Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl

Name: Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 4 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1.8 kg boneless or bone-in chicken thighs; 120 g light brown sugar, packed; 120 ml ketchup; 240 ml canned pineapple juice; 120 ml light soy sauce; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 0.5 teaspoon minced fresh ginger; 4 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper; Fresh pineapple slices; Vegetable oil for grilling; Sliced green onions for garnish

Olivia Morgan

October 2, 2025

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why make this recipe

Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful and flavorful dish that captures the spirit of Hawaiian cuisine. It features juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served over a bed of steamed rice. With its sweet and savory marinade, this bowl offers a delicious way to enjoy chicken and rice. It’s easy to make for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week.

how to make Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl

Ingredients:

1.8 kilograms boneless or bone-in chicken thighs
120 grams light brown sugar, packed
120 millilitres ketchup
240 millilitres canned pineapple juice (do not use fresh)
120 millilitres light soy sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
0.5 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
Fresh pineapple slices
Vegetable oil for grilling
Sliced green onions for garnish

Directions:

In a large resealable bag, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, canned pineapple juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, fresh ginger, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Reserve 120 millilitres of the marinade and refrigerate it for later. Add the chicken thighs to the bag, making sure they are well coated in the marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
When you are ready to cook, take the chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly brush the grates with vegetable oil.
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and grill for about 3 more minutes. Baste with the reserved marinade, flip again, and continue to cook, turning and basting every 1–2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. This should take around 15–16 minutes in total. After grilling, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes.
While the chicken is resting, char the pineapple slices on both sides on the grill until grill marks appear. This should take about 1–2 minutes per side.
Slice the grilled chicken and serve it over steamed rice with the grilled pineapple. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.

how to serve Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl

Serve this Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl with a generous portion of steamed rice. Top the rice with sliced grilled chicken and pineapple. You can also add some fresh green onions for a pop of color and flavor. It’s great for lunch or dinner!

how to store Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave the bowl or heat it on the stovetop until warmed through.

tips to make Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl

Make sure to marinate the chicken for the full time for the best flavor.
If you want a little heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Use cooked rice that’s been chilled to prevent it from getting mushy when you add the grilled chicken.

variation

You can swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. The marinade works well with other meats too, such as pork. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
No, it is best to use canned pineapple juice for this recipe as it helps in achieving the right flavor and consistency.

2. How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can use skinless chicken thighs, reduce the amount of brown sugar, or use brown rice instead of white rice.

3. Can I grill the chicken indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop if you don’t have an outdoor grill. Just be sure to follow the same cooking times.