Grilled Huli Huli Chicken in 3 Easy Steps

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Need a little Hawaiian sunshine on your dinner plate? This Grilled Huli Huli Chicken recipe is your new weeknight BFF. Sweet, savory, smoky—basically a flavor luau in your mouth. Whether you’re wrangling hungry kids or trying to impress at your next backyard BBQ, this dish delivers big-time flavor with minimal fuss. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a recipe that marinates while you marinate on the couch?

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Let’s break it down. Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a sweet and tangy island-inspired favorite that practically sings summer. The brown sugar gives it that caramelized kiss on the grill, while soy sauce, garlic, and ginger bring the umami party. It’s easy to prep ahead, budget-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—yes, even your picky eater who “doesn’t like chicken thighs” (we’ll convert them, trust me).

Ingredients You’ll Need

No weird ingredients or six grocery store trips required—just pantry staples and chicken magic.

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 2.5 pounds)

How to Make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Mix the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, sherry (or broth), ginger, and garlic. Stir it until it smells like a vacation.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Pour that golden marinade over your chicken thighs. I like to toss everything into a big zip-top bag (less mess = more happy). Seal and refrigerate for at least 8 hours—overnight is even better. Let those flavors move in and get cozy.

Step 3: Time to Grill

Fire up the grill and remove the chicken from the marinade. Discard the used marinade (no cross-contamination drama here!). Grill the thighs over medium heat for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.

Step 4: Baste & Finish Strong

Remember that ½ cup of marinade you saved? Brush it on during the last 5 minutes of grilling for that glossy, crave-worthy finish. You’ll know it’s done when it’s beautifully charred and cooked through.

Tips to Nail That Huli Huli Flavor

No grill? No problem! A grill pan or broiler works in a pinch. Just crank up the heat and channel your inner BBQ goddess.
Don’t skip the basting. That final glaze gives it the sticky-sweet magic you’ll want more of.
Feeding a crowd? This recipe easily doubles—and trust me, people will ask for seconds.
Leftovers tip: These thighs are amazing chopped up in salads, wraps, or even breakfast burritos the next day (you’re welcome).

A Little Chicken Love Story

This dish became a summer staple at my house after a spontaneous “Hawaiian night” with the kids turned into a full-blown obsession. My youngest now calls it “that yummy chicken with the sauce” and requests it every time we fire up the grill. You know it’s a keeper when even the pickiest eaters ask for more—and maybe even offer to do the dishes (a girl can dream).

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken cooking on a hot grill with pineapple and cilantro garnish.

FAQs About Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Can I substitute chicken breasts for thighs?

Absolutely. Just keep an eye on the grill time since breasts cook a little quicker and can dry out faster.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or toss them cold into a salad.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes! Marinate it, pop it in the freezer, and defrost overnight in the fridge before grilling. Perfect for meal prep queens.

What is Huli Huli sauce made of?

The classic Huli Huli sauce is a sweet and savory mix of brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and ginger. Some versions also include pineapple juice or sherry for extra zing. It’s like a tropical hug for your chicken!

What’s the difference between teriyaki and Huli Huli?

Both are sweet and salty, but Huli Huli has a tangier, slightly fruitier flavor—thanks to ingredients like ketchup or pineapple juice—while teriyaki leans more heavily on soy sauce and sake or mirin. Huli Huli is the beach party cousin of teriyaki.

Why is it called Huli Huli chicken?

“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian! Traditionally, the chicken was cooked between two grills and flipped halfway through—someone would literally shout “Huli!” when it was time to turn the meat. So yes, your dinner has a fun name and a cool backstory.

Is Huli Huli chicken healthy?

It can definitely be part of a balanced meal! Using chicken thighs adds rich flavor, and grilling keeps things lighter than frying. If you’re watching sugar or sodium, you can tweak the marinade ingredients (low-sugar ketchup, reduced-sodium soy sauce, etc.) to fit your needs.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just trying to survive Monday with something actually delicious for dinner, Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is the recipe that brings the aloha vibes with every bite. The marinade does the heavy lifting while you take the credit—and honestly, I say lean into that.

Ready to taste the magic? Fire up the grill and let your chicken shine! 🌺🍗

More Chicken Magic You’ll Love

If you’re already obsessed with the smoky-sweet goodness of Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, you’re in for a treat—because the flavor fun doesn’t have to stop here! Explore more finger-licking recipes from the Chicken Magic kitchen that pair perfectly with your love of the grill, bold marinades, and easy weeknight wins. Here are some delicious ways to keep that chicken creativity flowing:

Craving more smoky flavors? These juicy, flavor-packed smoked chicken thighs are another must-try for your grill nights.
Want to take your BBQ up a notch? Try these sweet and tangy pineapple chicken kebabs—they’re tropical perfection on a stick.
Need a quick and bold dish for busy evenings? This one-pan wonder, bold honey BBQ chicken and rice, brings flavor and ease together in one dreamy skillet.
Hosting a summer get-together? Wow your guests with colorful, charred-to-perfection chicken skewers that are fun to eat and even more fun to make.

Whether you’re firing up the grill or whipping up a quick stovetop meal, there’s always something exciting waiting for you in the Chicken Magic collection. Keep exploring, experimenting, and of course—enjoying every bite!

P.S. If you try this, I’d love to hear how it went! Share your version with the Chicken Magic Recipes community. Happy cooking, friends!