Huli Huli Grilled Chicken

Category: Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

Huli Huli Grilled Chicken combines tender, marinated chicken with a tangy and sweet Hawaiian-inspired sauce. Grilled to perfection, the chicken is served on buns with fresh lettuce, juicy grilled pineapple slices, and zesty sriracha mayo. The huli huli sauce, made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and exotic spices like ginger and garlic, ties all the ingredients together in a flavor-packed bite. Quick to prep and easy to customize, it’s a delicious choice for meals filled with tropical vibes. Serve with a side salad or your favorite sides for a complete treat!

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Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:28:48 GMT
Huli Huli Grilled Chicken Pin
Huli Huli Grilled Chicken | mellierecipes.com

This sweet and savory Huli Huli Grilled Chicken transforms ordinary grilled chicken into a Hawaiian-inspired delight with a sticky, tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger creates that perfect balance of flavors that makes this dish irresistible.

I first made this recipe for a backyard gathering when I wanted something beyond typical burgers and hot dogs. The aroma of the sauce hitting the hot grill had everyone gathering around, and now it's requested at every summer cookout we host.

Ingredients

  • Pineapple juice: Forms the sweet base of the sauce and helps tenderize the chicken
  • Soy sauce: Provides that essential umami depth and saltiness
  • Brown sugar: Caramelizes beautifully on the grill creating those delicious charred bits
  • Ketchup: Adds tomato tanginess and helps thicken the sauce
  • Rice vinegar: Brings necessary acidity to balance the sweetness
  • Fresh garlic and ginger: Non-negotiable for authentic flavor; always grate them fresh
  • Sriracha: Adds a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your preference
  • Worcestershire sauce: Contributes complex savory notes that round out the sauce
  • Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma; just a little goes a long way
  • Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Both work well; thighs stay juicier on the grill

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Huli Huli Sauce:
Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until the brown sugar completely dissolves into the liquid. The sauce should have a glossy appearance and smooth consistency. Take time to ensure everything is well incorporated as this forms the flavor foundation of the dish.
Marinate the Chicken:
Place chicken in a shallow dish or ziplock bag and pour half the sauce over it, ensuring each piece is well coated. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours; the acid in the pineapple juice can start to break down the meat if left too long. Reserve the remaining sauce for basting and serving.
Preheat and Prepare Grill:
Heat your grill to medium high heat around 375°F. Clean and oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for those beautiful grill marks and to prevent your chicken from tearing when flipped.
Grill the Chicken:
Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Place on the hot grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 5 minutes per side for breasts or 3–4 minutes for thighs. Baste with fresh reserved sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to create a glossy, caramelized exterior.
Grill the Pineapple:
During the last few minutes of chicken cooking time, place pineapple slices on the grill and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly charred. The natural sugars will caramelize beautifully, enhancing the tropical flavor profile.
Assemble Sandwiches:
Toast the buns lightly on the grill for about 30 seconds. Spread sriracha mayo on both sides of the bun, add lettuce, grilled chicken, and finish with a slice of grilled pineapple. Drizzle with additional reserved sauce if desired.
Huli Huli Grilled Chicken Pin
Huli Huli Grilled Chicken | mellierecipes.com

Make-Ahead Options

The Huli Huli sauce can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time on cooking day but also allows the flavors to meld together more intensely. You can even double or triple the sauce recipe and keep some on hand for quick weeknight meals; simply portion and freeze in small containers for up to 3 months.

Simple Sides That Pair Perfectly

This Hawaiian-themed chicken shines alongside simple sides that complement without competing. Coconut rice makes an excellent base; just replace half the cooking water with coconut milk. A quick slaw of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing offers a refreshing crunch. For a complete tropical experience, consider grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potato, all of which can be cooked alongside your chicken on the grill.

Turning Leftovers Into New Meals

Leftover Huli Huli chicken transforms beautifully into entirely new dishes. Chop it finely and use in fried rice with vegetables and a splash of additional sauce. Create Hawaiian-inspired tacos by tucking pieces into corn tortillas with a pineapple salsa. For a quick lunch, toss cold chicken with mixed greens, mandarin oranges, and toasted almonds for a tropical salad. The sweet and savory profile of this chicken makes it incredibly versatile for reimagining into second meals.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is huli huli sauce made of?

Huli huli sauce combines pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sriracha, Worcestershire sauce, and toasted sesame oil for a tangy and sweet flavor.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken in half of the huli huli sauce for 30 minutes to 2 hours to maximize flavor.

→ What type of chicken can I use?

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe, depending on your preference.

→ Can I make the huli huli sauce thicker?

Yes, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and simmer the sauce until it thickens before cooling and using.

→ What are some optional toppings for the sandwiches?

You can add bacon, tomato slices, cheese, or your favorite sandwich fillers to customize your meal.

Huli Huli Grilled Chicken

Tasteful grilled chicken with Hawaiian flavors.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
25 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Family-Friendly Meals

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Style: Hawaiian

Result Amount: 4 Portions (4 sandwiches)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Huli Huli Sauce

01 1 cup pineapple juice
02 1/4 cup soy sauce
03 1/4 cup brown sugar
04 1/4 cup ketchup
05 1/4 cup rice vinegar
06 1 tablespoon garlic, grated
07 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
08 1 tablespoon sriracha
09 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
10 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

→ Grilled Chicken

11 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Sandwiches

12 4 buns
13 4 leaves lettuce
14 4 slices pineapple
15 4 tablespoons sriracha mayo

How to Prepare

Step 01

Mix all ingredients for the sauce until the sugar completely dissolves.

Step 02

Marinate the chicken in half of the Huli Huli sauce for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 03

Shake off excess marinade and grill chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through and lightly charred on both sides, about 2-8 minutes per side. Baste with remaining sauce as it cooks.

Step 04

Layer grilled chicken, lettuce, pineapple slices, and sriracha mayo on buns. Serve and enjoy.

Step 05

For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch into the sauce and simmer until thickened. Let cool before serving.

Step 06

Add additional toppings like bacon, tomato slices, or cheese to enhance the sandwiches.

Extra Tips

  1. Mix mayonnaise with sriracha in a 3:1 ratio to create sriracha mayo.

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains soy
  • Contains gluten
  • Contains sesame

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 362
  • Fat Content: 33 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 66 grams
  • Protein Content: 25 grams