When the spirit of authentic Hawaii meets the art of barbecue, a unique culinary creation is born: Huli-Huli Chicken. It’s a sensory experience that captures the essence of the islands, blending smoky grill flavor with the tropical notes of a sweet and savory marinade.
A Dance of Hawaiian Flavors
Huli-Huli Chicken takes its name from the Hawaiian word “huli,” meaning “to turn.” This traditional method involves frequently turning the chicken during cooking, ensuring even heat distribution and perfect caramelization of the marinade. The marinade—made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, honey, and fruit juice—infuses the meat with exotic flavors, offering an irresistible balance of sweetness and saltiness.
An Outdoor Ritual
Huli-Huli Chicken is more than just a dish; it’s a social ritual. On the streets of Hawaii, Huli-Huli barbecues are a beloved summer tradition. Chickens are skewered and slowly turned over open flames, creating a festive atmosphere where friends and families gather to enjoy this iconic meal.
A Harmony of Textures and Flavors
When Huli-Huli Chicken is finally ready to serve, it’s a feast for the senses. The meat is tender and juicy, deeply infused with its sweet and tangy marinade. The barbecue method adds a crispy, caramelized crust that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the meat.
The Spirit of Hawaii in Every Bite
🍷 Food & Wine Pairings
This dish pairs beautifully with a fruity white wine such as Viognier or a semi-dry Gewürztraminer. For beer, go for a lightly hoppy Pale Ale or a citrusy wheat beer.
🔥 Cooking Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes (+ 24h marinating)
- Cook time: 45–60 minutes (direct BBQ then griddle)
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 whole chickens
- 1 fresh pineapple
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 heaping tbsp chopped garlic
- 1 heaping tbsp chopped ginger
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- resealable freezer bags
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 6 or 8 pieces. Mix all marinade ingredients together and pour into a resealable freezer bag. Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and marinate in the fridge for 24 hours.
- Peel and slice the pineapple. Sprinkle with sugar and grill directly over the BBQ flames. Move away from direct heat and let them slowly caramelize.
- Drain the chicken and reserve the marinade. Grill the chicken over direct heat, turning frequently. When nearly cooked through, place a griddle on the BBQ and toss the chicken pieces with the grilled pineapple slices.
- Glaze with the remaining marinade during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
🧾 Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/8 of recipe (~375 g cooked)
Calories: 624 kcal 🟧
| Total Fat | 29.8 g | 🟥 43% DV |
| … Saturated Fat | 7.4 g | 🟥 37% DV |
| … Omega-3 | 0.12 g | 🟩 8% DV |
| Total Carbohydrates | 27.1 g | 🟩 10% DV |
| … Sugars | 23.3 g | 🟩 26% DV |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 🟩 5% DV |
| Protein | 60.5 g | 🟥 121% DV |
| Cholesterol | 153 mg | 🟥 51% DV |
| Sodium | 2.3 g | 🟥 38% DV |
| Calcium | 36 mg | 🟩 4% DV |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 🟩 18% DV |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.5 µg | 🟥 60% DV |
*DV: Daily Values based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
🧬 Health Insights – Cancer + Diabetes
Huli-Huli chicken combines tropical flavors with classic barbecue grilling techniques. Its high protein content (over 60 g per serving) and the inclusion of fresh pineapple provide a well-balanced mix of animal protein and plant-based nutrients.
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🍍 Health Highlights
Complete Proteins: Poultry is a lean and complete source of protein.
Rich in Bromelain: Pineapple contains a digestive enzyme that helps break down proteins.
Spices and Aromatics: Garlic and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
⚠️ Things to Watch
The marinade contains a notable amount of sugar (brown sugar, pineapple juice, ketchup), increasing the simple carbohydrate content.
Soy sauce is salty: individuals with hypertension or on a low-sodium diet should take caution.
Grilling should be carefully monitored to avoid charring (a source of PAHs).
🧬 For People with Cancer
This recipe can be adapted using low-sodium soy sauce and by limiting added sugars. Indirect cooking is recommended to prevent the formation of carcinogenic compounds from charred meat.
💉 For People with Diabetes
Each serving contains approximately 23 g of sugars. It should be consumed in moderation, ideally with grilled vegetables without sugary sauces. The marinade can be slightly adjusted by reducing the amount of brown sugar.
✅ In Summary
A festive, flavorful recipe that is protein-rich and well-balanced—provided sugar content is controlled and gentle cooking methods are used. The dish remains compatible with a healthy diet, with adjustments as needed for specific conditions.
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