Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Huli Huli Chicken Wings are a Hawaiian-inspired twist on classic wings, featuring a sweet and savory marinade made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Grilled or baked to perfection, they’re juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly sticky. These wings are perfect for cookouts, game days, or whenever you want a taste of the islands.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken wingspineapple juicesoy saucebrown sugarketchupgarlic (minced)fresh ginger (grated)rice vinegar or apple cider vinegarolive oilsalt and peppergreen onions and sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

directions

In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and olive oil to make the marinade.

Reserve ½ cup of the marinade for basting and pour the rest over the chicken wings in a large zip-top bag or bowl.

Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Preheat grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If baking, line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.

Remove wings from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Grill or bake wings for 35–40 minutes, turning and basting with reserved marinade every 10 minutes.

Cook until wings are golden brown, sticky, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4–6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesMarinating time: 2–12 hoursCooking time: 35–40 minutesTotal time: up to 13 hours (mostly inactive)

Variations

Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Use chicken drumettes or thighs for a meatier option.

Swap ketchup for tomato paste and a touch of honey for a deeper flavor.

Add a splash of liquid smoke for a grilled taste when baking.

Serve with grilled pineapple for extra island flair.

storage/reheating

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer for crispy results.

FAQs

Can I use boneless wings?

Yes, but adjust cooking time as they cook faster than bone-in wings.

Do I have to marinate overnight?

Longer marinating enhances flavor, but 2 hours is the minimum.

Can I bake instead of grill?

Absolutely—baking works great and still gives you sticky, caramelized wings.

What does “Huli Huli” mean?

“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referencing the traditional method of rotating meat on a grill.

Can I use canned pineapple juice?

Yes, just ensure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes, marinate the wings in advance and cook when ready to serve.

How do I get the glaze sticky?

Baste during the last 15 minutes of cooking and let the sugars caramelize.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, freeze marinated raw wings or cooked wings; thaw and reheat before serving.

What sides go well with these?

Try coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or Hawaiian macaroni salad.

Are they very sweet?

They’re sweet and savory with a balanced tropical flavor—you can reduce sugar if desired.

Conclusion

Huli Huli Chicken Wings are a flavorful fusion of tropical sweetness and savory spice that will elevate your wing game. Whether grilled or baked, they deliver juicy, sticky goodness in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, these wings bring a taste of Hawaiian sunshine right to your plate.