Huli Huli Chicken represents the heart and soul of Hawaiian cuisine, combining sweet tropical flavors with perfectly grilled chicken that melts in your mouth. This beloved dish originated in the 1950s when Ernest Morgado created this signature recipe for a fundraising event, and it quickly became a staple across the Hawaiian Islands. The name “huli huli” means “turn turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the traditional method of constantly turning the chicken while grilling to achieve that perfect caramelized exterior and juicy interior.
What makes this Huli Huli Chicken recipe truly special is its incredibly flavorful marinade that combines the sweetness of pineapple juice with the umami depth of soy sauce, creating a perfect balance that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary tropical feast. Moreover, this recipe requires minimal active cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend entertaining when you want to impress guests with authentic Hawaiian flavors.
Recipe Details & Difficulty
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Additional Time: 4 hours (marinating)
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Yield: 8 servings
Difficulty Level: Easy ⭐
Cook Mode Reminder: Keep your screen awake while cooking to easily follow each step of this delicious Huli Huli Chicken recipe!
The Cultural Significance of Huli Huli Chicken
This iconic Hawaiian dish tells the story of the islands’ unique culinary fusion, blending Asian influences with local tropical ingredients. Hawaiian barbecue culture embraces the slow, methodical approach to cooking, where patience and attention to detail create extraordinary results. The traditional preparation involves grilling over kiawe wood, which imparts a distinctive smoky flavor that complements the sweet and savory marinade perfectly.
Furthermore, Huli Huli Chicken has become synonymous with community gatherings, fundraising events, and family celebrations throughout Hawaii. The dish represents the spirit of aloha, bringing people together around the grill to share stories, laughter, and incredible food. This recipe maintains those traditional flavors while adapting the cooking method for modern home kitchens.
Why You’ll Love This Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
The beauty of this authentic Hawaiian recipe lies in its simplicity and incredible depth of flavor. The marinade works its magic over several hours, penetrating deep into the chicken to create tender, juicy meat with a gorgeous caramelized glaze. Additionally, the combination of sweet pineapple juice, salty soy sauce, and aromatic ginger creates a complex flavor profile that satisfies every taste bud.
This recipe also offers remarkable versatility, working equally well with different cuts of chicken or even other proteins. The marinade doubles as a basting sauce, ensuring every bite delivers that signature Huli Huli flavor. Most importantly, this dish brings the tropical paradise of Hawaii directly to your dinner table.
Local Offers & Featured Products
You can find these authentic ingredients at various retailers to create the perfect Huli Huli Chicken. Whole Foods 365 brand offers excellent quality pineapple juice and soy sauce, while Walmart’s Great Value line provides budget-friendly alternatives without compromising flavor. For premium ingredients, consider Kikkoman soy sauce and Dole pineapple juice for the most authentic taste.
Fresh ginger and garlic are essential for this recipe, so visit your local farmer’s market or Asian grocery store for the freshest options. Many stores now carry pre-crushed ginger and garlic, which can save time while maintaining the recipe’s integrity.
Ingredients for Huli Huli Chicken (1x, 2x, and 4x Yields)
| Ingredient | 1x (8 servings) | 2x (16 servings) | 4x (32 servings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chickens (3 lb each), cut into pieces | 2 chickens | 4 chickens | 8 chickens |
| Unsweetened pineapple juice | 1 cup | 2 cups | 4 cups |
| Soy sauce | ½ cup | 1 cup | 2 cups |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | 1 cup | 2 cups |
| Ketchup | ⅓ cup | ⅔ cup | 1⅓ cups |
| Sherry | ¼ cup | ½ cup | 1 cup |
| Fresh ginger (2-inch piece), crushed | 1 piece | 2 pieces | 4 pieces |
| Garlic cloves, crushed | 3 cloves | 6 cloves | 12 cloves |
| Green onions, chopped | 4 stalks | 8 stalks | 16 stalks |
| Dry mustard | ¼ teaspoon | ½ teaspoon | 1 teaspoon |
Chef’s Notes on Ingredients:
- Use unsalted soy sauce if you prefer to control sodium levels
- Fresh ginger provides superior flavor compared to ground ginger
- Choose chickens with skin for the best caramelization and flavor retention
- Brown sugar creates the signature glaze, but coconut sugar works as a substitute
Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Huli Huli Chicken
Step 1: Begin by rinsing the chicken pieces thoroughly under cold running water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. This ensures proper marinade adherence and prevents excess moisture during cooking.
Step 2: Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, sherry, crushed ginger, crushed garlic, chopped green onions, and dry mustard in a large resealable plastic bag. Stir the marinade vigorously until the brown sugar completely dissolves, creating a smooth, well-integrated mixture.
Step 3: Place the dried chicken pieces into the marinade bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, then seal the bag securely. Lomi (massage) the bag gently to ensure every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with the flavorful marinade.
