Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe

If you are craving a tropical escape on your plate, the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack is your answer. This vibrant dish perfectly balances the smoky, sweet, and savory flavors of grilled chicken glazed with a luscious pineapple-teriyaki sauce, layered artfully on fluffy white rice, and crowned with caramelized pineapple rings. It feels like a mini celebration every time you serve it, bringing the spirit of the islands right to your kitchen. Whether for a casual family dinner or impressing friends at your next cookout, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but pack incredible flavor that carries the essence of Hawaiian cuisine. Each element, from the juicy chicken to the pineapple rings, plays a crucial role in creating the beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, while the garnishes add texture and color that make the dish pop.

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose organic or air-chilled for the best taste and texture in your protein.
• ½ cup low-sodium teriyaki sauce: The base for your marinade that adds a sweet and salty depth.
• ⅓ cup pure pineapple juice (no sugar added): Delivers natural sweetness and tropical tang.
• ¼ cup low-sodium or naturally brewed soy sauce: Provides umami and saltiness without overpowering.
• 3 tbsp dark brown sugar: Adds richness and helps caramelize the glaze beautifully.
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the marinade with savory warmth.
• 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger: Lends a bright, zesty kick that complements the pineapple.
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil: A small amount adds deep nutty aroma.
• 4 fresh pineapple rings: Essential for that juicy, caramelized tropical topping.
• Cooked white rice: The fluffy base that holds everything together.
• 2 tbsp sliced green onions (for garnish): Adds fresh color and a mild bite.
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish): Toasted for crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack

Step 1: Make the Marinade

Start by whisking together the teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil in a medium bowl. This mixture will become the backbone of your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack, delivering all the sweet-savory complexity that makes the dish irresistible.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts or thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the top. Seal it tightly and refrigerate for at least two hours to let those tropical flavors infuse deep into the meat. For the most intense flavor, leaving it overnight works wonders.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, reserving the excess for later. Grill the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until it has a perfect char and is cooked through. This caramelization adds that iconic Huli Huli flavor loved in Hawaiian cooking.

Step 4: Grill the Pineapple

While the chicken is cooking, place the fresh pineapple rings on the grill. Grill them for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop gorgeous grill marks and a sweet caramelized crust. This tropical addition elevates the entire Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack with juicy bursts of flavor.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Let it cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until it thickens into a glossy, syrupy glaze. This finishing sauce is what ties all the elements of your stack together into a harmonious whole.

Step 6: Assemble the Stack

On a plate, start with a generous scoop of cooked white rice, then layer a grilled chicken piece on top. Crown it with a warm, grilled pineapple ring and generously drizzle with the thickened glaze. Finish by sprinkling sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and flair. Voilà! Your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack is ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack

Garnishes

Fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds are traditional garnishes that add a burst of color and subtle crunch. They bring freshness and texture that complement the tender chicken and caramelized pineapple. Adding a few sprigs of cilantro or a wedge of lime can also brighten up the plate nicely.

Side Dishes

Because the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack is already a flavorful dish, light sides work best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and mango salad pairs beautifully. If you want to keep with the tropical theme, coconut rice or sweet roasted vegetables are delightful options.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling creative, try stacking the chicken and pineapple on mini skewers to serve as appetizers. Or swap the white rice for sticky sushi rice and wrap the stack in a large lettuce leaf for a refreshing, handheld version. Presentation is key to making this dish feel extra special and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack stores well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to keep the chicken, rice, and glaze together, but store grilled pineapple separately if you want to preserve its texture most effectively.

Freezing

While the chicken and marinade freeze beautifully, the pineapple’s texture changes when frozen. For best results, freeze the cooked chicken and rice in portions, and add fresh or freshly grilled pineapple after thawing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the rice moist. Drizzle some reserved glaze over the top after warming to revive that beautiful, sticky shine and flavor. Avoid overheating the pineapple to prevent it from becoming too mushy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually excellent for this dish as they stay juicy and flavorful during grilling. Feel free to choose whichever cut you prefer.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

While marinating overnight amps up the flavor, a minimum of two hours will still give tasty results. If you’re short on time, try to marinate for at least a couple of hours.

Can I make the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack indoors without a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan or broiler for a similar charred effect. Just keep an eye to avoid burning and cook until the chicken is nicely caramelized and cooked through.

What can I use as a substitute for pineapple juice?

If pineapple juice is unavailable, try fresh orange juice with a splash of lime for citrusy sweetness. However, pineapple juice is preferred to keep that authentic tropical flavor.

How do I make the glaze thicker?

Simply simmer the reserved marinade longer to reduce it further. The glaze should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon once thickened to your liking.

Final Thoughts

Bringing together the sweet tang of pineapple, the umami-rich teriyaki flavors, and perfectly grilled chicken, the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack is a delightful dish that always impresses. It’s approachable enough for weeknight dinners but special enough for celebrations. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon find it becoming a cherished part of your culinary repertoire, transporting you to the islands with every bite.

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