Name: Huli Huli Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 8 h 31 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 6 tablespoons ketchup; 6 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons chicken broth; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger root; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

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Huli Huli Chicken is a beloved Hawaiian dish that’s bursting with sweet and savory island flavors. With a marinade of brown sugar, ginger, soy sauce, and vinegar, this grilled chicken is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for summer cookouts or any time you want to bring a tropical flair to your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The long marinating time allows the chicken to soak up the rich, tangy-sweet marinade, while grilling adds a smoky char that complements the Hawaiian-inspired sauce beautifully. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, great for serving a crowd, and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Huli Huli Chicken

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup packed light brown sugar
6 tablespoons ketchup
6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons chicken broth
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger root
1 teaspoon minced garlic
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, chicken broth, vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag.
Reserve ½ cup of the marinade and pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Turn to coat well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, turning the chicken occasionally if possible.
When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Grill the chicken for 12–16 minutes, turning occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 170°F.
During the last 5 minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade.
Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Marinating Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 31 minutes

Variations

Spicy kick: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Citrus twist: Replace apple cider vinegar with pineapple juice or orange juice for a fruitier flavor.
Bone-in thighs: You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor—just increase the cook time slightly.
Baked version: No grill? Bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for 25–30 minutes or until fully cooked.
Skewers: Cut chicken into chunks and marinate, then grill on skewers for a fun, portable version.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken in a sealed container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or reheat on a low-heat grill until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily. Reduce cooking time and watch closely to avoid overcooking.

Do I have to marinate for 8 hours?

Marinating for at least 6–8 hours is best for flavor, but you can get good results with a minimum of 2 hours if you’re short on time.

Can I cook this in the oven?

Yes. Bake at 400°F for about 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.

What does “Huli Huli” mean?

“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian. Traditionally, this chicken was cooked on a rotisserie and frequently turned, hence the name.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Marinate the chicken overnight and grill the next day for a low-effort, high-flavor meal.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I reuse the marinade?

No, never reuse marinade that’s touched raw meat unless it’s been boiled first to kill bacteria.

What should I serve with Huli Huli Chicken?

Serve with rice, grilled pineapple, macaroni salad, or a fresh green salad for a tropical-inspired meal.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe easily scales up—just make sure to marinate the chicken in a large container or divide it into multiple bags.

Can I grill this indoors?

Yes, use a grill pan or broiler for similar results if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.

Conclusion

Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful and fuss-free way to enjoy bold, tropical flavors right from your grill. With its sweet, savory marinade and juicy, charred finish, it’s no wonder this Hawaiian classic has become a global favorite. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a barbecue, this easy chicken recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.