Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful Hawaiian dish known for its sweet and savory profile, combining soy sauce, pineapple juice, and a hint of smokiness. Originating in the 1950s by Ernest Morgado, this dish has become a staple at Hawaiian fundraisers and gatherings. The name “Huli Huli” comes from the Hawaiian word huli, meaning “to turn,” referring to the traditional method of turning the chicken on the grill.
Ingredients
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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½ cup soy sauce
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½ cup brown sugar
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⅓ cup ketchup
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⅓ cup pineapple juice
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¼ cup rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (for garnish)
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Pineapple slices, grilled (optional for serving)
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Cooked white rice, for serving
Directions
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In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and smoked paprika. Whisk well to form the marinade.
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Reserve ½ cup of the marinade and set aside for basting.
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Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour remaining marinade over them. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
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Remove chicken from marinade and discard used marinade.
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Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is slightly charred.
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Optional: Grill pineapple slices for 1–2 minutes on each side until caramelized.
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Serve chicken over steamed white rice, garnished with sliced green onions and grilled pineapple.
Nutrients (per serving)
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Calories: 395 kcal
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Protein: 27g
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Fat: 14g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 20g
History of Huli Huli Chicken
Huli Huli Chicken has an interesting backstory that makes it much more than just a delicious Hawaiian barbecue dish. This recipe was first introduced in the 1950s by Ernest Morgado, a poultry farmer and businessman in Hawai‘i. He created the dish during a fundraising event where he barbecued chicken with a special marinade. It became an instant hit, and soon after, Huli Huli Chicken spread across the Hawaiian Islands, becoming a staple food at gatherings, fundraisers, and roadside stands.
The name “Huli Huli” comes from the Hawaiian word huli, which means “to turn.” This refers to the traditional method of cooking the chicken on a grill, where it is turned repeatedly while being basted with marinade. Over the decades, Huli Huli Chicken has become not only a symbol of Hawaiian food culture but also an iconic dish that brings people together. It represents the spirit of aloha, sharing, and celebration.
Flavor Profile and Unique Characteristics
One of the standout qualities of Huli Huli Chicken is its perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and smoky flavors. The marinade, a combination of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and ketchup, creates a layered taste that reflects the fusion of Asian and American influences in Hawaiian cuisine.
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Sweetness: Derived mainly from brown sugar and pineapple juice, giving the chicken a caramelized finish when grilled.
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Saltiness: Soy sauce provides a savory depth that enhances the overall flavor.
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Tanginess: Rice vinegar adds brightness, cutting through the richness of the marinade.
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Smokiness: When grilled over an open flame, the chicken develops a slight char that elevates the dish to another level.
This unique blend of flavors is what makes Huli Huli Chicken unforgettable. It is versatile enough to be enjoyed at casual backyard barbecues yet special enough to feature in festive celebrations.
Cultural Significance in Hawaii
In Hawai‘i, Huli Huli Chicken is more than just a dish—it is a community tradition. Fundraisers often feature this chicken as the main attraction, with entire neighborhoods coming together to grill and serve. These gatherings go beyond food; they are about community spirit, fundraising for schools, churches, or sports teams, and keeping cultural traditions alive.
Roadside stands are also an essential part of Huli Huli’s popularity. Locals and visitors alike often spot the smoky aroma from miles away, drawing them in. These stands serve freshly grilled chicken, often with rice and macaroni salad, creating a simple but comforting meal.
Variations of Huli Huli Chicken
Although the traditional recipe remains beloved, several variations have emerged over time, reflecting personal tastes and regional influences.
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Oven-Baked Huli Huli Chicken: For those without access to a grill, baking in the oven provides a convenient alternative while still delivering a flavorful result.
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Slow Cooker Huli Huli Chicken: A hands-off method that infuses the meat with deep flavors, perfect for busy households.
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Spicy Huli Huli Chicken: Adding chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for those who prefer a little kick.
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Huli Huli Chicken Wings: A fun appetizer version that works well for parties and game days.
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Healthier Alternatives: Substituting boneless chicken breasts or using reduced-sodium soy sauce to lighten the recipe while keeping its signature taste.
