Name: Huli Huli Chicken Wings with Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
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; ⅛ 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

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If you’re craving something irresistibly flavorful and uniquely tropical, look no further than the Huli Huli Chicken Wings with Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe. This dish brings together the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy notes through a harmonious blend of marinade spices and a luscious pineapple-infused BBQ sauce that clings to every crispy wing. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend cookout or simply in need of a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these wings offer a mouthwatering escape to the islands right in your own backyard.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a large grilling rack filled with two rows of golden-brown chicken pieces evenly stacked. The chicken has a slightly crispy texture with a mix of light and dark orange tones from the spices and cooking, giving it a rich, warm look. The metal rack is shiny and placed over a fire pit with glowing orange flames and white ash-covered logs inside a round metal ring. The fire pit is surrounded by natural stones and sits on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is green grass giving an outdoor cooking feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Huli Huli Chicken Wings with Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the umami-rich soy base to the spicy warmth of smoked paprika and the tropical sweetness of pineapple juice.

2 lbs Chicken Wings: The star of the show, offering juicy meat and crispy skin when cooked right.
2 cups Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides the salty, savory foundation without overpowering the palate.
2 tbsp Brown Sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness that balances the saltiness.
1 tbsp Black Garlic Sauce (or garlic paste): Delivers a rich, mellow garlic flavor with subtle sweetness.
1 tbsp Ginger Paste: Injects a fresh, zesty kick to brighten the marinade.
2 tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlic notes with a concentrated punch.
2 tsp Smoked Paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and distinctive color.
1 tsp Black Pepper: For mild heat and aromatic warmth.
Kosher Salt (to taste): Balances and elevates all the flavors.
1 cup Ketchup: Basis for the pineapple BBQ sauce, providing tomato sweetness and tang.
⅛ cup Pineapple Juice: A tropical twist that adds fruity acidity and moisture.
2 tbsp Sriracha Sauce: Spicy heat with a touch of garlic to enliven the sauce.
2 tbsp Honey: Natural sweetness to complement the pineapple and ketchup.
1.5 tbsp Dijon Mustard: Offers sharpness and complexity to the BBQ sauce.
1.5 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
2 tsp Black Garlic Sauce: Enhances umami depth in the BBQ sauce.
Chopped Parsley (for garnish): Fresh herbal contrast and vibrant color.
Sriracha Sauce (for garnish): Extra zing for those who like it spicy.
Sesame Seeds (for garnish): Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Wings

Begin by placing your chicken wings in a 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 to ensure each wing is generously coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight to let the flavors deeply penetrate the meat. This step is key to developing that signature Huli Huli flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range allows for a nice char on the chicken wings while cooking them evenly. If you have a rotisserie basket, it’s the perfect tool for this recipe to keep the wings turning evenly over the flames.

Step 3: Cook the Wings

Remove the wings from the marinade and discard any excess liquid. Secure the wings inside the rotisserie basket, sealing it tightly. Place the basket about 6 to 8 inches from the grill heat source and cook until the wings reach an internal temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit. This usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Once cooked, take the wings off the heat and let them rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices.

Step 4: Make the Pineapple BBQ Sauce

While the wings cook, heat a basting skillet over the grill or stovetop. Add the ketchup, pineapple juice, sriracha, honey, Dijon mustard, rice wine vinegar, and black garlic sauce. Simmer the sauce over heat until it thickens and the flavors meld together harmoniously, roughly 20 minutes. This sweet and spicy pineapple BBQ sauce is the heart of the dish, giving that tropical glaze that transforms the wings.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Once the wings are just out of the grill and slightly cooled, toss them in the warm pineapple BBQ sauce. Make sure each wing is evenly coated with that sticky, flavorful glaze. Garnish with sesame seeds, additional sriracha for heat lovers, and freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green freshness.

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

Garnishes

Garnishes not only add beauty but an extra layer of flavor and texture. For these wings, sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds to introduce a subtle nutty crunch. Add a drizzle of sriracha for those who want to dial up the heat, and scatter chopped parsley to brighten up the plate with a fresh herbal note.

Side Dishes

The tropical nature of these wings pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides. Consider serving alongside a crisp cabbage slaw or grilled corn on the cob brushed with garlic butter. Steamed jasmine rice is another perfect companion that helps soak up any extra pineapple BBQ sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing presentation, arrange the wings on a large rustic wooden platter lined with banana leaves or parchment paper. Place small bowls of extra pineapple BBQ sauce and sriracha for dipping on the side. Garnish the platter with lime wedges and fresh herbs to evoke a Hawaiian luau vibe that will get everyone excited to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a perfect quick snack or meal the next day.

Freezing

If you’re looking to extend their life even further, place the wings in a freezer-safe container or bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, set the wings on a foil-lined baking sheet and pop them in a preheated 375-degree oven for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You can brush on a little extra pineapple BBQ sauce before serving for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I make the marinade and sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The marinade benefits from sitting overnight, and you can also prepare the pineapple BBQ sauce a day ahead. Just store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge and warm it gently before tossing with the wings.

What if I don’t have a rotisserie basket?

No worries! You can grill the wings directly on the grill grate, turning frequently to avoid burning, or bake them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Definitely. The sriracha adds a nice kick, but you can reduce or omit it if you prefer milder wings. Alternatively, add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to boost heat.

Is black garlic sauce essential?

While black garlic sauce adds unique depth and sweetness, if you don’t have it on hand, regular garlic paste or finely minced fresh garlic can substitute with slightly different flavor nuances.

What’s the best way to serve these wings?

The wings shine best fresh off the grill tossed in the pineapple BBQ sauce. Serve them with simple sides like steamed rice or a refreshing slaw and offer extra sauce for dipping to keep everyone happy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to wow friends or just indulge yourself in a tropical flavor explosion, this Huli Huli Chicken Wings with Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. The combination of smoky grilled wings and sweet, tangy pineapple sauce is pure joy in every bite. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a little taste of paradise right at home!