Name: Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; ½ cup pineapple juice; ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium); ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 3 cups cooked jasmine or white rice; 2 cups fresh pineapple slices or rings; 2 green onions, sliced; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Grilled bell peppers; Macaroni salad; Fresh cilantro

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Get ready to fall in love with the vibrant, mouthwatering flavors packed into every bite of the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe. This dish brings juicy, smoky grilled chicken glazed with a sweet and tangy Huli Huli sauce together with caramelized pineapple, fragrant jasmine rice, and fresh toppings for an irresistible tropical feast that’s perfect for any summer gathering or even a comforting weeknight dinner. If you’re craving that island escape on your plate, this recipe is your ticket there.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two raw pieces of meat placed on a white marbled surface at the center. To the left of the meat, there is a sliced yellow pineapple ring with visible texture and seeds in the center. Below the pineapple, two cloves of garlic and one peeled clove are arranged. On the right side, three small white bowls are placed - the top bowl contains a dark brown liquid, the middle bowl has light brown granules, and the lower bowl holds a small piece of pale ginger root with a larger piece next to it. The composition is simple and neatly spaced. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, fresh, and essential – these ingredients balance sweet, savory, and smoky notes that burst with authentic Hawaiian vibes. Each element has its role, whether it’s the glaze’s sugar and pineapple juice bringing that unmistakable tang or the fresh green onions adding brightness and crunch.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1½ lbs): Thighs add juiciness and richness, but breasts work well too.
Pineapple juice (½ cup): Offers natural sweetness and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
Soy sauce (⅓ cup, low sodium): Provides the salty umami foundation of the glaze.
Brown sugar (¼ cup): Adds warmth and caramelization to the sauce.
Ketchup (¼ cup): Brings sweet tang and body to the glaze.
Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Cuts through sweetness with a bright acidity.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Enhances natural sweetness and glaze sheen.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Lends sharp aromatic depth.
Fresh ginger, grated (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle spicy warmth.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Gives a toasty, nutty finish to the sauce.
Cooked jasmine or white rice (3 cups): The fluffy, fragrant base that absorbs all those fabulous juices.
Fresh pineapple slices or rings (2 cups): Grilled to caramelized perfection and bursting with tropical sweetness.
Green onions, sliced (2): Provides fresh, crisp contrast and beautiful color.
Sesame seeds: For a little crunch and to seal the tropical authenticity.

How to Make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Huli Huli Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until thoroughly combined. This sauce is the heart of your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe, delivering that signature sweet and smoky flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Reserve half a cup of the marinade for glazing later. Add your chicken thighs or breasts to the remaining sauce, making sure each piece is beautifully coated. Let the chicken soak up the tropical goodness for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor and tenderness.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400°F. This temperature ensures a nice caramelized exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside, which is key to nailing the authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe experience.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken and Pineapple

Grill the marinated chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, brushing frequently with the reserved marinade to build those sticky, glossy layers of flavor. The golden caramelization is what makes this dish truly addictive. At the same time, grill pineapple slices for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they have those beautiful, smokey char marks.

Step 5: Rest and Assemble the Stack

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Then, start your stack by spooning fluffy cooked jasmine rice onto plates or bowls, layering the grilled pineapple on top, followed by the tender sliced Huli Huli chicken. Drizzle with extra reserved sauce if desired for an extra hit of flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds to brighten the dish and seal your iconic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe.

How to Serve Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular plate with three grilled chicken pieces that have a dark brown color and visible grill marks, topped with small chopped green onions. On the right side of the plate, there are four round grilled pineapple slices with light char marks and some small green onions on top. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds are classic toppings that add crunch and vibrant color, elevating the whole dish to a restaurant-worthy presentation. For an extra pop of green, a handful of chopped cilantro can bring freshness and balance.

Side Dishes

Pair this chicken stack with traditional Hawaiian sides like creamy macaroni salad or a crisp cucumber salad to complement the smoky-sweet flavors. Grilled bell peppers also make a fantastic colorful addition that melds beautifully with the tropical theme.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of plating, consider serving this dish layered in individual glass jars or mason jars for a fun, casual presentation. For a picnic or party, stack the ingredients on skewers for handheld bites. Either way, the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe never fails to impress with its layered textures and stunning colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken stacks keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store rice, chicken, and pineapple separately if possible to preserve texture and flavor.

Freezing

This dish isn’t the best candidate for freezing due to the rice texture, but you can freeze marinated chicken to have it ready for grilling later. Freeze it in a sealed bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a splash of pineapple juice or a drizzle of reserved sauce to keep things moist and flavorful as you enjoy again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine, though thighs tend to stay juicier and offer a richer flavor which is more traditional for Huli Huli chicken.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can cook the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven at 425°F for about 25 minutes, turning halfway. Adding a quick broil at the end can help mimic the charred, smoky effect.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe leans toward sweet and smoky rather than spicy. But if you like some heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the marinade.

Can I make the marinade in advance?

Yes! The marinade can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This makes prep faster and lets the flavors develop a bit more.

What can I substitute if I don’t have sesame oil?

If you’re out of sesame oil, a neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil works as a substitute, though the distinctive toasty flavor will be missing. A few drops of toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top can help add a similar nutty touch.

Final Thoughts

When you want a dinner that transports you straight to the islands, the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe is your perfect go-to. It’s full of luscious layers of flavor and texture, easy enough to make on a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests. Give it a try and you’ll see why it quickly becomes a beloved favorite — trust me, your taste buds will thank you.