What is Huli Huli sauce made of?

Huli Huli sauce combines canned pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and freshly grated ginger and garlic for a bold tropical flavor. A splash of sherry or Chinese cooking wine adds a savory edge that balances its sweetness. It’s this mix that creates the sticky, glossy glaze everyone loves.

What is the difference between teriyaki chicken and Huli Huli chicken?

While both use soy sauce and sugar, teriyaki chicken typically leans sweeter and more umami-rich, often thickened into a syrupy sauce. Huli Huli chicken, on the other hand, includes pineapple juice and tomato ketchup, giving it a brighter, fruitier profile with more tang and a tropical twist.

Why is it called Huli Huli chicken?

The name comes from the Hawaiian word “huli,” meaning “turn.” It refers to the traditional method of flipping chicken over a grill using a special rotisserie-style grate. The dish became popular in the 1950s, and the name stuck as a nod to its cooking style.

What does Huli Huli chicken taste like to eat?

Huli Huli chicken is juicy and savory with a caramelized exterior, sweetened by pineapple and brown sugar, and balanced with soy, garlic, and ginger. The char from grilling adds smoky richness, while the glaze delivers a perfect mix of sticky and bold.

Huli Huli Chicken Recipe – 5-Star Sweet & Smoky Island Classic

Name: Huli Huli Chicken – Sweet and Smoky Hawaiian Grilled Favorite
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 d
Yield: 5–6 people
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 3/4 cup pineapple juice (canned, not fresh); 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup tomato ketchup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated ginger; 1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated garlic; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp Sriracha; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1/4 cup sherry or Chinese cooking wine; 1.5 kg / 3 lb chicken thighs (or breasts); 1 tbsp vegetable oil; Optional: grilled pineapple slices, sliced green onion for garnish

Description

Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian classic known for its sweet pineapple glaze and savory ginger-soy flavor. Grilled to perfection, it’s ideal for backyard cookouts or tropical-themed dinners.

Ingredients

3/4 cup pineapple juice (canned, not fresh)

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup tomato ketchup

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated ginger

1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated garlic

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp Sriracha

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1/4 cup sherry or Chinese cooking wine

1.5 kg / 3 lb chicken thighs (or breasts)

1 tbsp vegetable oil

Optional: grilled pineapple slices, sliced green onion for garnish

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Instructions

1. Mix marinade ingredients. Set aside 3/4 cup for basting.

2. Place chicken in remaining marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 24–48 hours.

3. Preheat BBQ or skillet over medium-high heat and oil lightly.

4. Remove chicken from marinade. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side.

5. Begin basting with reserved marinade, flipping and brushing every minute for a total cook time of 10 minutes.

6. Cook until internal temp reaches 75°C (167°F) for thighs.

7. Let rest for 3 minutes, garnish, and serve.

Notes

Avoid using fresh pineapple juice—it over-tenderizes the chicken.

Always reserve marinade before adding chicken to keep basting safe.

Grilled pineapple slices are a perfect garnish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: BBQ, Mains
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 377
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 912mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 49g
Cholesterol: 238mg