Is huli huli sauce the same as teriyaki sauce?

Not exactly. While both sauces are sweet, salty, and umami-rich, teriyaki is a Japanese sauce that typically uses soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and rice wine (like mirin or sake). Huli huli sauce, on the other hand, is Hawaiian and often includes soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and either vinegar or pineapple juice. Many versions also use ketchup, which gives Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken its signature tang and color.

How do you serve huli huli chicken?

Traditionally, it’s served plate-lunch style with steamed rice, Hawaiian macaroni salad, and a slice of grilled pineapple. But don’t stop there—use Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken in sandwiches, wraps, rice bowls, lettuce cups, or even tacos. It’s flexible, flavorful, and fits into almost any dish.

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken – The Best Sweet & Smoky Marinade for Grilling

Name: How To Make Irrestible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe ?
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2–3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup pineapple juice; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional); 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening sauce); Chopped green onions and pineapple slices, for garnish

Description

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a smoky-sweet grilled chicken dish marinated in a tangy pineapple-soy sauce blend. Perfect for summer cookouts or bringing island vibes to your dinner table, this juicy chicken is full of tropical flavor and easy to make!

Ingredients

Scale

2–3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening sauce)
Chopped green onions and pineapple slices, for garnish

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Instructions

In a bowl or large zip-top bag, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk well to combine.
Add chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the excess marinade. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side or until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Meanwhile, pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes. Optional: Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken.
Baste chicken with thickened sauce during the final minutes of grilling for extra flavor and glaze.
Serve hot, garnished with green onions and grilled pineapple slices.

Notes

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for even juicier results—just adjust cooking time.
Don’t skip boiling the marinade if using it as a sauce—it must be cooked for safety.
Great served with steamed rice, Hawaiian macaroni salad, or grilled veggies.
You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes if you don’t have a grill.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
Calories: 310
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 790mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 110mg