There’s something magical about the aroma of grilled chicken wafting through the air. The sweet, smoky smell beckons you to the backyard, promising a delicious feast that’s both easy and satisfying. sweet tea fried chicken recipe That’s where this Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken comes into play, transforming any ordinary day into a tropical paradise. fried pickle dip recipe easy shrimp taco recipe.
I still remember the first time I tried this recipe at a family barbecue. My uncle’s secret sauce danced on my taste buds, making me feel like I was on a Hawaiian vacation. Now, every summer gathering is incomplete without this flavor-packed dish that brings everyone together for good food and laughter.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken is quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues
- The sweet and savory marinade creates deliciously juicy chicken that looks stunning on any table
- You can easily modify ingredients to suit your personal taste or dietary needs
- It’s versatile enough to serve with rice, salad, or just by itself with your favorite dipping sauces
I’ll never forget the delighted faces of my friends when they devoured this chicken, asking for seconds (and thirds).
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
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Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick; peel and finely grate it for maximum impact.
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Pineapple Juice: Use 100% pure pineapple juice for sweetness and acidity; it tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
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Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of the dish.
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Brown Sugar: This balances out the flavors; feel free to substitute with honey if desired.
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Ketchup: Adds sweetness and depth; choose your favorite brand for best results.
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Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up all the flavors; bottled won’t cut it here.
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Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil gives a nutty aroma that elevates this dish even further.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and sesame oil until well combined. The mixture should smell heavenly!
Marinate Your Chicken: Place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over them and let them soak in all those glorious flavors for at least 30 minutes. If you have time—go for two hours! For more inspiration, check out this Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken recipe.
Preheat Your Grill : While your chicken marinates, fire up your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). Make sure it’s nice and hot so you get those perfect grill marks.
Grill Time!: Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard any leftover marinade) and place it on the grill. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You want those beautiful charred lines!
Add Some Glaze : Brush some of the reserved marinade onto the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling. This will create a sticky glaze that adds extra flavor while keeping the meat juicy.
Rest Before Serving : Once done grilling, let your chicken rest for about five minutes before slicing it up. This allows juices to redistribute—no one likes dry chicken!
Now you’re ready to serve! Pair this Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken with some coconut rice or a refreshing salad for an unforgettable meal that transports you straight to Hawaii. spinach and orzo salad.
You Must Know
- The Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken is a tropical delight, bringing sweet and savory flavors to your grill
- It’s perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners
- With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that transports you straight to Hawaii, even if you’re just in your backyard
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve juicy chicken, marinate it for at least two hours before grilling. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side to lock in moisture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different marinades or add spices like cayenne for heat. You can substitute pineapple juice with orange juice for a unique twist on flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat it gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to ensure it remains tender.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Marinating overnight enhances the taste significantly; don’t skip this step!
- Always check internal temperature; it should reach 165°F for safety
- Let the chicken rest after grilling for juicier bites
The first time I made Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken, my friends kept asking for seconds. Their compliments made my heart swell and inspired me to make it a regular dish at gatherings.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless breasts work well but may dry out faster, so watch cooking time closely.
What side dishes pair well with Huli Huli Chicken?
For more inspiration, check out this Avocado Chicken Salad recipe.
Rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh Hawaiian salad complement this dish perfectly.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken.

Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Transform your backyard into a Hawaiian paradise with this Easy Huli Huli Grilled Chicken. Bursting with sweet and savory flavors, this dish is perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners. The succulent chicken, marinated in a zesty sauce, is sure to impress guests and family alike. With minimal prep time and ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s both easy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and sesame oil until combined.
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over them. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for best flavor).
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Remove chicken from the marinade (discard leftover marinade) and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Brush reserved marinade onto the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling for added flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for about five minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 grilled chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, marinate overnight. Experiment with spice by adding cayenne pepper or substitute pineapple juice with orange juice for a unique twist. Serve with coconut rice or a fresh salad to complete the meal.