Name: Huli Huli Chicken Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp dark sesame oil; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 cup pineapple juice; 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (or hot sauce); 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 3 tbsp ketchup; 3 tbsp barbeque sauce (optional); 1 heaping tsp ground ginger; 5 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tsp cornstarch; 1 tsp water; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, quartered); 1/2 tbsp kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Flour tortillas (quantity as needed, to wrap 6 servings)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 40 reviews

If you’re craving something packed with tropical flavor, juicy chicken, and a perfect hint of spice, then this Huli Huli Chicken Wraps Recipe will quickly become your new go-to meal. Imagine tender, marinated chicken glazed in a tangy, sweet, and slightly smoky sauce, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla that brings everything together. This dish captures the essence of Hawaiian-style cooking with an ease that makes it perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun weekend gathering. Trust me, once you try these wraps, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them sooner!

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl filled with raw chicken thighs placed in the center of a white marbled surface. Around the bowl are several small white bowls and cups containing different ingredients: brown sugar, a bright yellow liquid, a pale yellow clear liquid, a deep red sauce, minced garlic, dark soy sauce, a light brown liquid, and a small piece of fresh ginger root. The image is clear and bright with all items neatly arranged around the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Huli Huli Chicken Wraps Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and balancing texture. From the rich dark sesame oil to the sweet pineapple juice, each component works together beautifully to create an unforgettable bite.

Dark sesame oil: Adds a deep nutty aroma that’s essential for authentic flavor.

Soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami base perfect for this Hawaiian-inspired dish.
Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce rich and helps dilute the intense flavors just enough.
Brown sugar: Brings sweetness and caramel notes to balance the savory elements.

Pineapple juice: Infuses the dish with tropical tang and natural sweetness.
Sriracha sauce (or hot sauce): Adds a gentle kick of spiciness for depth.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives a subtle complexity and layers of flavor.

Ketchup: Adds a touch of acidity and thickness to the sauce.
Barbecue sauce (optional): Optional for smoky, rich undertones if you want a twist.
Ground ginger: Brings warm and zesty notes that brighten the marinade.

Minced garlic cloves: Essential for pungent, aromatic depth.
Cornstarch and water: Used for thickening the sauce to a glossy finish.
Olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a nice golden crust.
Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): The star protein, cut into quarters for quick cooking and easy wrap fillings.

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Sprinkle these on the chicken for extra savory notes to complement the sauce perfectly.

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Signature Huli Huli Sauce and Marinate

Grab a large bowl and whisk together all the Huli Huli sauce ingredients, except for the cornstarch and water, until they’re smoothly combined. Split the sauce in half, pour one portion over the chicken pieces, and refrigerate for at least an hour to let those vibrant flavors soak in deeply. The other half of the sauce stays chilled until later, making sure you have everything ready for glazing the chicken perfectly.

Step 2: Sear and Season the Chicken

Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated chicken from the sauce and generously season with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the chicken pieces in the hot pan, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes before flipping. Cover with a lid and cook until the chicken is nearly done, locking in moistness and creating a nice golden crust.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce to Perfect Consistency

While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved sauce into a small saucepan and bring it to a lively simmer over high heat. Combine the cornstarch and water separately to make a slurry. Just as the sauce begins to boil, stir in the slurry to thicken it into a glossy, rich glaze that will coat the chicken beautifully.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken with the Thickened Sauce

Pour the thickened sauce into the skillet with the chicken and continue cooking over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through completely, about 2 more minutes. This step allows the sauce to caramelize slightly on the chicken, delivering that signature Huli Huli flavor punch in every bite.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas (Optional but Recommended)

If you want your wraps to roll up smoothly without cracking, warm your flour tortillas in a cast iron skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes. This simple step softens the wraps and enhances their texture, making every mouthful even more pleasurable.

Step 6: Assemble Your Huli Huli Chicken Wraps

Now the fun part — lay down your warm tortilla, pile on generous slices of the beautifully glazed chicken, and add your favorite toppings or condiments. Roll it up tight, and you’re ready to enjoy the ultimate handheld Hawaiian delight!

How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken Wraps Recipe

Two soft corn tortillas on a white plate, each filled with a base layer of white rice, topped with black beans scattered unevenly, and pieces of cooked orange-brown chicken mixed with bits of green herbs on top. A wedge of lime sits at the front edge of the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with a blurred background showing another plate of food and a bowl of rice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishes can truly elevate the experience of your Huli Huli Chicken Wraps. Think fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of herbal brightness, thinly sliced green onions for crunch, or perhaps a squeeze of lime to add some zesty freshness. A simple sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can also add a lovely textural contrast and visual appeal that makes these wraps irresistible.

Side Dishes

To complement the tropical and savory flavors of the Huli Huli Chicken Wraps, consider pairing them with classic Hawaiian sides like pineapple fried rice, a crunchy cabbage slaw, or even some crispy sweet potato fries. Each choice plays nicely with the wrap, either mirroring the sweet and smoky tones or adding a fresh, crisp counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Try serving these wraps halved on a wooden board with a small bowl of extra sauce for dipping. Alternatively, wrap them in parchment paper with a colorful napkin tied around each wrap to mimic an authentic street-food vibe. Nothing beats a beautiful presentation when sharing a stellar Huli Huli Chicken Wraps Recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Huli Huli Chicken Wraps can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to prevent the wraps from becoming soggy, especially if you plan to reheat them later. This way, the chicken stays juicy and the wrap maintains a good texture.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead for busy days, you can freeze the cooked chicken (without the wrap) and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Wraps themselves don’t freeze well because tortillas can become chewy, so assembling fresh after thawing is your best bet.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Warm the tortillas separately in a dry pan or microwave wrapped in a damp cloth, then assemble your wraps just before serving to retain their fantastic texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and have a richer flavor that complements the Huli Huli sauce wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! You can swap out the chicken for firm tofu or grilled vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers, and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. The sauce itself is vegan-friendly, so this wrap adapts well for plant-based diets.

How spicy is the sauce with sriracha?

It has a gentle, balanced heat that enhances the sweetness and umami without overwhelming the palate. If you prefer milder wraps, reduce the sriracha or omit it altogether, and for more heat, add extra hot sauce or chili flakes.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, the flavors deepen when the chicken marinates longer, so prepping the marinade in advance and letting the chicken sit overnight makes the wraps even more flavorful and tender.

What are the best tortilla types for these wraps?

Flour tortillas are classic and soft, making them ideal for wrapping the juicy chicken and sauce. However, you can also use whole wheat, spinach, or tomato basil tortillas for added color and flavor. Just warm them before assembling for the best fold.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Huli Huli Chicken Wraps Recipe that makes it a standout on any dinner table. From the sweet and tangy sauce to the tender chicken and versatile wraps, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a bite of tropical comfort that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your appetite.

Huli Huli Chicken Wraps Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Wraps Recipe