# Best Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe
**Meta Title:** Delicious Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe
**Meta Description:** Experience the flavors of paradise with our Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack. This easy, flavorful recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
The scent of grilled chicken wafts through the air, blending sweet and savory aromas that instantly transport you to a tropical paradise. Close your eyes and imagine yourself beside a sun-kissed shore, where palm trees sway gently, and the sound of waves crashing brings peace in the background. That’s the essence of Hawaiian *Huli Huli Chicken*, a dish that encapsulates the spirit of Hawaii! Today, I’m excited to share with you my Best Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe—a delightful way to elevate your dinner with an easy, quick, and mouthwatering dish that embodies the tastes of the islands.
This recipe is special because it combines tender, juicy chicken marinated in a deliciously sweet and tangy sauce, layered with fresh veggies, and stacked high for a feast of flavors and textures. Not only is it a complete meal, but it’s also perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even your meal prep sessions. Once you’ve tried it, it’s likely to become a staple in your kitchen!
## What is Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken is a beloved Hawaiian dish that means “turn, turn” in Hawaiian, which aptly describes the traditional grilling technique. This dish is known for its incredibly **flavorful marinade** made with ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and pineapple juice. When grilled, the chicken develops a gorgeous caramelized exterior while retaining its juicy, tender interior.
The **taste** of Huli Huli Chicken is a beautiful balance of sweet and salty, with a hint of smokiness and acidity from the pineapple. The **texture** is just as delightful—think perfectly charred on the outside and unbelievably tender within. People love this dish not just for its taste but also for its vibrant colors and how it encapsulates the spirit of the islands. It’s comfort food that brings a sense of warmth and joy! Plus, the dish can be assembled in fun stacks topped with crisp veggies, bringing added crunch and freshness.
## Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe
– **Family-friendly:** Everyone loves the sweet and savory flavor profile! Kids and adults alike will find this dish hard to resist, making it perfect for family dinners.
– **Quick and easy:** This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep time, meaning you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious food.
– **Meal prep friendly:** Prepare a big batch and embrace the week ahead by portioning it for lunches or dinners. It reheats wonderfully!
– **Healthy:** Packed with lean protein from the chicken and fresh veggies, this dish is great for those mindful of their health. The pineapple adds a touch of fruitiness while giving you a dose of vitamins!
– **Great for gatherings:** Impress your friends and family with a delightful, colorful presentation that not only tastes great but looks stunning on the plate.
– **Versatile:** Feel free to customize the stacks with your favorite vegetables, making it adaptable for various dietary preferences.
– **Smells like vacation:** The aroma will make you feel like you’re in the tropics every time you cook it!
## Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the delicious Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack, gather the following ingredients:
### For the Chicken Marinade:
– **2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs**: The thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts. If you prefer, you can swap for chicken breasts.
– **1 cup soy sauce**: Adds umami and saltiness.
– **½ cup packed brown sugar**: This will give a beautiful caramelization during grilling.
– **¼ cup pineapple juice**: Fresh juice is best for flavor, but canned works in a pinch.
– **2 tablespoons vegetable oil**: Helps marinate and keeps the chicken moist while grilling.
– **3 cloves garlic, minced**: Adds depth and flavor.
– **1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced**: Brings a zesty kick of flavor.
– **1 teaspoon black pepper**: A bit of spice to balance the sweetness.
### For the Stack:
– **4 cups cooked rice** (white or brown preferred): This forms the base for your stack, providing a hearty element.
– **1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced**: Bright and crunchy, adding color and texture.
– **1 cucumber, thinly sliced**: Refreshing and crisp—perfect for adding a cool contrast.
– **1 cup shredded carrots**: Adds sweetness and lovely color.
– **¼ cup green onions, chopped**: For garnish, adding a mild onion flavor.
### To Top:
– **¼ cup teriyaki sauce**: For drizzling on top before serving.
– **Sesame seeds**: For a lovely finishing touch.
## How to Make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this culinary masterpiece.
### Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together **soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, vegetable oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper** until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Place the **chicken thighs** into a large resealable bag or bowl, and pour the marinade over them. Ensure every piece is well-coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least **30 minutes**, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
### Step 2: Prepare the Grill
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C).
2. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
### Step 3: Grill the Chicken
1. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
2. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Grill for **6-7 minutes** on one side, then flip.
3. Continue grilling for another **6-7 minutes**, or until the internal temperature reaches **165°F (75°C)**. The chicken should have beautiful grill marks and a rich caramel color.
### Step 4: Slice the Chicken
1. Let the chicken rest for **5 minutes** after grilling—this keeps it juicy!
2. Once rested, slice the chicken into strips or cubes, ready to stack.
### Step 5: Assemble Your Stacks
1. For each serving, start by placing a layer of **cooked rice** as the base on a plate.
2. Add a layer of **grilled chicken**, followed by a generous handful of **sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, and shredded carrots**.
3. Drizzle with **teriyaki sauce** and sprinkle with **sesame seeds** and chopped green onions for garnish.
4. Feel free to stack even more if you want to create a towering masterpiece!
## Expert Tips, Tricks & Variations
– **Customize the vegetables**: If you prefer other veggies, feel free to swap! Some great options are zucchini, radishes, or even grilled pineapple slices.
– **Double the marinade**: If you love it, make extra to keep on hand for future grilling sessions or to use with other meats like pork or shrimp.
– **Chicken substitution**: If you’re leaning towards plant-based, tofu marinated in the same sauce makes a fantastic option!
– **Tasty toppings**: Experiment with hot sauce, crushed peanuts, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top for extra zest.
– **Batch cooking**: Grill a larger batch of chicken and use it in salads, wraps, or rice bowls throughout the week—easy meal prep!
## What to Serve With Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack
Pair your delightful stacks with these accompanying dishes for a complete meal:
– **Grilled Pineapple**: Sweet and caramelized, a classic Hawaiian pairing. Just throw some pineapple wedges on the grill for a few minutes!
– **Coconut Rice**: The creamy sweetness of coconut-infused rice perfectly complements the savory chicken.
– **Mango Salsa**: Bright and zesty mango salsa adds a refreshing contrast to the grilled chicken.
– **Simple Cabbage Slaw**: A crunchy slaw with a vinaigrette dressing adds some extra crunch and balances the richness of the chicken.
– **Cold Beverages**: Serve with a tropical drink like Pina Colada or a chilled sparkling water with lime for a refreshing touch.
## Storage, Freezing & Meal Prep
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for **up to 4 days**. You can reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
For longer storage, freeze the grilled chicken slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to **3 months**. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
For meal prep, consider preparing the rice and grilled chicken in larger quantities. Alongside the fresh vegetables, this will save you time on busy days.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used instead. Just ensure you don’t overcook them as they can dry out more quickly than thighs.
### Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with firm tofu or seitan marinated in the same Huli Huli marinade. This will give you that tropical flavor while keeping the dish meat-free!
### How spicy is Huli Huli Chicken?
Traditional Huli Huli Chicken is not spicy. The marinade’s sweetness balances the savory elements. However, feel free to add some chili flakes or hot sauce if you want to turn up the heat!
### Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Definitely! You can make the marinade a day ahead and let the chicken soak overnight to enhance the flavors. Just give it a good stir before using it.
### How can I serve this dish for a large crowd?
Assembly is key! You can grill the chicken in advance, slice it up, and set up a DIY stack bar for guests to create their own Huli Huli stacks as they wish!
Now it’s your turn—grab your ingredients, and create this magic in your kitchen tonight! This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack is the type of dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also creates lasting memories around the dinner table. Share your creations and tag me when you try it! Happy cooking!
