# Best Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe
**Meta Title:** Best Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe
**Meta Description:** Discover the best Hawaiian Huli Huli chicken stack recipe! Juicy, tender chicken with sweet and savory flavors that your family will love.
When the warm sun bathes you in its golden glow and the scent of tropical fruits fills the air, there’s no place quite like Hawaii. Even if you can’t hop on a plane to the islands at the moment, you can bring the spirit of aloha right into your kitchen with this recipe for the best Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack. Inspired by traditional Hawaiian barbecue, this dish marries juicy, marinated chicken with a vibrant assortment of toppings—all perfectly stacked and ready to feast on. Picture a flavorsome layer of perfectly grilled chicken, topped with fresh pineapple, crunchy cabbage, and a drizzle of zesty sauce. Brace yourself, because every bite of this succulent chicken stack is an explosion of flavor and a reminder of island breezes and ocean waves.
## What is Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli chicken is a Hawaiian dish that showcases marinated, grilled chicken with a sweet and savory glaze. The term “Huli” translates to “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the traditional technique of turning the chicken while grilling—ensuring an even cook and those beautiful grill marks we all crave. The marinade is a delightful fusion of flavors that often includes ingredients such as soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar, which caramelize beautifully as the chicken cooks, creating that irresistible sticky glaze. This dish is beloved not just for its taste but also for the warmth it conveys—an inviting, comforting meal that transports you straight to a tropical paradise with each satisfying bite.
This savory and slightly sweet chicken is also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, or festive family gatherings. It can be presented simply on a plate or piled high in scrumptious stacks, as I’ll show you in this recipe.
## Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack
– **Easy to Make:** With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you’ll be serving up deliciousness without stress.
– **Flavor Packed:** The blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in the marinade makes every mouthful a flavor fiesta.
– **Healthy and Wholesome:** Loaded with protein from the chicken and fresh veggies, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
– **Visually Appealing:** A towering stack of juicy chicken and bright toppings will wow your family and guests alike.
– **Versatile:** Whether you enjoy it with rice, in a wrap, or as a standalone stack, you can personalize it to suit your mood.
– **Great for Meal Prep:** Store the components separately for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
– **Family Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will love the juicy chicken and sweet toppings, making it a hit at dinner time.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
To create your own Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack, grab the following ingredients. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
### Chicken Marinade
– **4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs** (or breasts): Thighs are juicier, but breasts work too for a leaner option.
– **1/4 cup soy sauce**: This brings in the umami flavor.
– **1/4 cup brown sugar**: Caramelizes beautifully for that perfect glaze.
– **1 tablespoon garlic, minced**: Adds depth and warmth.
– **1 tablespoon ginger, grated**: For an aromatic kick.
– **1 teaspoon sesame oil**: Enriches the marinade with nuttiness.
– **1 tablespoon rice vinegar**: Brightens the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
### For Stacking
– **1 fresh pineapple, sliced**: Juicy and sweet, perfect for grilling.
– **2 cups shredded cabbage**: Adds crunch and freshness.
– **1/4 cup green onions, chopped**: For a burst of color and flavor.
– **Fresh cilantro** (optional): Adds a refreshing note to brighten up the dish.
– **Additional teriyaki or ponzu sauce** for drizzling.
## How to Make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack
### Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. **Prepare the Marinade**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until well combined. Taste it; this sweet-savory mix is going to hug that chicken like a tropical kiss!
2. **Marinate the Chicken**: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours. The longer, the better!
### Step 2: Grill the Chicken
3. **Preheat the Grill**: If you’re using a grill, preheat it to medium-high. Alternatively, a grill pan over medium-high heat also works beautifully.
4. **Grill the Chicken**: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill—let that sizzle commence! Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. **Grill the Pineapple**: About halfway through grilling the chicken, throw the sliced pineapple directly onto the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s beautifully caramelized and has lovely grill marks.
### Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Stack
6. **Shred or Slice**: Once the chicken has finished grilling, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or shredding it with two forks.
7. **Stack It Up**: On a plate, lay down a generous handful of shredded cabbage as your base—this is where the crunch comes in! Add a layer of grilled chicken on top, followed by slices of grilled pineapple. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and cilantro for a pop of color.
8. **Drizzle**: Finish it off with a drizzle of teriyaki or ponzu sauce for an extra punch of flavor. Voilà—you’ve crafted an eye-catching Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken stack!
## Expert Tips, Tricks & Variations
– **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill**: If you have a lot of chicken to grill, work in batches to avoid steaming. You want that direct heat for optimal grilling.
– **Make it Spicy**: If you love a kick, add some chili flakes or Sriracha to the marinade.
– **Meal Prep**: Marinate the chicken over the weekend, grill, and pack your stacking ingredients for quick lunches throughout the week.
– **Vegetarian Option**: Try marinating firm tofu or portobello mushrooms in the same marinade for a delicious plant-based version.
– **Skip the Grilling?**: Use an oven broiler or stove top to cook the chicken if you don’t have access to a grill. Just adjust the cooking times slightly.
## What to Serve With Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack
Pair your flavorful chicken stack with dishes that enhance and complement its profile:
– **Coconut Rice**: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the chicken.
– **Garlic Edamame**: A wonderful side that adds a tasty crunch and protein.
– **Sweet Potato Fries**: Their natural sweetness complements the chicken perfectly while adding a crispy texture.
– **Mixed Green Salad**: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken stack.
– **Pineapple Salsa**: For a refreshing, zesty topping, this can be drizzled over the top or served alongside.
## Storage, Freezing & Meal Prep
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely, but it happens!), here’s how to store them:
– **Refrigeration**: Store leftover chicken and stacking ingredients in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3-4 days.
– **Freezing**: You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just label and date the bag—perfect for easy weeknight dinners in the future.
– **Reheating**: For best results, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain moisture. Quick flashes in the microwave work too—just keep an eye on it to avoid drying out.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a great option, but they can dry out a bit more than thighs. Just be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure they remain juicy.
### How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, aim for at least 2-4 hours of marinating. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will still provide some good flavor!
### Can I grill the pineapple in advance?
Yes! You can grill the pineapple a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat briefly before stacking, but it’s also fabulous cold!
### What can I substitute for soy sauce?
For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. Both will still give you a similar depth of flavor without the gluten.
### Is Huli Huli Chicken spicy?
Not traditionally! The Huli Huli marinade is sweet and savory rather than spicy. However, you’re welcome to spice it up if you prefer a kick!
Now it’s your turn—grab your ingredients and create this magic in your kitchen tonight! Don’t forget to let me know how it turned out. Tag me when you try it! Enjoy the sweet taste of paradise with each mouthwatering bite of your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack. Happy cooking!
