Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken (Huli Huli)

Name: Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained); 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos); 2 tablespoons honey (or 3 tablespoons of brown sugar); 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice ((about 1/2 lime)); 1 clove garlic (minced); 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs ((6 thighs) *for frozen chicken, see notes below*); 4 scallions (green onions) (green parts only, sliced thinly)

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If you need a quick and flavorful dinner that brings tropical vibes to the table, this Instant Pot Hawaiian chicken is a must-try. Made with tender chicken thighs simmered in a tangy-sweet pineapple sauce, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a mini vacation—without leaving your kitchen. Best of all, it comes together with simple pantry ingredients and cooks in just minutes in the pressure cooker.

Two white plates with Huli Huli Chicken and two wooden bowls of vegetable sides.

This Instant Pot pineapple chicken is a fantastic option for busy weeknights. The blend of crushed pineapple, soy sauce, and honey creates a naturally sweet and savory sauce that pairs beautifully with chicken. You don’t need to marinate or pre-cook anything—just layer it in the pot and let the pressure cooker do the rest. The beauty of this pineapple chicken Instant Pot recipe is that it delivers big flavor with minimal prep, and it’s easy to double for leftovers or meal prep.

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Why We Love This Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken

It’s inspired by real island memories.
This dish brings a taste of Hawai’i home. After years of family trips filled with unforgettable meals, this recipe was born from our love of traditional Huli Huli—and now we can enjoy those same flavors anytime.
The sauce doubles as a glaze or marinade.
The homemade Huli Huli-style sauce in this recipe isn’t just for pressure cooking—it works great as a marinade for grilling or even as a finishing glaze over roasted vegetables or shrimp.
It’s freezer-friendly and meal-prep ready.
Because it freezes so well, you can make a double batch and have a ready-made dinner waiting for future you. That means fewer last-minute decisions and more time for relaxing… maybe even dreaming about your next trip to the islands.

What is Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken. It has a sweet and tangy huli huli sauce sauce with ginger and garlic. Huli means turn in Hawaiian.

Traditionally, the dish was prepared by spit-roasting whole chickens over open fire pits. Onlookers would shout “Huli!” when it was time to rotate and baste it.

Today, the grilled dish can be found all over Hawaii, in restaurants, roadside stands, and markets.

I’ve greatly simplified the classic cooking process with this Instant Pot pineapple chicken recipe. It has the same salty, sweet, and bright tanginess as the traditional version but needs no marinade or grill. And it is made in a fraction of the time thanks to magic on how to cook with Instant Pot.

New to Instant Pot pressure cooking? Read this article on how to use the pressure cooker first.

Try this pineapple chicken Instant Pot recipe for a delicious, hassle-free dinner, and enjoy a taste of the islands anytime!

Ingredient Notes And Substitutions

This recipe includes a great combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients found in any season.

Here’s everything you need to make Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken:

Canned crushed pineapple is a must-have for making this classic Hawaiian dish
Ketchup adds a hint of acidity and a tangy tomato taste
Soy sauce balances the sweetness of the pineapple
Honey (or brown sugar) is perfect for caramelizing the meat in the pressure cooker
Fresh lime juice adds another note of acid to bring the sweet and salty flavors together
Garlic because nearly every good dish includes minced garlic
Chicken thighs – fresh or frozen pieces (see notes in the recipe card or pro tip below if using frozen thighs)

Garnish with green onions if desired, and grated fresh ginger for a pop of color and zing of flavor.

🎯 TFN Pro Tip

Frozen chicken can be used in this recipe, but it tends to thin the sauce. This can be remedied by removing the meat from the pot after the final step. Turn the pot to sauté, and cook until the sauce reduces and thickens.

Recipe Variations

Swap in chicken breast or other cuts: Prefer leaner meat? Substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken breast for the thighs. Just be mindful of cook time—breast meat can dry out more easily, so use the natural release to keep it juicy.
Turn it into Instant Pot Hawaiian chicken tacos: Shred the meat and serve it in tortillas with sliced red bell pepper, diced pineapple chunks, and a drizzle of reserved sauce. Add slaw or avocado for a fun tropical twist on taco night!
Use pineapple juice for a saucier base: Add a splash of pineapple juice (about ¼ cup) to the sauce mix if you like extra glaze. For extra tang, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness and deepen the flavor.
Try it with beef or mixed proteins: This sauce isn’t just for poultry! Try using it with thinly sliced beef or even a mix of boneless skinless chicken thighs and beef strips. Serve over basmati rice or your favorite grain for a filling meal.

Equipment Used in this Recipe

Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)

How to Make Pineapple Chicken Instant Pot

This pineapple pan seared chicken thighs recipe is as easy as it gets. It is a perfect one pot dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes!

Follow these 3 easy steps for the most flavorful dinner with a perfectly sweet and savory sauce:

Firstly, combine all of the ingredients except for the chicken, together in a bowl, and set aside.
Next, place the fresh or frozen salsa verde Instant Pot chicken or pressure cooker. Close and seal the lid, and pressure cook on HIGH for 10 minutes.
Once the pressure cooking is done, leave the pot undisturbed for 10 minutes, then do a manual quick release for the remaining pressure.

Huli huli chicken thighs made in the pressure cooker.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Instant Pot Hawaiian chicken recipe while warm, with lots of yummy Huli Huli sauce.

This recipe is a flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with a range of sides to create a balanced, tropical-inspired meal. Consider serving it with stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots, lightly cooked in sesame oil with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Steamed white rice, perfect jasmine rice Instant Pot, brown rice Instant Pot recipe or coconut rice also complements the sweet and savory mixture of flavors in the meat. Or, for a low-carb dish, make cauliflower rice. A fresh pineapple salsa or a simple green salad with a tangy dressing would round out the meal, bringing extra color and freshness to the plate.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make huli huli sauce soy-free?

Swap out the soy sauce and use soy-free coconut aminos instead.

Can I make this recipe without honey?

Yes, substitute 3 tablespoons of brown sugar for the honey.

How to keep leftovers?

Leftovers will keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for 3 months.

More Easy Chicken Recipes To Love…

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Why We Love This Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken

What is Huli Huli Chicken?