Name: Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 cup pineapple juice; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks; 2 green onions, sliced; Sesame seeds for garnish

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Get ready to bring a true taste of the islands to your own backyard with this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple recipe! It’s that irresistible combo of juicy, caramelized chicken, char-grilled pineapple, and a sweet-savory glaze that makes every bite scream “paradise.” Perfectly balanced with bold tropical flavors and a touch of smoky depth, it’s a dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for your next cookout. If you’ve ever wanted to bottle up the magic of a Hawaiian luau, this is your must-make meal!

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the lineup fool you: these ingredients are simple kitchen staples, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the lush flavors and mouthwatering aroma of Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple. From the punchy marinade to the final sprinkle of sesame seeds, everything comes together in delicious harmony.

Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender, these hold up beautifully to grilling and soak up all that Hawaiian marinade goodness.
Pineapple Juice: The star of the marinade, adding essential tropical sweetness and natural tenderizing power.
Soy Sauce: Brings deep umami flavor, balancing the sweetness with salty richness.
Brown Sugar: Offers caramel notes and helps the chicken get that sticky, lacquered finish on the grill.
Ketchup: Adds tang, color, and just a hint of acidity to round out the flavors.
Garlic (Minced): Gives the marinade a punchy, aromatic backbone.
Fresh Ginger (Grated): Delivers citrusy, zesty freshness that makes everything pop.
Sesame Oil: Just a touch for nutty depth and authentic Pacific flair.
Fresh Pineapple Chunks: These get caramelized on the grill, adding juicy sweetness and a gorgeous golden hue.
Green Onions (Sliced): For a crispy, fresh burst on top of your finished dish.
Sesame Seeds (for garnish): A final sprinkle of crunch and subtle flavor.

How to Make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

Start your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple adventure by grabbing a medium bowl and whisking together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, fresh ginger, and sesame oil. This flavor-packed concoction only takes minutes to make but sets the stage for that signature sweet, savory, and slightly sticky glaze. You’ll want a smooth, well-blended marinade with all the sugar dissolved—this is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Tuck those chicken thighs into a large resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour HALF of your marinade over them. Make sure every piece is coated (get in there and toss if you have to!), then seal it up and pop it in the fridge. Let the chicken bathe in all those tropical flavors for at least 2 hours—overnight if you’ve got the time for truly wow-worthy results. Don’t forget to reserve the remaining marinade for basting later; it’s liquid gold!

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Set your grill to medium-high heat so it’s plenty hot before the chicken hits those grates. If you’re chasing that extra shot of smoky, authentic island flavor, charcoal is your best friend. Oil the grill grates if needed, as the sweet marinade will want to caramelize as soon as it touches the heat.

Step 4: Grill and Baste

Place the marinated chicken on the grill and baste generously with some of your reserved marinade. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, basting a couple more times as you go. You’re looking for a beautiful, glossy, caramelized finish and a juicy interior—when your thermometer reads 165°F, you’re there! Be watchful: that sugar can turn from deliciously charred to burnt quickly.

Step 5: Char the Pineapple

For true Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple flair, toss your fresh pineapple chunks on the grill during the last couple of minutes. Give them just enough heat to develop gorgeous grill marks and intensify their sweetness, but don’t let them scorch. Those golden edges and juicy bursts are pure tropical bliss.

Step 6: Assemble and Garnish

Plate your grilled chicken thighs, drape them with those luscious grilled pineapple chunks, and shower everything with sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. The colors alone will transport you to a sunny island day!

How to Serve Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple, think freshness and crunch. Sliced green onions add that essential crisp bite and mild savory note, while sesame seeds bring subtle nutty flavor and a tiny bit of texture. For extra flair, try a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or thin rings of red chili for a hint of heat.

Side Dishes

Pairing Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple is so much fun—think warm steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that incredible glaze, or opt for coconut rice to double down on those tropical vibes. Grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini or a bright tangy cucumber salad make excellent partners. And if you’re looking for the classic luau experience, try serving it with Hawaiian sweet rolls!

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, serve Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple family style atop a big platter lined with banana leaves. Want a crowd-pleaser at your next BBQ? Skewer bite-sized pieces of chicken and pineapple for easy-to-eat kabobs. Or, build a colorful rice bowl layered with rice, chicken, pineapple, and all the gorgeous garnishes—perfect for meal prep or a laid-back dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftover Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple? Lucky you! Store any cooled chicken and pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garnishes separate and sprinkle them on fresh when serving to maintain their texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple freezes beautifully. Place cooled chicken and pineapple in a freezer-safe bag or container (remove as much air as possible), and it’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken and pineapple gently in a covered skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave until just heated through. Splash a bit of leftover marinade or pineapple juice over top to revive the sauciness and keep everything juicy. Don’t forget a fresh sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well with this marinade, though they are leaner and can dry out if overcooked. Grill them until just done and baste thoroughly to keep them juicy.

Is there a way to make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple without a grill?

Definitely. You can bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, basting with reserved marinade throughout. For a bit of char, pop the chicken under the broiler for the last few minutes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute a gluten-free tamari or soy sauce and confirm your ketchup is gluten-free. Every other ingredient in Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple is naturally gluten-friendly.

What should I do if I don’t have fresh pineapple?

No problem at all. Canned pineapple chunks (packed in juice, not syrup) work in a pinch—just pat them dry and grill quickly so they caramelize without falling apart.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours. If you have more time, overnight marination is ideal and really helps the flavors sink in.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple recipe is like sending a little sunshine straight to your table! The flavors, colors, and island aromas make every meal feel like a mini-vacation. Give it a try and let this tropical favorite become a new go-to at your next gathering—or whenever you want an instant escape. Aloha!

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple recipe brings the flavors of the tropics to your dinner table. Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, served with caramelized pineapple – a perfect blend of tangy and sweet.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

1 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
Marinate Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or dish, pour half the marinade over the chicken, and reserve the other half for basting. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Grill Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with reserved marinade, until cooked through and caramelized.
Grill Pineapple: During the last few minutes, grill pineapple chunks until slightly charred.
Serve: Serve chicken topped with grilled pineapple, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.