If you love sweet and savory chicken, this Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is for you. It is juicy, sticky and full of island flavor.
This dish tastes like sunshine on a plate. Today, I will show you how to make Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken at home.
You will also learn all the ingredients for Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken and simple tips to get that perfect glaze. This recipe is easy, comforting and always a crowd favorite.
Why I Love Making This Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken
I love this recipe because it feels special but simple. The first time I made it, my kitchen smelled sweet and smoky. It reminded me of summer evenings and backyard grills.
The sauce caramelized beautifully on the chicken. Everyone kept sneaking bites before dinner.This chicken makes people happy. Kids love the sweetness.
Adults love the balance of soy, ginger and pineapple. I also love how flexible it is. You can grill it, bake it or cook it on a pan. Every time I make it, it disappears fast.
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Grill, skillet, or oven
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Airtight container for marinating
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken thighs or chicken breast
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, add pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar and honey. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely. This sweet base gives the chicken its signature Hawaiian flavor.
2. Add Aromatics
Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil and black pepper. These ingredients add warmth and depth to the sauce. Take a moment to smell it. It already smells amazing.
3. Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a large container or zip bag. Pour the marinade over it. Make sure every piece is coated well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
4. Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Heat your grill, skillet or oven. Medium heat works best. This allows the sauce to caramelize without burning the chicken. Always preheat for even cooking.
5. Cook the Chicken
Remove chicken from the marinade. Cook on the grill or pan for about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Baste often with extra marinade for extra flavor and shine.
6. Caramelize the Sauce
As the chicken cooks, the sauce thickens and sticks to the surface. Turn carefully and keep basting. This step creates that glossy, sticky Huli Huli finish.
7. Check for Doneness
Cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature. The meat should be juicy and tender. The outside should look dark, shiny, and slightly charred.
8. Rest and Garnish
Remove the chicken from heat. Let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving for extra flavor and color.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh pineapple juice for brighter flavor.
- Bake at 400°F if you don’t have a grill.
- Turn the marinade into a thick glaze by simmering it first.
- Serve sliced for easier sharing.
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
Huli Huli Chicken was created in Hawaii in the 1950s. The word “huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian. The chicken was traditionally cooked between two grills and turned often.
It became popular at fundraisers and local gatherings. Today, it is a beloved island classic. Hawaiian Bros helped bring this flavor to a wider audience with their sweet, smoky version.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
- Steamed white rice or coconut rice
- Hawaiian macaroni salad
- Grilled pineapple slices
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Coleslaw with a light dressing
- Sweet dinner rolls
Occasion or Event Ideas
- Backyard BBQ parties
- Family dinners
- Summer cookouts
- Birthday gatherings
- Potluck meals
- Weekend grilling nights
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a pan over low heat.
- Add a splash of pineapple juice when reheating.
- Avoid microwaving too long to keep chicken juicy.
- Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
Health Benefits
This dish offers a good balance of protein and flavor. Chicken provides lean protein that supports muscle health. Ginger helps digestion and adds anti-inflammatory benefits.
Garlic supports immunity. Pineapple juice contains enzymes that aid digestion. When enjoyed in moderation, this meal is both comforting and nourishing.
Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs or chicken breast
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
- In a large bowl, add pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar and honey. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely. This sweet base gives the chicken its signature Hawaiian flavor.
Add Aromatics
- Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil and black pepper. These ingredients add warmth and depth to the sauce. Take a moment to smell it. It already smells amazing.
Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken in a large container or zip bag. Pour the marinade over it. Make sure every piece is coated well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
Preheat Your Cooking Surface
- Heat your grill, skillet or oven. Medium heat works best. This allows the sauce to caramelize without burning the chicken. Always preheat for even cooking.
Cook the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the marinade. Cook on the grill or pan for about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Baste often with extra marinade for extra flavor and shine.
Caramelize the Sauce
- As the chicken cooks, the sauce thickens and sticks to the surface. Turn carefully and keep basting. This step creates that glossy, sticky Huli Huli finish.
Check for Doneness
- Cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature. The meat should be juicy and tender. The outside should look dark, shiny, and slightly charred.
Rest and Garnish
- Remove the chicken from heat. Let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving for extra flavor and color.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh pineapple juice for brighter flavor.
- Bake at 400°F if you don’t have a grill.
- Turn the marinade into a thick glaze by simmering it first.
- Serve sliced for easier sharing.
FAQs about Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken
Q1: Can I make Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken without a grill?
Yes, you can cook it in a skillet or oven. A pan works great for caramelizing the sauce. Baking also works well if you baste often.
Q2: How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least four hours is best. Overnight marinating gives the deepest flavor and juiciest chicken.
Q3: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well. Just be careful not to overcook it, since it dries faster than thighs.
Q4: Is this recipe very sweet?
It is sweet but balanced. The soy sauce and vinegar help control the sweetness nicely.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can marinate the chicken a day early and cook it fresh when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken Recipe brings bold island flavors right to your kitchen. It is sweet, smoky and incredibly satisfying. The marinade is simple, yet powerful.
Once you learn how to make Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken, it will become a regular meal in your home. Serve it with rice, share it with loved ones and enjoy every sticky, flavorful bite.
Zoey Lane is the voice behind ZoeyCooks.com, where she shares comforting, home-tested recipes inspired by everyday cooking. She believes great food should be simple, approachable and enjoyable to make.