Name: Huli Huli Chicken Wings with Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs Chicken Wings; 2 cups Low Sodium Soy Sauce; 2 tbsp Brown Sugar; 1 tbsp Black Garlic Sauce or garlic paste; 1 tbsp Ginger Paste; 2 tsp Garlic Powder; 2 tsp Smoked Paprika; 1 tsp Black Pepper; Kosher Salt to taste; 1 cup Ketchup; 1/8 cup Pineapple Juice; 2 tbsp Sriracha Sauce; 2 tbsp Honey; 1.5 tbsp Dijon Mustard; 1.5 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar; 2 tsp Black Garlic Sauce; Chopped Parsley; Sriracha Sauce; Sesame Seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 79 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with tropical flavors while delivering smoky, tender bites, then the Huli Huli Chicken Wings with Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These wings are marinated in a savory soy-ginger-garlic blend and grilled to perfection, soaking up a beautiful smoky char. Then, they get tossed in a luscious pineapple BBQ sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, making every wing irresistibly sticky and flavorful. Whether you are hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a fun weeknight dinner, this recipe truly brings a taste of island sunshine to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal grilling basket filled with two rows of seasoned chicken wings is held over a round fire pit with glowing orange flames and white ash-covered wood logs inside. The chicken wings have a golden brown color with some darker spots from cooking and are tightly packed in the basket. The fire pit is surrounded by large gray stones and the scene is set on green grass in the background. The grilling basket has two long metal handles extending outward. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to create a harmony of flavors that is both complex and approachable. From the salty depth of low sodium soy sauce to the gentle heat of smoked paprika, each element plays a vital role in building that iconic Huli Huli taste. The pineapple BBQ sauce ingredients provide a delightful contrast, combining sweetness, acidity, and a hint of fire for an unforgettable finish.

2 lbs Chicken Wings: The star of the show; these absorb the marinade beautifully and grill up juicy and crisp.
2 cups Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds umami richness without overpowering the palate.
2 tbsp Brown Sugar: Provides a caramelized sweetness that balances the savory marinade.
1 tbsp Black Garlic Sauce or Garlic Paste: Imparts a mellow, deep garlic flavor with an irresistible black garlic twist.
1 tbsp Ginger Paste: Brings fresh warmth and zing to the marinade.
2 tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlicky profile for bold flavor.
2 tsp Smoked Paprika: Gives subtle smokiness and a vibrant red hue.
1 tsp Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and earthiness.
Kosher Salt to Taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
1 cup Ketchup: The tangy base for the pineapple BBQ sauce.
⅛ cup Pineapple Juice: Injects tropical sweetness and fruity acidity.
2 tbsp Sriracha Sauce: Offers a spicy kick to brighten the sauce.
2 tbsp Honey: Adds luscious sweetness and a glossy finish.
1.5 tbsp Dijon Mustard: Brings subtle sharpness to balance the sweetness.
1.5 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar: Provides brightness and depth of flavor.
2 tsp Black Garlic Sauce: Boosts the savory complexity of the sauce.
Chopped Parsley (Optional): Fresh herb garnish to brighten the presentation.
Sriracha Sauce (Optional): Extra heat for those who love it spicy.
Sesame Seeds (Optional): Adds a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Wings with Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Wings

Start by placing your chicken wings in a large food-safe bowl or container. Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, black garlic sauce, ginger paste, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring each wing is completely coated in this flavorful marinade. Then, cover your bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This step is key because it lets the wings soak up all those bold, savory-sweet flavors that make Huli Huli wings unforgettable.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a rotisserie basket, it’s time to get it ready. This basket allows the wings to cook evenly while developing that signature smoky char all around. If you don’t have a basket, a grill pan or wire rack will work just fine!

Step 3: Grill the Wings

Remove the wings from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place them securely inside the rotisserie basket. Seal it tightly and position the basket about 6 to 8 inches above direct flames on the grill. Grill the wings until they reach an internal temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit, which usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the skin is crispy and the meat is tender and smoky. Once done, pull them off the grill and let them rest briefly.

Step 4: Make the Sweet Pineapple BBQ Sauce

While the wings sizzle on the grill, grab a small skillet and combine ketchup, pineapple juice, sriracha sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, rice wine vinegar, and black garlic sauce. Simmer this mixture over medium heat until it thickens and all the flavors meld together — about 20 minutes. This sauce is where the magic truly shines, boosting your wings with an irresistible sweet and spicy glaze featuring a tropical twist.

Step 5: Toss Wings in Sauce

Once the wings have cooled slightly, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the warm pineapple BBQ sauce over them. Toss carefully so that every wing gets a generous coat of the sticky, flavorful sauce. For an extra touch of beauty and flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds, more sriracha, and freshly chopped parsley on top.

How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken Wings with Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe

There is a metal grill rack holding two layers of golden-brown chicken wings with a slightly shiny, glazed surface. The wings are arranged closely in neat rows, showing a mix of crispy, charred edges and juicy textures. The grill rack is being held over a bed of glowing orange and red hot coals with occasional small flames. This is inside a round fire pit made of dark gray stones stacked in a curve. The background shows some green grass out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A garnish can elevate your Huli Huli Chicken Wings with Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe from delicious to dazzling. Chopped parsley not only adds a pop of fresh green color but also a subtle herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. Toasted sesame seeds bring a nutty crunch, and a few drizzles of sriracha offer an eye-catching fiery red contrast and extra heat for spice lovers.

Side Dishes

These wings pair beautifully with simple yet complementary sides. Think fluffy coconut rice or grilled corn on the cob brushed with lime butter to keep that tropical vibe going. A crunchy Asian slaw with crisp cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing also adds fresh texture that balances the sticky wings perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, try serving the wings on a wooden platter lined with banana leaves or vibrant green kale. Arrange slices of fresh pineapple or lime wedges alongside for a bright, tropical display. If you’re feeling fancy, set up a DIY wing bar with extra pineapple BBQ sauce, sriracha, pickled vegetables, and chopped herbs so everyone can customize their own wing experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from the Huli Huli Chicken Wings with Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, making each bite just as delicious—if not better—the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked wings by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. Frozen wings will keep well for up to 3 months and are ideal for quick meals later.

Reheating

To reheat, place the wings on a foil-lined baking sheet and warm them in a 375 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, a quick 2-3 minutes in the microwave works if you’re in a hurry but won’t give you that crisp finish.

FAQs

Can I use regular garlic instead of black garlic sauce?

Absolutely! While black garlic sauce adds a unique sweet-savory depth, minced fresh garlic or garlic paste will still deliver great flavor if black garlic isn’t available.

Do I have to use a rotisserie basket to grill the wings?

Not at all. A rotisserie basket helps the wings cook evenly and prevents sticking, but you can also use a grill pan or skewers. Just be sure to turn them frequently for even charring.

Is the pineapple BBQ sauce necessary?

While the wings are delicious on their own, the pineapple BBQ sauce is what makes this recipe truly special by adding a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It’s highly recommended for the full Huli Huli experience.

How spicy are these wings?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from the sriracha. You can adjust the amount of sriracha to make it milder or spicier depending on your personal taste.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes! You can bake the wings in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 40 minutes, turning halfway. To mimic the smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or using a smoked salt in the marinade.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like biting into the tender, smoky goodness of Huli Huli Chicken Wings with Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe. The marriage of sweet, tangy pineapple with savory, garlicky marinade creates a flavor explosion that feels like a mini vacation in every bite. Whether you’re sharing these wings with friends or enjoying a cozy night in, I truly hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with it the way I have. Happy grilling and aloha!