Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is a classic island-style dish that’s all about bold flavor and simple comfort. It’s grilled chicken soaked in a rich pineapple-soy glaze that turns sticky, sweet, and smoky when it hits the heat.

Huli Huli Chicken is tender chicken marinated and smothered in a sweet, savory, and tangy sauce. My family loves this one, and my hubby says it’s so good it brings him right back to Hawaii.

I first tried making the Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken after a trip where that smoky-sweet aroma stayed in my mind for days. The mix of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic gives it that signature island flavor you can’t forget.

If you love easy home cooking that tastes like a getaway, this recipe’s for you.

And when you’re done, you’ve got to try the Hawaiian Bros honolulu chicken and macaroni salad next — they complete the meal perfectly.

Hawaiian Bros Honolulu Chicken vs Huli Huli Chicken: Which is Better?

Both are delicious, no doubt. But they have their own charm. The Honolulu Chicken from Hawaiian Bros has more of a soy-based flavor. It’s less sweet and carries a bit more salty, grilled depth. It’s also a little smokier because it’s often cooked faster at higher heat.

Now, the Huli Huli Chicken—that’s where the tropical magic happens. It’s sweet, juicy, and sticky in the best way possible. The pineapple juice adds that tangy note you can’t forget. It also keeps the chicken super tender.

When I make both at home, I find both equals every time.

Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken Ingredients

• 2½ to 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs – I like using thighs because they stay juicy and tender on the grill. Cutting them in half makes sure they cook evenly and fast.
• ½ cup canned pineapple juice – This gives the chicken that tropical sweetness. The acid also helps soften the meat and adds a hint of fruit flavor that mixes great with the sauce.
• ½ cup soy sauce – The saltiness balances the sugar and pineapple. It also gives that deep brown color when grilled and adds the umami kick everyone loves.
• ½ cup ketchup – This thickens the marinade and gives that glossy red color. It also brings a little tang, making the sauce rich and smooth while sticking nicely to the chicken.
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed) – The sweetness from brown sugar is soft and deep. When grilled, it caramelizes beautifully, giving the chicken that sweet crust you’ll want more of.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – Garlic brings a savory bite and makes the sauce smell so good. I like to chop it fine so it mixes smoothly in the marinade.
• A few dashes of black pepper (to taste) – A small thing but makes a difference. The pepper cuts through the sweetness and gives a warm, balanced kick to each bite.
• Optional: canned sliced pineapple rings for grilling and serving – These look great on the plate and taste even better. The grilled marks and caramelized edges bring extra flavor to the dish.

How to Make Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken Copycat

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves and the sauce looks smooth.

Add a few dashes of black pepper for balance. This mixture forms the base of that signature huli huli flavor — sweet, salty, and tangy all at once.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Set aside about ⅔ cup of the marinade for basting later. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag, then pour the remaining marinade over them. Mix well so every piece is coated.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor. The longer it sits, the more tender and flavorful the chicken becomes.

Step 3: Prepare the Basting Sauce

When ready to cook, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then lower the flame and simmer for 1–2 minutes. It will thicken slightly, which helps it cling beautifully to the chicken while grilling.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Preheat the grill to high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 6–7 minutes per side. Baste often with the thickened sauce for that glossy, caramelized finish.

Each layer adds extra flavor and shine. The chicken should be cooked through and have golden edges with light char marks.

Step 5: Grill the Pineapple (Optional but Recommended)

Place canned pineapple rings on the grill after the chicken is done. Grill for 3 minutes per side until caramelized with light grill marks. The sweetness pairs perfectly with the smoky chicken.

Step 6: Serve

Once done, transfer the chicken to a serving plate and top or serve with the grilled pineapple rings. Traditionally, this dish is paired with steamed white rice and Hawaiian-style macaroni salad for a full, comforting meal.

Special Chef Tips for the Best Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken

• Use thighs instead of breasts. They stay juicy and don’t dry out when grilled.
• Don’t skip the overnight marinade. The longer it soaks, the richer the flavor.
• Grill over medium-high heat. Too hot and it’ll burn fast because of the sugar.
• Keep basting while grilling. Each layer adds more glaze and shine.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This keeps the juice inside.
• Use fresh garlic, not powder. It makes a huge difference in the final taste.
• If it’s raining, use a grill pan. It still gives that smoky sear indoors.

Side Dishes Pair Perfectly with Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken

Steamed White Rice – Simple and soft, it soaks up all that sweet and tangy sauce. The mild taste balances the grilled flavor of the chicken just right.

Macaroni Salad – Creamy, cool, and lightly sweet. It gives a nice break from the smoky chicken and feels like a true island meal when served together.

Grilled Pineapple Slices – Warm and caramelized, they add a little burst of sweetness that ties in perfectly with the glaze on the chicken.

Garlic Butter Rice – Rich, buttery rice cooked with a touch of garlic. It adds comfort and fills the plate beautifully.

Tropical Coleslaw – Fresh cabbage mixed with a light dressing and pineapple bits. It’s crunchy, colorful, and helps cut through the bold flavor of the chicken.

Fire Roasted Corn – The smoky char on corn kernels goes perfectly with the caramelized glaze of the chicken. A little butter and salt make it even better.

Seasoned Fries – Crispy fries with a light sprinkle of salt and paprika. They’re simple, satisfying, and great for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Refreshing Cocktail – A cool tropical drink, maybe with pineapple or coconut flavor, brings everything together. It’s the perfect sip between bites of that sweet, smoky chicken.

How to Store Leftover Huli Huli Chicken and Keep It Tasty

Once your chicken cools, place it in an airtight container. I like to add a little bit of leftover sauce on top before closing the lid—it keeps it moist. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When reheating, warm it on a skillet over low heat. Don’t blast it in the microwave or it’ll dry up fast. If it seems a bit dry, brush some of the saved sauce or even pineapple juice before heating. You can also shred leftover chicken and toss it in fried rice or sandwiches the next day.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but it won’t be as juicy. If you use breasts, marinate longer and cook over medium heat to keep them from drying out.

Can I bake instead of grill?

You can. Bake at 400°F for about 25 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes at the end to get that grilled look and caramelized glaze.

What does “Huli Huli” mean?

It means “turn, turn” in Hawaiian. It comes from how the chicken is turned back and forth while cooking on a rotisserie grill.

How do I know when it’s cooked?

The chicken should reach 165°F inside. You can also check by cutting—it should be white and juicy, not pink in the center.

That’s my take on the Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken recipe, one of my favorite grilled dishes ever. The mix of pineapple, soy, and garlic gives every bite a bright island flavor. It’s sweet, smoky, and unforgettable.

I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and taste how amazing it is right from your own kitchen.