Step 4: Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 4 hours, though overnight marination produces even better results. Turn the bag occasionally to ensure even flavor distribution throughout all pieces.
Step 5: Position an oven rack 6 inches from the heat source and preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature creates the perfect caramelization while cooking the chicken through completely.
Step 6: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the remaining liquid for basting. Arrange the chicken pieces skin-side up on a broiler pan, ensuring adequate spacing between pieces for even cooking.
Step 7: Bake the Huli Huli Chicken in the preheated oven, turning every 10 minutes and basting with the reserved marinade after each turn. This process takes 30 to 45 minutes total, depending on the size of your chicken pieces.
Step 8: Check for doneness by inserting an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without touching bone. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption.
Step 9: Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Chef’s Notes, Tips & Variations for Huli Huli Chicken
The secret to exceptional Huli Huli Chicken lies in patience and attention to detail. Never skip the marinating time, as this allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. Moreover, the constant turning and basting creates that signature glossy, caramelized exterior that makes this dish so visually appealing and delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, which prevents proper browning
- Avoid opening the oven door too frequently, as this releases heat
- Never skip the resting period after cooking
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Huli Huli: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the marinade
- Citrus Twist: Include the zest and juice of one lime for extra brightness
- Coconut Version: Replace half the pineapple juice with coconut milk for richness
Storage Methods:
- Room Temperature: Consume within 2 hours of cooking for food safety
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Huli Huli Chicken for up to 4 days in sealed containers
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months; thaw completely before reheating
Nutrition Facts for Huli Huli Chicken
| Yield Size | Serving Size | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1x Recipe | 1 serving (1/8 recipe) | 527 | 26g | 24g | 48g |
| 2x Recipe | 1 serving (1/16 recipe) | 527 | 26g | 24g | 48g |
| 4x Recipe | 1 serving (1/32 recipe) | 527 | 26g | 24g | 48g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands used and portion sizes. These calculations are approximate and based on standard ingredient nutritional information.
Team’s Personal View on Huli Huli Chicken
Our recipe development team absolutely loves this authentic Huli Huli Chicken recipe for its incredible versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal. During our testing process, we discovered that the marinade works beautifully with other proteins too – we’ve successfully used it with pork ribs and even firm fish like mahi-mahi.
Sarah, our lead recipe developer, particularly enjoys making this dish for summer gatherings because it can be partially prepared ahead of time. “The 4-hour marinating requirement actually makes entertaining easier,” she notes. “I start the marinade in the morning, and by dinner time, I just need to pop it in the oven.”
Additionally, our team recommends serving this Huli Huli Chicken with traditional Hawaiian sides like mac salad, rice, or grilled pineapple to create an authentic island feast that transports you straight to the beaches of Hawaii.
Perfect Side Dishes for Your Huli Huli Chicken
This flavorful Hawaiian chicken pairs beautifully with traditional island sides that complement its sweet and savory profile. Consider serving steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious glaze, or try coconut rice for an extra tropical touch. Hawaiian mac salad provides a creamy, cooling contrast to the rich chicken flavors.
For a complete island experience, add grilled pineapple rings, steamed vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing. These accompaniments balance the richness of the Huli Huli Chicken while maintaining the authentic Hawaiian dining experience.
Mastering the Art of Huli Huli Chicken
Success with this recipe depends on understanding the balance between the marinade’s sweet and savory elements. The pineapple juice provides natural enzymes that tenderize the meat while adding sweetness, while the soy sauce contributes umami depth and helps create that beautiful caramelized exterior during cooking.
Temperature control remains crucial throughout the cooking process. The high heat initially sears the chicken and begins the caramelization process, while the regular turning ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Therefore, resist the urge to increase the temperature to speed cooking, as this can result in burnt exteriors and undercooked interiors.
Conclusion
This authentic Huli Huli Chicken recipe brings the tropical flavors of Hawaii directly to your kitchen, creating a memorable dining experience that celebrates the islands’ unique culinary heritage. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and aromatic spices transforms simple chicken into an extraordinary feast that satisfies both family dinners and special occasions.
Whether you’re planning a backyard luau or simply craving the taste of paradise, this Huli Huli Chicken recipe delivers exceptional results every time. The marinade’s magic happens during those crucial marinating hours, so plan ahead and let the flavors work their tropical charm. We encourage you to share your Huli Huli Chicken creations with friends and family – after all, great food is meant to be shared in the spirit of aloha!
For those who enjoy savory classics, you might also love our Chef John’s Perfect Prime Rib Recipe – another crowd-pleasing favorite for special occasions.
Looking to serve up a full island-inspired meal? Pair this dish with something refreshing like the Whole Lemon Lemonade or balance the sweetness with a hearty side like Easy Funeral Potatoes.
And if you’re in the mood to round out your tropical spread with dessert, don’t miss our indulgent Chocolate Chip Cookies for a satisfying finish.
