Huli Huli Chicken: The Ultimate Hawaiian BBQ Guide

If you're craving a taste of the Hawaiian Islands, few dishes deliver the flavor and nostalgia quite like Huli Huli Chicken. With its sweet, tangy marinade and smoky grilled finish, this beloved Hawaiian staple is more than just BBQ—it's a celebration of local heritage, island hospitality, and irresistible flavor.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Huli Huli Chicken—from its rich history and cultural significance to an easy-to-follow recipe with exact measurements. Whether you’re cooking for a summer BBQ or want a tropical escape right at home, this is the dish to master.

🌺 What Is Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian barbecue dish, famous for its savory-sweet marinade and the traditional grilling method where the chicken is turned—or “huli’d”—over an open flame. The word “huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, and the dish gets its name from the way it’s flipped repeatedly during cooking.

📖 A Quick History of Huli Huli Chicken

The dish was created in 1955 by Ernest Morgado, who first served it at a fundraising barbecue in Hawaii. He used a unique marinade combining Japanese and local Hawaiian influences—soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and pineapple juice—and grilled the chicken between two racks, turning them constantly over a fire.

It quickly gained popularity, evolving into a community tradition and eventually a commercial product. Today, Huli Huli Chicken is a staple at roadside stands, food trucks, luaus, and backyard cookouts across Hawaii—and around the world.

🍍 What Makes It So Special?

The magic of Huli Huli Chicken lies in its marinade and grilling method:

Flavor: A balance of salty, sweet, and tangy notes from soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and aromatics.

Technique: Continuous turning over the grill locks in moisture while building a beautiful caramelized crust.

Texture: Juicy and tender inside with slightly crisp edges.

🧂 Ingredients (With Measurements)

Here’s what you’ll need for the marinade and glaze (makes enough for 4-5 chicken thighs or 1 small whole chicken):

For the Marinade:

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)

For the Chicken:

4–5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or 1 whole chicken, spatchcocked)

Salt and pepper, to taste

For Basting Glaze (optional but recommended):

Reserved 1/4 cup of marinade (boiled for safety)

1 tablespoon honey or extra brown sugar for a sticky finish

🔥 How to Make Huli Huli Chicken (Step-by-Step)

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Set aside 1/4 cup for later basting. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or dish and pour in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for best results.

2. Prep the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375–400°F). Set up a two-zone fire if possible: one for direct heat, one for indirect heat.

3. Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat lightly with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Grill skin-side down over indirect heat for about 30–40 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes to prevent burning.

Move the chicken over direct heat in the last 5–10 minutes. Brush with the reserved glaze and flip frequently until caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

4. Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain its juices.

🍳 No Grill? Try These Variations

If you don’t have access to a grill, try these indoor options:

Oven-Baked Huli Huli Chicken

Bake at 400°F for 35–40 minutes on a wire rack over a baking sheet.

Broil in the final 3–5 minutes for a crispy glaze.

Stovetop Skillet

Use a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear chicken on both sides, then reduce heat and cover until cooked through.

🍽️ What to Serve with Huli Huli Chicken

For a truly Hawaiian experience, serve it with:

Macaroni salad

Sticky white rice

Grilled pineapple slices

Hawaiian sweet rolls

Coleslaw with tropical fruits (like mango or papaya)

Pair with a chilled tropical drink like pineapple iced tea or Mai Tai.

✅ Pro Tips for Perfect Huli Huli Chicken

Don’t skip marinating: It’s key to deep flavor.

Flip often: “Huli” means to turn—rotate to cook evenly and avoid burning sugars.

Watch the heat: Brown sugar can char if heat is too high.

Use a thermometer: Aim for 165°F internal temperature.

Add wood chips: Try mesquite or hickory for smokier flavor.

❓ FAQs About Huli Huli Chicken

What does “Huli Huli” mean?

“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian. The name comes from the technique of flipping the chicken over and over on the grill.

Is Huli Huli Chicken spicy?

Not traditionally. It’s more sweet and tangy, but you can add a little chili sauce or flakes if desired.

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, though thighs stay juicier. If using breasts, reduce cooking time and consider brining first.

Can I bake instead of grill?

Absolutely. Oven-baking is a great indoor alternative, especially when broiled at the end.

Is it gluten-free?

It can be—just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I use store-bought marinade?

You can, but homemade tastes far better and lets you control ingredients.

🌍 Huli Huli Chicken Around the World

This dish has grown beyond Hawaii, finding its way onto menus from food trucks in California to fusion restaurants in Japan. Many add their own twist—like using boneless cuts or making tacos or rice bowls from it.

🥄 Homemade Huli Huli Sauce (Quick Version)

Want to make just the sauce for another dish? Try this:

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup pineapple juice

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon grated ginger

1 minced garlic clove

Optional: 1 tsp sesame oil or chili flakes

Simmer for 5 minutes and brush over grilled meats, veggies, or even tofu!

🌞 Final Thoughts

Huli Huli Chicken is more than a meal—it’s a taste of island life. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or craving a personal escape to the tropics, this Hawaiian favorite is guaranteed to impress with bold flavors and smoky charm.

So fire up that grill, flip often, and enjoy the aloha spirit—one bite at a time.

Looking for more recipes that are as innovative as they are wholesome? Try the banana chocolate chip muffins for a sweet breakfast or the savory baked cottage cheese eggs for a protein-rich meal prep idea.