Name: Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (preferably air-chilled or organic); ½ cup teriyaki sauce (low sodium recommended); ⅓ cup 100% pure pineapple juice (no added sugar); ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium or naturally brewed); 3 tablespoons brown sugar (dark brown sugar preferred); 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; Fresh pineapple rings (enough for stacking, about 4-6 rings); Green onions, sliced (for garnish); Sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Introduction

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the taste of the islands right to your table. Juicy grilled chicken layered with caramelized pineapple and a tangy glaze makes for a tropical feast that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.

A white plate holds a neat base layer of fluffy white rice with a slight drizzle of dark brown sauce on top. Above the rice is a thick, juicy layer of grilled meat with a rich, glossy dark reddish-brown glaze, speckled with herbs and spices. The top layer is a large, thick slice of charred pineapple with visible grill marks and a bright yellow color. To finish, there is a small bunch of fresh green herbs placed on top, adding a touch of freshness and color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (air-chilled or organic recommended)
½ cup teriyaki sauce (low sodium preferred)
⅓ cup 100% pure pineapple juice
¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium or naturally brewed)
3 tablespoons brown sugar (dark brown sugar preferred)
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Fresh pineapple rings, for grilling
Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust if needed.
Step 2: Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. Flip the chicken once or twice during marinating for even flavor.
Step 3: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and grill for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and nicely charred.
Step 4: While the chicken grills, place fresh pineapple rings on the grill. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and slightly caramelized.
Step 5: Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a glossy glaze. Boil for at least 5 minutes to ensure safety.
Step 6: To assemble, layer the grilled chicken on a plate, place a grilled pineapple ring on top, drizzle with the warm glaze, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Tips & Variations

Use dark brown sugar for deeper molasses flavor in the marinade.
Substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness if preferred.
Try adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Serve with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and pineapple separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The glaze can be reheated in a small saucepan and drizzled over the chicken before serving.

How to Serve

A dish with three layers stacked on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick mound of white steamed rice with some dark sauce drizzled on and around it. The middle layer is a pile of glossy, dark reddish-brown grilled chicken pieces, covered in sauce and sprinkled with green herbs and black specks. The top layer is a golden grilled pineapple ring with visible char marks and a small bunch of thin bright green herb strands placed on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan or a broiler in your oven to achieve similar caramelization and grill marks on the chicken and pineapple.

How long can the chicken marinate?

Marinating for at least 2 hours is recommended, but overnight (up to 24 hours) will maximize the flavor and juiciness of the chicken.