This huli huli chicken wings recipe marinates chicken wings in a sweet-savory Hawaiian glaze made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice, then bakes them until crispy and caramelized. These easy Hawaiian wings take under an hour and have become one of the year’s most-loved wing recipes for how well the sweet and salty glaze caramelizes.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes active
Servings: 6
Category: Appetizer, main dish
Why You’ll Love This Huli Huli Chicken Wings
- The pineapple-soy glaze in this huli huli chicken wings recipe caramelizes into a genuinely sticky, crave-worthy coating.
- Baked, not fried, so cleanup is minimal.
- Works equally well as a game-day appetizer or a full dinner with rice.
- The marinade doubles as a basting sauce, so every bit of flavor gets used.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 lbs chicken wings
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Wings
- Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to make the huli huli sauce.
- Reserve half the sauce for basting and serving. Marinate the wings in the other half for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and arrange the wings on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping and basting with the reserved sauce halfway through, until crispy and caramelized.
- Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds before serving.
Tips for the Best Huli Huli Chicken Wings
- Marinate the wings as long as possible, ideally overnight, for the deepest flavor in this Hawaiian wings recipe.
- Always baste with reserved, un-marinated sauce to avoid cross-contamination from the raw chicken marinade.
- Line the baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, since the glaze caramelizes and can stick.
- Broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes if you want extra char on the wings.
Variations to Try
- Grill the wings over medium heat instead of baking for extra smoky flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
- Use chicken drumettes or a mix of drumettes and flats.
How to Store It
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to re-crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does huli huli mean?
Huli huli means “turn turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the traditional method of turning the chicken over an open flame while basting.
Can I make huli huli chicken wings on the grill?
Yes, this recipe works well on a grill over medium heat, turning and basting frequently until cooked through and caramelized.
Can I make the wings ahead of time?
The wings can marinate up to 24 hours ahead, but they’re best baked and served fresh for the crispiest texture.
What should I serve with huli huli wings?
They pair well with steamed rice, a simple slaw, or as a game-day appetizer on their own.