Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The chicken is marinated in a delicious mixture of sesame oil, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and teriyaki sauce, which infuses it with incredible depth. Grilling the chicken along with pineapple slices gives both a smoky, charred finish that adds a touch of elegance to this dish. The pineapple circles on top provide a fresh burst of sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory chicken. Garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, each bite is full of flavor and texture. It’s a tropical dish that’s perfect for grilling season or any time you want something vibrant and delicious.

Ingredients

Marinade:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce

Chicken and Pineapple:

• 1 ripe pineapple, cut into circles
• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together sesame oil, grated ginger, chopped garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and teriyaki sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the marinade is well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated.
   • Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Prepare the Pineapple:
   • While the chicken is marinating, cut the pineapple into thick circles. Set them aside.
4. Grill the Chicken and Pineapple:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and place the chicken on the grill.
   • Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side (for thighs) or 5-6 minutes per side (for breasts), or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
   • While the chicken is grilling, place the pineapple slices on the grill. Grill the pineapple for about 2-3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the pineapple softens slightly.
5. Assemble the Stack:
   • Once the chicken and pineapple are grilled, layer them on a serving plate. Start with a piece of chicken, then stack a grilled pineapple circle on top of the chicken.
   • You can stack multiple layers for a more dramatic presentation, depending on the size of your chicken and pineapple slices.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish the Huli Huli Chicken Stack with freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
   • Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes, such as rice, vegetables, or a light salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add a bit of heat to the marinade by including a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy version of the Huli Huli Chicken.
• Veggie Layer: For added texture and nutrition, layer some grilled vegetables (like bell peppers or zucchini) between the chicken and pineapple for a more filling dish.
• Grilled Shrimp: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation. Marinate and grill the shrimp just like the chicken, but for about 2-3 minutes per side.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on a grill pan over medium heat, ensuring it is heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be aware that breasts will cook faster, so be sure to check the internal temperature and adjust the grilling time accordingly.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the chicken.

Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?

Fresh pineapple is preferred for its flavor and texture, but if canned pineapple is all you have, make sure to drain it thoroughly before grilling.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the chicken and pineapple are best grilled fresh, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to 4 hours in advance. Simply grill the chicken and pineapple just before serving.

Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop if you don’t have an outdoor grill. Just heat the pan over medium-high heat and grill the chicken and pineapple slices as you would on an outdoor grill.

How can I add more flavor to the chicken?

To boost the flavor, you can marinate the chicken for a longer time (up to 4 hours) to allow the flavors to penetrate deeper. You can also add a bit more garlic or ginger for a stronger flavor.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes, you can use a broiler or even a skillet to cook the chicken and pineapple if you don’t have access to a grill. The broiler will give a similar charred effect to the pineapple.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.

What sides pair well with Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack?

This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like coconut rice, grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, or even roasted potatoes.

Can I make this recipe on skewers?

Yes, you can thread both the chicken and pineapple onto skewers and grill them. Just be sure to alternate pieces of chicken and pineapple on each skewer, and grill until the chicken is fully cooked.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack is a fun, flavorful, and vibrant dish that brings the tastes of Hawaii straight to your dinner table. The sweet and savory marinated chicken, grilled pineapple, and fresh garnishes make this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for summer cookouts or any time you want to enjoy tropical flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress!

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