Each of these variations keeps the essence of the dish intact but allows for creativity and adaptation based on dietary needs or cooking preferences.
Tips for the Perfect Huli Huli Chicken
To truly capture the essence of this dish, a few tips can help ensure that your Huli Huli Chicken turns out flavorful and tender every time:
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Marinate Long Enough: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This ensures that the flavors penetrate deeply.
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Use a Grill If Possible: The smokiness from an open flame adds authenticity that cannot be fully replicated indoors.
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Don’t Skip Basting: The reserved marinade should be used to baste the chicken while grilling, creating layers of flavor and a sticky glaze.
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Check Internal Temperature: Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure both safety and juiciness.
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Pair It Well: Serving Huli Huli Chicken with steamed rice, macaroni salad, or grilled pineapple enhances the Hawaiian dining experience.
Nutritional Benefits
Although Huli Huli Chicken is indulgent, it also offers several nutritional advantages. Chicken thighs provide a good balance of protein and healthy fats, making them both satisfying and nourishing. The soy sauce adds essential minerals such as iron and magnesium, while ginger and garlic contribute natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, it’s worth noting that the sugar content is moderate due to brown sugar and pineapple juice. For a healthier option, you can reduce the sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey. The dish also pairs well with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad, which balance out the richness with fiber and vitamins.
Huli Huli Chicken Beyond Hawaii
The popularity of Huli Huli Chicken has spread far beyond Hawai‘i, becoming a beloved dish across the United States and even internationally. Many Hawaiian restaurants on the mainland feature this recipe, and food bloggers often share their own takes on it. Its universal appeal lies in its simple preparation, flavorful marinade, and ability to bring a touch of the Hawaiian Islands to any meal.
For travelers who have experienced Huli Huli Chicken at roadside stands in Hawai‘i, recreating the recipe at home brings back nostalgic memories of island life. For others, it offers a gateway into Hawaiian cuisine, sparking curiosity about other traditional dishes such as poke, laulau, and loco moco.
Pairing Suggestions
While Huli Huli Chicken is a star on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes elevates the meal into a complete Hawaiian feast. Common accompaniments include:
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Steamed White Rice: The classic base that balances out the bold flavors of the chicken.
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Hawaiian Macaroni Salad: Creamy, tangy, and rich, it adds contrast and heartiness.
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Grilled Pineapple: Sweet, smoky pineapple slices enhance the tropical feel of the meal.
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Asian Slaw: A crunchy, refreshing salad made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing.
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Poi: For a truly traditional Hawaiian experience, serving poi (a dish made from taro root) connects the meal with deeper cultural roots.
Pairing with beverages such as tropical fruit juice, iced tea, or even a light beer makes the meal more refreshing and enjoyable.
Modern Adaptations and Popularity
Today, Huli Huli Chicken continues to inspire chefs, home cooks, and food enthusiasts worldwide. Social media has played a significant role in popularizing the recipe, with videos and food bloggers showcasing their versions of the dish. From backyard barbecues to professional kitchens, the appeal of Huli Huli Chicken remains timeless.
Many people adapt the recipe for modern cooking tools such as air fryers, instant pots, or indoor grills, making it accessible regardless of kitchen setup. Despite these adaptations, the heart of the dish remains the same—a sweet, smoky, and savory chicken recipe rooted in Hawaiian tradition.
Conclusion
Huli Huli Chicken is much more than a barbecue recipe—it is a cultural symbol, a community tradition, and a flavor-packed dish that continues to bring joy to countless tables around the world. Its history reflects the blending of diverse culinary influences in Hawai‘i, while its taste profile perfectly captures the spirit of island cooking: vibrant, balanced, and unforgettable.
From roadside stands in Hawai‘i to kitchens across the globe, Huli Huli Chicken has secured its place as a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also tells a story of heritage and togetherness. Whether enjoyed with rice and macaroni salad at a casual cookout or prepared with modern variations at home, this recipe carries with it the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality.
By understanding its history, flavors, and cultural significance, anyone preparing Huli Huli Chicken can appreciate the dish as more than just a meal—it is a way to celebrate tradition, share with loved ones, and experience a little taste of aloha wherever you are.