Huli Huli Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that brings the taste of the tropics to your table. With sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is perfect for barbecues or weeknight dinners. It’s easy to make and will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Huli Huli Chicken
- Bursting with sweet and savory flavors
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Perfect for meal prep or grilling
- Family-friendly and sure to impress
- Leftovers are great for sandwiches or salads
Ingredients Needed
Protein
- 4 chicken thighs
Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Garnish
- Green onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
- Grill chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Serving Suggestions Huli Huli Chicken
- Serve with steamed rice or quinoa for a balanced meal.
- Pair with grilled vegetables for a colorful plate.
- Top with avocado slices for an extra creamy texture.
- Enjoy with a refreshing tropical drink, like a pineapple mojito.
Tips for Success Huli Huli Chicken
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor; don’t skip this step.
- Ensure the grill is hot before placing the chicken for nice grill marks.
- Cook chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Substitute chicken thighs with boneless skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Add a touch of sriracha in the marinade for a spicy kick.
- For a vegetarian version, use tofu or portobello mushrooms as the protein.
- Incorporate sliced bell peppers or onions while grilling for added veggies.

Huli Huli Chicken
A delicious and easy-to-make Huli Huli Chicken recipe that brings tropical flavors to your table, perfect for barbecues and weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 pieces chicken thighs Bone-in or boneless based on preference.
Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce Use low-sodium if preferred.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Light or dark brown sugar works.
- 1/4 cup ketchup For sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar Adds needed acidity.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh minced for best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated Grate fresh ginger for the best taste.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil Gives a nutty flavor.
Garnish
- to taste Green onions, for garnish Sliced for topping.
Instructions
Marinating Chicken
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
Grilling Chicken
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
- Grill chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
Marinate overnight for enhanced flavor. Ensure the grill is hot before cooking for nice grill marks. Cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.