Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe

Introduction

The Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the islands to your table. Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce are layered with fresh pineapple, bell pepper, and creamy avocado over jasmine rice. This colorful stack is perfect for a casual dinner or a special gathering.

A white plate holds a neat round mound of white rice at the center, topped with two thick grilled chicken pieces that have a dark, shiny charred crust. On top of the chicken, there is a bright garnish of diced yellow pineapple, red pepper chunks, and chopped green herbs. Around the bottom edge of the rice, there is a rich brown sauce with extra pieces of pineapple and red pepper scattered within. To the side of the rice, two slices of fresh green avocado are partly visible, also sprinkled with bits of red pepper and herbs. The entire dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger until the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
  4. Step 4: Brush the chicken thighs with vegetable oil and place them on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
  5. Step 5: While the chicken is grilling, prepare the jasmine rice according to package instructions if not already cooked.
  6. Step 6: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice the chicken into bite-sized strips.
  7. Step 7: To assemble the stack, in a serving dish, create a base with a scoop of jasmine rice. Add a generous layer of grilled chicken strips on top.
  8. Step 8: Layer the diced fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, and sliced avocado over the chicken.
  9. Step 9: Finish the stack by sprinkling green onions and fresh cilantro on top.
  10. Step 10: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze of juice.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill or add smoked paprika to the marinade.
  • Swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts if preferred, though thighs remain juicier.
  • Add a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a spicy kick.
  • Use brown rice or cauliflower rice as a grain alternative.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to keep the chicken moist. Fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro are best added just before serving to maintain freshness.

How to Serve

The dish shows two thick, dark brown grilled chicken pieces stacked on top of each other, with a shiny glaze and slightly charred edges. These rest on a neat, round bed of white rice that has some green chopped herbs sprinkled on top. Surrounding the rice is a dark sauce that pools at the bottom, with small, vibrant cubes of yellow pineapple and red chili, along with green herbs scattered around. To the side of the rice, there are slices of fresh light green avocado topped with more red chili and herbs. The whole meal is served on a simple white plate against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the marinade a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. This enhances the flavors and makes preparation quicker.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can cook the chicken on a grill pan, cast iron skillet, or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

Print

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe

This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy pineapple soy sauce. Served over fragrant jasmine rice and layered with fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, avocado, green onions, and cilantro, this colorful stack delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors, finished with a zesty lime wedge.

  • Author: Sana
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade and Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Stack and Garnish

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a flavorful Huli Huli marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the chicken to deeply absorb the flavors.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for grilling the chicken, ensuring it will cook evenly and develop attractive grill marks.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, discarding the marinade. Brush chicken thighs lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking, then place them on the hot grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and registers an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  5. Prepare the Rice: While grilling, cook jasmine rice according to package directions if not already prepared, providing a fragrant and fluffy base for the stack.
  6. Rest and Slice Chicken: Once grilled, remove chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Then slice into bite-sized strips suitable for stacking.
  7. Assemble the Stack: In a serving dish, place a scoop of jasmine rice as the base layer. Top with a generous portion of grilled chicken strips, followed by layers of diced fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, and sliced avocado.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle green onions and fresh cilantro over the top for color and freshness. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an optional tangy squeeze to brighten the flavors.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight will deepen the chicken’s flavor and tenderness.
  • If a grill is unavailable, a grill pan or broiler can be used to cook the chicken.
  • For less sodium, opt for low-sodium soy sauce.
  • Use ripe avocados and fresh pineapple to maximize flavor and texture contrasts in the stack.
  • Leftover marinade should never be reused or served as a sauce unless boiled thoroughly to kill pathogens.

Keywords: Huli Huli chicken, Hawaiian chicken, grilled chicken recipe, pineapple chicken, tropical chicken stack, jasmine rice chicken, summer grilling recipe

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