Grilled Huli Huli Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to Sweet, Smoky Hawaiian Flavor

If there’s one dish that captures the spirit of outdoor cooking, island sunshine, and finger-licking flavor, it’s Grilled Huli Huli Chicken. Sweet, smoky, sticky, and beautifully caramelized, this Hawaiian-inspired grilled chicken recipe has become a favorite at backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and weeknight dinners alike.

The magic of Grilled Huli Huli Chicken lies in its irresistible balance of flavors. Brown sugar brings deep sweetness, soy sauce adds savory richness, ketchup provides tang and body, and ginger and garlic round everything out with aromatic warmth. When that marinade hits the grill, it transforms into a glossy glaze that clings to juicy chicken, creating charred edges and bold flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for a summer cookout, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something bold and satisfying, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Grilled Huli Huli Chicken — from its Hawaiian origins and flavor science to step-by-step preparation, tips, variations, serving ideas, and expert grilling techniques.

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to master this island classic like a pro.

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What Is Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a traditional Hawaiian-style grilled chicken known for its sweet-savory glaze and signature caramelized crust. The name “huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the way the chicken is repeatedly turned over the grill to achieve even cooking and that iconic sticky finish.

Unlike plain grilled chicken that can sometimes turn dry or bland, Grilled Huli Huli Chicken stays incredibly moist thanks to a flavorful marinade that tenderizes the meat while infusing it with layers of flavor. The sugar in the sauce caramelizes over the heat, creating those mouthwatering grill marks and slightly charred edges that make each bite unforgettable.

It’s not just food — it’s an experience.

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Why Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Is So Popular

There’s a reason this recipe keeps showing up at barbecues, potlucks, and family dinners. Grilled Huli Huli Chicken checks every box:

• Sweet and savory flavor balance

• Juicy, tender texture

• Easy, pantry-friendly ingredients

• Perfect for grilling season

• Great for meal prep

• Loved by kids and adults

• Works for sandwiches, rice bowls, and salads

It’s approachable enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve guests. That combination makes Grilled Huli Huli Chicken a true crowd-pleaser.

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The Ingredients That Make It Special

Let’s break down what gives Grilled Huli Huli Chicken its distinctive taste.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar provides sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze. As it caramelizes on the grill, it develops rich, almost toffee-like flavors that elevate the chicken far beyond ordinary grilled meat.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce brings saltiness and umami, balancing the sweetness. Using reduced-sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels while keeping the depth of flavor.

Ketchup

It may surprise some people, but ketchup adds tang, sweetness, and thickness. It also helps the glaze cling beautifully to the chicken.

Ginger

A subtle hint of dried or fresh ginger adds warmth and complexity. It brightens the marinade and prevents it from tasting overly sweet.

Garlic

Garlic deepens the savory notes and provides aromatic richness that rounds everything out.

Chicken Thighs

Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken because they stay juicy even under high heat. They’re more forgiving than chicken breasts and absorb marinade exceptionally well.

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Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Here’s the classic version you can make at home.

Ingredients

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• 6 tablespoons ketchup

• 6 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

• 2½ tablespoons sherry or chicken broth

• ½ teaspoon dried ginger

• 1½ teaspoons minced garlic

• 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2½ pounds)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Marinade

Whisk brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, sherry (or broth), ginger, and garlic together until smooth.

Reserve ½ cup for basting and refrigerate it separately.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and coat thoroughly.

Marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

3. Grill

Preheat grill to medium-high and oil the grates.

Remove chicken from marinade and discard used marinade.

Grill for 12–15 minutes, turning frequently. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Brush with reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes.

4. Serve

Rest for a few minutes, then serve hot with rice, pineapple, or salad.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Mastering Grilled Huli Huli Chicken isn’t complicated, but a few expert tips make all the difference.

Marinate Overnight

Longer marinating equals deeper flavor. Overnight is ideal.

Don’t Baste Too Early

Sugar burns quickly. Add glaze near the end to prevent scorching.

Use Thighs for Best Results

They’re juicier and more forgiving on the grill.

Oil the Grates

Sticky marinades can cause sticking. Oiling helps release cleanly.

Let It Rest

Resting keeps juices inside instead of running out.

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Flavor Variations to Try

Once you master the classic Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, you can experiment.

Pineapple Huli Huli

Add pineapple juice or grill pineapple slices alongside the chicken.

Spicy Huli Huli

Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili paste.

Garlic Lovers

Double the garlic for bold flavor.

Honey Version

Swap brown sugar for honey for floral sweetness.

Smoky BBQ Twist

Add smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.

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Serving Ideas

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is incredibly versatile.

Try serving it with:

• Steamed white rice

• Coconut rice

• Macaroni salad

• Grilled pineapple

• Coleslaw

• Hawaiian rolls

• Fresh green salad

• Rice bowls with veggies

• Wraps or tacos

• Sandwiches the next day

It’s equally perfect for dinner plates and lunch meal prep.

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Meal Prep and Storage

One of the best things about Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is how well it stores.

Refrigeration

Keeps 4–5 days in airtight containers.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm gently in microwave or skillet with a splash of water to retain moisture.

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Nutritional Benefits

Despite its rich flavor, Grilled Huli Huli Chicken can be part of a balanced diet.

Approximate per serving:

• Calories: 330–360

• Protein: 30–32g

• Carbs: 18–20g

• Fat: 14–16g

High protein makes it filling and great for active lifestyles.

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Why Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

Some recipes are just “nice.” Others become staples. Grilled Huli Huli Chicken absolutely falls into the second category.

It’s:

• Budget friendly

• Easy to scale

• Family approved

• Packed with flavor

• Perfect year-round

From summer barbecues to winter indoor grilling, it works anytime.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why so many people say they end up making Grilled Huli Huli Chicken twice in the same week.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes have pitfalls.

Skipping the marinade time

You’ll miss out on flavor.

Cooking too hot

Burned sugar tastes bitter.

Not turning enough

Frequent turning ensures even caramelization.

Using used marinade for basting

Always reserve fresh marinade for safety.

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The Cultural Roots of Huli Huli Chicken

Though now popular across the mainland, Grilled Huli Huli Chicken originated in Hawaii as a fundraising and roadside stand favorite. Vendors would grill dozens of chickens over open flames, turning (“huli-ing”) them repeatedly while brushing on sauce.

The smell alone would attract crowds.

That heritage makes this dish more than just grilled chicken — it’s a piece of Hawaiian food culture.

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Indoor Cooking Options

No grill? No problem.

Oven

Bake at 425°F, then broil for caramelization.

Grill Pan

Use stovetop grill pan for similar char.

Air Fryer

Cook at 375°F, brushing with glaze near the end.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, but watch closely to avoid drying out.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely. Marinate overnight and grill the next day.

Is it very sweet?

It’s balanced, not dessert-sweet.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos.

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Final Thoughts

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken isn’t just another grilled chicken recipe — it’s a celebration of sweet, smoky, island-inspired cooking that brings people together. With its glossy caramelized glaze, tender juicy meat, and unforgettable balance of flavors, it’s the kind of dish that instantly transports you to a backyard barbecue under warm sunshine.

What makes Grilled Huli Huli Chicken truly special is its simplicity. A handful of pantry staples, a little marinating time, and a hot grill are all you need to create something that tastes restaurant-worthy. It’s approachable enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for gatherings and celebrations.

If you’re looking for a reliable, flavor-packed recipe that never disappoints, this is it. Once you try Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request in your home — or if you find yourself firing up the grill just to make it again.