Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple Glaze
Tender chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy pineapple and soy glaze, grilled to perfection with a smoky char. This hawaiian-inspired chicken ready in about 34 minutes pairs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, soy sauce, pineapple juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1/2 tsp paprika to make the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F). Brush the grill grates with 2 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and place on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly.
- Step 4: Transfer to a plate and garnish with 1/4 cup pineapple chunks. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 34 minutes (20 min prep + 14 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple Glaze?
Hawaiian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Hawaiian come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many chicken recipes and this is hands down the best.