Are you ready to take your grilled chicken game to the next level? Look no further than the classic Hawaiian dish, Huli-Huli Chicken. This sweet and savory recipe has been a staple in Hawaiian cuisine for generations, and we’ve got 20 mouth-watering variations that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
From classic skewers to slow-cooked thighs, spicy wings to succulent drumsticks, our collection of Huli-Huli Chicken recipes is the perfect guide for any grilling enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these recipes are sure to inspire your next backyard BBQ.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey across the globe, exploring the many ways that Huli-Huli Chicken can be prepared and served. From Hawaiian-inspired dishes like Coconut Rice and Pineapple Skewers, to international twists like Teriyaki Bowls and Quesadillas, there’s something for everyone in our collection of 20 Tasty Huli-Huli Chicken Recipes for Grilling.
So grab your apron, fire up the grill, and get ready to taste the islands!
Classic Hawaiian Huli-Huli Chicken
This iconic Hawaiian dish is a staple of backyard barbecues and luaus, featuring tender chicken smothered in a sweet and savory huli-huli sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and some gentle rotation, you’ll be enjoying this tropical delight in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger to make the huli-huli sauce.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and brush with vegetable oil.
4. Grill or bake chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Every 10-15 minutes, baste chicken with huli-huli sauce and rotate (huli) the pieces to ensure even cooking.
6. Serve warm, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Grilled Pineapple Huli-Huli Chicken Skewers
Experience the sweet and savory fusion of Hawaiian-inspired flavors with these easy-to-make Grilled Pineapple Huli-Huli Chicken Skewers. Marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice, the chicken is then grilled to perfection and served with caramelized pineapple rings.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp pineapple juice
– 2 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, sesame oil, and ginger. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Thread chicken, pineapple chunks, and cherry tomatoes (optional) onto skewers.
4. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve hot with caramelized pineapple rings (simply grill slices of pineapple for 2-3 minutes per side).
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Huli-Huli Chicken Thighs
Hawaiian-inspired slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for a busy day. This dish is a flavorful and tender take on traditional chicken thighs, infused with the sweet and savory flavors of huli-huli sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup huli-huli sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. In the slow cooker, combine huli-huli sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and ground ginger.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker and toss to coat with the sauce mixture.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Spicy Huli-Huli Chicken Wings
Experience the bold flavors of Hawaiian cuisine with these spicy huli-huli chicken wings. This classic dish gets a kick from the addition of chili flakes and soy sauce, perfect for snacking or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, ginger, chili flakes, and garlic.
3. Add chicken wings to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Remove wings from marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a spicy mayo or ranch dressing.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Huli-Huli Chicken with Coconut Rice
Experience the bold flavors of Hawaii with this mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken, sweet and tangy huli-huli sauce, and creamy coconut rice.
Ingredients:
For the Huli-Huli Sauce:
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
For the Coconut Rice:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together huli-huli sauce ingredients.
3. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and brush with the huli-huli sauce.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook coconut rice according to package instructions or by combining rice, coconut milk, water, and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve chicken with warm coconut rice.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Baked Huli-Huli Chicken Drumsticks
Baked Huli-Huli Chicken Drumsticks: A Sweet and Savory Hawaiian-Inspired Delight!
This recipe is a twist on the classic Hawaiian huli-huli chicken, with a sweet and savory glaze baked to perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
3. Place chicken drumsticks in a large bowl and brush with the sweet and savory glaze.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and brush with sesame oil.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Huli-Huli Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Experience the flavors of Hawaii with this mouthwatering dish that combines the rich taste of huli-huli chicken, crunchy lettuce, and creamy avocado. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup huli-huli sauce (see note)
– 4-6 lettuce leaves
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together huli-huli sauce and 2 tbsp water.
3. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and brush with the sauce mixture.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, wash and dry lettuce leaves.
6. Assemble wraps by placing sliced chicken on a lettuce leaf, followed by avocado, red bell pepper, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Note: Huli-huli sauce is a traditional Hawaiian BBQ sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores or online.
Grilled Huli-Huli Chicken Salad
Experience the flavors of Hawaii with this refreshing salad featuring grilled chicken smothered in a sweet and savory huli-huli sauce, mixed with crisp greens and crunchy vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup huli-huli sauce (see below for recipe)
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Huli-Huli Sauce:
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp pineapple juice
– 1 tsp ground ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Let chicken rest before slicing into strips.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
5. Drizzle huli-huli sauce over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Top with grilled chicken and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Huli-Huli Chicken Sliders with Sweet Rolls
Get ready to transport your taste buds to the islands with this mouthwatering twist on traditional chicken sliders!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup huli-huli sauce (see note)
– 8 hamburger buns
– 16 sweet rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian or similar)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– Lettuce, tomato, and cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together huli-huli sauce and chicken breasts until coated.
3. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, toast sweet rolls by placing them on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
5. Assemble sliders by spreading butter on toasted rolls, then topping with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, and cheese (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Huli-Huli Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry
Experience the flavors of Hawaii with this quick and easy stir-fry recipe that combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a sweet and savory Huli-Huli sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
– 2 tablespoons Huli-Huli sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cook until crisp-tender, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and stir in Huli-Huli sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Tangy Huli-Huli Chicken Kabobs
Experience the tropical flavors of Hawaii with these Sweet and Tangy Huli-Huli Chicken Kabobs, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup huli-huli sauce (see below)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
– Fresh pineapple and cherry tomatoes, optional
Huli-Huli Sauce:
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together huli-huli sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Add chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with pineapple and cherry tomatoes, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Huli-Huli Chicken Pizza with Pineapple
Combine the sweetness of pineapple with the savory flavors of huli-huli chicken on a crispy pizza crust. This unique fusion will transport your taste buds to the islands!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup huli-huli sauce (or store-bought)
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken breast, huli-huli sauce, and salt & pepper.
3. Roll out pizza dough and spread with the chicken mixture.
4. Top with pineapple chunks, red onion slices, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Huli-Huli Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa
Experience the fusion of Hawaiian and Mexican flavors with this unique recipe that combines tender huli-huli chicken, crispy tacos, and a sweet and tangy mango salsa.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup huli-huli sauce (see note)
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Mango Salsa ingredients:
+ 2 ripe mangos, diced
+ 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
+ 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
+ 1 tablespoon lime juice
+ Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together huli-huli sauce ingredients.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush with the huli-huli sauce.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, fry corn tortillas in hot oil until crispy.
6. Assemble tacos by placing shredded chicken onto fried tortillas and topping with Mango Salsa (see below).
7. Serve immediately.
Mango Salsa:
1. Combine mango, jalapeño, red onion, and lime juice in a bowl.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Huli-Huli Chicken Rice Bowl
Huli-huli chicken is a classic Hawaiian dish that’s perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. This recipe combines juicy chicken, savory rice, and sweet and tangy sauce in one delicious bowl.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup huli-huli sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook rice according to package instructions.
3. In a separate pan, marinate chicken in huli-huli sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil for at least 30 minutes.
4. Grill or bake chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Serve chicken on top of cooked rice, drizzle with remaining huli-huli sauce, and garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds (if using).
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Huli-Huli Chicken Rice Bowl!
Grilled Huli-Huli Chicken Sandwich
Get ready to savor the flavors of Hawaii with this mouthwatering grilled chicken sandwich. Marinated in a sweet and savory huli-huli sauce, these juicy chicken breasts are then grilled to perfection and served on a soft bun.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup huli-huli sauce (see below for recipe)
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, and any other desired toppings
Huli-Huli Sauce:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together huli-huli sauce ingredients.
2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Assemble sandwiches with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, and any other desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Huli-Huli Chicken Meatballs
Huli-Huli Chicken Meatballs: A Delicious Twist on Classic Meatballs!
Inspired by traditional Hawaiian huli-huli chicken, these meatballs combine the flavors of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger for a sweet and savory twist. Perfect for appetizers or as a main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or spray for cooking
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and egg. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Huli-Huli Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers
This Hawaiian-inspired recipe combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the savory flavors of huli-huli chicken and creamy rice. A perfect blend of comfort food and international flair, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons huli-huli sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, combine chicken, cooked rice, huli-huli sauce, and shredded cheese. Mix well.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the chicken mixture, filling to the top.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, until peppers are tender.
7. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Huli-Huli Chicken Pasta Salad
Get ready for a flavorful fusion of Hawaiian-inspired chicken and classic pasta salad! This Huli-Huli Chicken Pasta Salad combines the sweet and savory flavors of traditional Huli-Huli chicken with al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and a hint of tropical flair.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup huli-huli sauce (or store-bought BBQ sauce)
– 8 oz. penne pasta
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together huli-huli sauce and chicken breast. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and feta cheese.
5. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add to the salad.
6. Toss with the cooked pasta, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Huli-Huli Chicken Quesadillas
Get ready to take a taste adventure with this unique fusion of Huli-Huli chicken and quesadillas! This recipe combines the sweet and savory flavors of traditional Huli-Huli chicken with the crispy, cheesy goodness of a quesadilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup Huli-Huli sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce)
– 2 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Marinate chicken breasts in Huli-Huli sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Place one tortilla and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese, half of the chopped cilantro, and half of the shredded chicken.
5. Fold tortilla in half to enclose filling. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until crispy and golden. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Huli-Huli Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
Experience the bold flavors of Hawaiian-inspired cuisine with this Huli-Huli Chicken Teriyaki Bowl recipe. A sweet and savory glaze coats tender chicken, served atop fluffy rice and crisp vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup huli-huli sauce (see note)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, green onions)
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together huli-huli sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add chicken; toss to coat.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Cook rice according to package instructions.
5. Heat mixed vegetables in a separate pan with a splash of oil until tender-crisp.
6. Assemble bowls by placing chicken on top of rice, followed by vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill with these 20 mouth-watering huli-huli chicken recipes! From classic Hawaiian-inspired dishes to creative twists and international flavors, there’s something for every taste bud. Discover recipes like slow-cooked thighs, spicy wings, coconut rice bowls, and more. Perfect for a backyard barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, these huli-huli chicken creations will satisfy your cravings.