine rice, grilled veggies, or a crisp cucumber salad. It’s also amazing sliced into sandwiches or rice bowls with a drizzle of extra sauce.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- No teriyaki sauce? Mix soy sauce, a drizzle of honey, and a splash of rice vinegar.
- No fresh pineapple? Canned rings work fine—just pat them dry before grilling.
- Want more island flavor? Add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.
To freeze: Combine raw chicken with the marinade in a labeled freezer bag and freeze flat for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Fun Fact
“Huli” means turn in Hawaiian — referring to how the chicken was traditionally turned over open flames as it cooked. This smoky, caramelized, sweet-and-savory dish has been a Hawaiian staple since the 1950s, and now you can enjoy that island magic right from your backyard.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
(Approximate values — not for medical use.)
Calories: 410 | Protein: 36g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 40g
Make It Tonight!
This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is juicy, smoky, and bursting with tropical flavor — perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want a little island sunshine on your plate.