Name: Spicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 8 h 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup ketchup; 3/4 cup soy sauce; 1/3 cup pineapple juice; 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 4-5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

If you're craving a tropical getaway right in your own kitchen, this Spicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Tender chicken thighs soaked in a sweet and savory marinade bring all those luscious island vibes to your dinner plate.

A white plate is filled with many pieces of grilled chicken thighs, showing a shiny, dark brown glaze with some charred edges and grill marks. Next to the plate of chicken, there is a white bowl filled with creamy macaroni salad that has pale yellow pasta mixed with bits of orange carrot and topped with small pieces of light green onions. Both dishes are placed on a black and white patterned cloth over a white marbled surface. There is a wooden spoon above the plate and a white empty bowl with a silver fork and spoon placed inside on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of this Huli Huli Chicken! The balance of sweet, tangy, and just enough spice keeps me coming back, especially when I want something easy but packed with flavor.

Simple Ingredients: Mostly pantry staples that mix up quickly into a vibrant marinade.
Deep, Authentic Flavor: Pineapple juice and ginger add that unmistakable Hawaiian flair.
Perfect for Weeknights: Marinate ahead and grill or pan-sear for a fast, delicious dinner.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs soak up the sauce and stay moist through cooking.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, make sure to pick up quality ingredients that really bring out those tropical flavors. Fresh ginger and pineapple juice especially elevate this recipe from ordinary to unforgettable!

Flat lay of a mound of golden brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red ketchup, a small white ceramic bowl containing dark glossy soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow pineapple juice, a small white ceramic bowl holding translucent apple cider vinegar, a tiny heap of finely minced fresh ginger root, a tiny pile of minced garlic cloves, and several plump boneless skinless chicken thighs arranged neatly, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelized glaze on the chicken.
Ketchup: Brings tang and body to the marinade, balancing out the flavors.
Soy Sauce: Essential for that salty umami depth classic to Huli Huli chicken.
Pineapple Juice: The star ingredient that gives this dish its bright, fruity character.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a mild acidity that helps tenderize and balance the sweetness.
Fresh Minced Ginger: Delivers zesty warmth and authentic island spice.
Minced Garlic: Pungent and aromatic, it layers in savory depth.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and forgiving, perfect for absorbing the marinade and grilling without drying out.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Spicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want to dial up the heat, switch up the cooking method, or add a tropical twist, there’s room to make this dish truly your own.

Add Some Heat: I like to add a few teaspoons of sriracha or some chopped fresh jalapeños to the marinade for that extra spicy kick. It really elevates the sweet and savory balance and gives it a nice fiery edge.
Make It Gluten-Free: Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy the tropical flavors without worry.
Oven-Baked Version: If grilling isn’t an option, I’ve had great success baking the chicken at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the thighs are fully cooked and caramelized.
Summer Salad Pairing: For a lighter take, try tossing the cooked chicken over a bed of mixed greens with diced mango, avocado, and a sprinkle of toasted macadamia nuts—a refreshing nod to Hawaiian flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

The image shows a clear plastic zip-lock bag filled with two pieces of raw chicken submerged in a dark brown marinade. The marinade has small pieces of chopped garlic floating in it, adding texture. The chicken pieces are pale pink with a smooth, slightly shiny surface, partially covered by the thick sauce. The bag is inside a clear glass bowl, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together the Flavorful Marinade

Start by mixing the brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, fresh minced ginger, and garlic in a large bowl. I like to whisk these together until the sugar has mostly dissolved and the ingredients form a smooth, glossy marinade. This step sets the stage for those rich sweet and tangy Hawaiian flavors that define the recipe.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Place your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into a large resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over them. Make sure every piece is coated well—this helps the meat soak up all the tropical goodness. Seal or cover, then pop it in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight. Trust me, the longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful it gets.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill or Stovetop Pan

When ready to cook, fire up your grill to medium-high heat or heat a large skillet on the stovetop over medium-high. The goal here is to get a nice char on the chicken without burning it, which locks in flavor and gives that beautifully caramelized exterior. If you’re using charcoal, even better—it adds a lovely smoky aroma.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off to avoid flare-ups on the grill. Cook the thighs for about 6-8 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and develop a gorgeous caramelized crust. During cooking, baste occasionally with reserved marinade for a boost of flavor—just be sure to discard any marinade that has touched raw chicken to keep things safe.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve Hot

Once your chicken is cooked through, let it rest for about 5 minutes—this step allows the juices to redistribute making every bite juicy and tender. Then slice it up and serve with your favorite sides like white rice, grilled veggies, or a simple fresh salad. The result? A mouthwatering, tropical-inspired dinner that’s as vibrant as Hawaii itself.

Top Tip

Mastering the Spicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is all about layering flavors and cooking with care. These tips will help you get the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spice every time.

Marinate Overnight: From my experience, letting the chicken soak in the marinade for the full 8 hours really allows those tropical flavors to penetrate deeply, giving that irresistible taste.
Control the Heat: Adding a little fresh chili or hot sauce can kick up the spice, but I always taste-test the marinade first so the heat complements the sweetness without overpowering it.
Grill with Care: Cook the chicken thighs over medium-high heat and baste with reserved marinade carefully—this technique keeps the chicken juicy and builds a beautiful caramelized glaze.
Discard Used Marinade Safely: A safety tip I’ve learned is to never use marinade that’s touched raw chicken for basting unless boiled first, to avoid any risk of contamination.

How to Serve Spicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

A white bowl is filled with three layers of food, each occupying about one-third of the bowl's space. On the left side, there are dark brown glazed grilled chicken slices with slightly charred edges showing a shiny texture. At the top, there is a mound of white steamed rice with a soft, fluffy texture. On the right side, creamy macaroni salad with light beige pasta coated in a smooth sauce and small bits of green herbs scattered throughout. A silver fork rests on the right edge of the bowl with its handle leaning outward. The bowl is placed on a black and white patterned cloth over a white marbled surface, and a white plate with more grilled chicken is partly visible in the top section. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten this dish up with fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh cilantro. For an extra tropical touch, add pineapple slices or a wedge of lime on the side to squeeze over the chicken just before eating.

Side Dishes

The Spicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe cries out for tropical-inspired sides. Serve it alongside fluffy steamed white rice or coconut rice to soak up every bit of that delicious glaze. Grilled vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini add a wonderful smoky contrast. For something light and fresh, toss a green salad with a tangy citrus dressing or a simple coleslaw to balance the sweetness of the chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, place any leftover Spicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. The chicken will keep well for up to 3 days, making for tasty next-day meals or quick lunches.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the fully cooked chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This keeps the chicken juicy and the glaze glossy. Microwaving works too but might slightly affect the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in thighs will add extra flavor and stay juicy, but you’ll want to increase the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes per side to ensure they’re cooked through.

How spicy is this Spicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe?

This recipe has a mild to moderate spice level by default due to the ginger and garlic. You can adjust the heat by adding fresh chilies or hot sauce to the marinade to suit your taste.

What if I don’t have pineapple juice?

No worries! You can substitute pineapple juice with orange juice, which will still provide a lovely sweet and tangy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.

Can I make the marinade in advance?

Yes! You can make the marinade up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to add fresh garlic and ginger close to marinating time for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for taking this tropical journey with the Spicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe. It’s a dish that brings sunshine to any table with its perfect blend of sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice. Whether it’s an easy weeknight dinner or a weekend grill fest, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking and aloha!