Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Love juicy, sweet and smoky chicken? Try this Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken Recipe at home. It tastes just like the famous Hawaiian Bros spot.

Grill it up for a tropical treat. This how to make Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken guide is easy. Perfect for family dinners or parties. Get ready to wow your friends!

My Story With This Comforting Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken

I first tasted Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken on a sunny road trip. The sweet pineapple glaze hit me hard. It reminded me of beach days. Back home, I missed it so much.

I spent weeks testing recipes in my tiny kitchen. Burned a few batches! Finally, I nailed it. Now, it’s our family go-to. My kids beg for it every weekend.

Sharing this Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken recipe feels like giving you a hug. Let’s make memories together.

Equipment List

• Grill (gas or charcoal)
• Tongs
• Basting brush
• Mixing bowls (2 large)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ziplock bags or shallow dish
• Meat thermometer
• Aluminum foil

Recipe Overview

• Recipe Name: Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken
• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins (plus marinating)
• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Hawaiian
• Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Ingredients for Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken

For the chicken and marinade (serves 6):

• 3 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
• ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Black pepper (to taste)

For the basting sauce:

• ½ cup reserved marinade
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water, optional thickener)

These ingredients for Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken are simple. Grab them from any store. They make the magic happen.

Instructions for Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken

Make the Marinade

Mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and pepper. Whisk until sugar dissolves. Tastes amazing already!

Marinate the Chicken

Add chicken thighs to marinade in a bowl or bag. Coat well. Seal and fridge for 2-8 hours. Longer is better for flavor.

Prep the Grill

Heat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Oil grates lightly. This stops sticking.

Grill the Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade. Reserve ½ cup for basting. Grill 10-12 mins per side. Baste often with reserved sauce.

Make Basting Sauce

Boil reserved marinade in a pan. Add honey. Simmer 5 mins. Thicken with cornstarch mix if you like.

Check Doneness

Use thermometer. Chicken is ready at 165°F inside. Rest 5 mins on foil. Juices run clear.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle green onions on top. Slice or serve whole. Hot off the grill is best!

Each step is quick. Follow this how to make Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken for perfect results every time.

Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations

• Pat chicken dry before grilling. Gets crispier skin.
• Don’t skip marinating. It tenderizes meat.
• Use thighs for juiciness. Breasts work but dry out faster.
• Indoor option: Broil in oven at 450°F for 20 mins.
• Variation: Add chili flakes for spicy kick.
• Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or pineapple skewers.
• Double sauce for rice dipping.
• Grill pineapple slices too. Caramelizes sweet.

These tips make your Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken recipe foolproof.

Little History Behind This Comfort Food

Huli Huli Chicken started in Hawaii in 1955. A man named Ernest Morgado grilled chicken at a fundraiser. He used a simple teriyaki marinade.

Turned it over the fire – “huli huli” means turn in Hawaiian. It became a hit. Now, spots like Hawaiian Bros serve it everywhere. Street food turned legend. My version keeps that island spirit alive.

What to Serve With This Dish

Pair with white rice to soak up sauce. Add mac salad for creamy Hawaiian touch. Fresh cucumber salad cools the heat. Grilled veggies like zucchini shine. Tropical fruit salad with mango fits perfect. Beer or iced tea quenches thirst. Simple sides let chicken star.

Occasion or Event Ideas

Great for summer barbecues. Family reunions love it. Game day parties need this crowd-pleaser. Luau-themed birthdays. Weeknight dinners when tired. Potlucks – it travels well. Even camping trips on foil.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Cool fully, store in airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Bag it flat, freeze up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Oven at 350°F for 10 mins. Or microwave covered.
• Grill leftovers: Warm on low heat, baste again.
• Don’t reheat basting sauce. Make fresh.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	35g
Carbs	28g
Fat	18g
Sugar	24g
Sodium	980mg
Fiber	0.5g

Values are estimates. Based on 6 servings.

Is This Dish Good for You?

This Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken recipe balances fun and health. Lean chicken gives protein for muscles. Pineapple juice adds vitamin C for immunity. Ginger aids digestion. Brown sugar and soy add flavor without overdoing it. Watch portions for sodium. Grill, not fry, keeps it lighter. Pair with veggies for a full meal. It’s tasty comfort without guilt. Eat it weekly!

Read more:Hairy Bikers Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe

FAQs about Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken

Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes! Preheat oven to 400°F. Place chicken on lined sheet. Bake 25-30 mins, basting halfway. Broil last 2 mins for char. Tastes close to grilled.

How long to marinate for best flavor?
At least 2 hours, but overnight rocks. Up to 24 hours max. Don’t go longer – too salty.

Is it spicy? Can I make it milder?
No spice in base recipe. Skip pepper or chili if sensitive. Add sriracha later for heat lovers.

What if I can’t find pineapple juice?
Use canned pineapple chunks blended. Or orange juice mix. Keeps sweetness.

Gluten-free version?
Swap soy for tamari. Use GF ketchup. Done!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – your own Hawaiian Bros Huli Huli Chicken recipe to master. From my messy kitchen trials to your grill, it’s pure joy. The sweet-smoky bites transport you to islands. Fire it up soon. Share pics with friends. What’s your twist? This dish brings people together. Happy cooking, friends!