Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack: Best 20-Minute Joy

Imagine the sweet scent of caramelized pineapple and smoky grilled chicken wafting through your backyard. This recipe brings the spirit of a Hawaiian beach cookout directly to your kitchen. I first discovered this style of cooking during a summer trip to Oahu where the huli huli technique which means turn turn creates the most tender and flavorful poultry you will ever taste. You are going to love how the layers of grilled fruit and savory meat stack up to create a visual and culinary masterpiece.

What Makes the Perfect Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack?

I have learned that the secret really lies in the balance of sweetness and tang. By stacking the ingredients you ensure every bite of chicken is infused with pineapple juice and the savory glaze. We use fresh ingredients to replicate that authentic island flavor without any processed shortcuts. It is all about that beautiful char and the way the juices run down the stack while it sits on your plate.

Ingredients for Your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack

I like to keep things simple but fresh. Here is what you need to get that island vibe going in your own kitchen.

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or you can use beef strips if you prefer
• 1 cup fresh pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
• 1/4 cup chicken broth which we use instead of rice wine or mirin
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger minced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 large fresh pineapple sliced into rings
• Red onion sliced into thick rounds
• Wooden skewers or metal stacks for assembly

The Flavorful Glaze

To create the signature sauce we combine the soy sauce ginger and garlic with chicken broth and pineapple juice. This mixture provides the necessary acidity and depth of flavor usually found in traditional marinades while remaining entirely alcohol free. I promise you will not even miss the wine because the broth keeps it savory and rich.

Step-by-Step Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack Guide

Follow these steps to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly and your stack stays upright and beautiful. It is easier than it looks and it’s so much fun to put together.

Preparation and Marinating

Whisk the liquid ingredients and spices in a large bowl. Reserve half a cup of the mixture for basting later. Place your chicken in the remaining marinade. You must let it sit for at least 30 minutes though 4 hours is ideal for the best flavor. Do not marinate for more than 12 hours or the pineapple enzymes will make the meat too soft and we do not want that.

Grilling and Building the Stack

Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Grill the chicken pieces for about 5 to 6 minutes per side turning them frequently. This is the huli method I mentioned earlier. While the chicken cooks lightly char the pineapple rings and onion slices for 2 minutes per side. Once cooked layer a pineapple ring then a piece of chicken then an onion slice. Repeat the layers and secure them with a skewer through the center.

Expert Tips for a Juicy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack

I have made this a dozen times and these little tricks make a huge difference.

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts because they stay moist under high heat and do not dry out
• Brush the reserved glaze on the stack during the final minute of assembly for a glossy and sticky finish
• If you do not have a grill a heavy cast iron grill pan works perfectly on the stovetop
• Ensure the pineapple is ripe because a yellow base indicates the best sweetness for your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack

I get asked these questions a lot when I make this for friends.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes you can bake the chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes and then broil the assembled stacks for 2 minutes to get those charred edges that everyone loves.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

Coconut aminos are an excellent substitute if you are looking for a soy free option that still offers a salty and savory kick.

How do I prevent the skewers from burning?

If you are using wooden skewers soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before building your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack so they do not catch fire on the grill.

Nutrition Data for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack

This data is an estimate based on one assembled stack using chicken thighs.

• Calories: 345 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Total Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 24g
• Sodium: 890mg

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack: Best 20-Minute Joy

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• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This dish layers grilled chicken with pineapple and rice. You use a soy glaze for flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 pounds chicken thighs
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon ginger
• 2 garlic cloves
• 4 pineapple rings
• 2 cups rice

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Instructions

1. Mix soy sauce, sugar, ketchup, ginger, and garlic.
2. Place chicken in half of the sauce.
3. Wait 30 minutes.
4. Heat your grill.
5. Cook chicken for 6 minutes per side.
6. Grill pineapple for 2 minutes per side.
7. Brush sauce on chicken.
8. Put rice on a plate.
9. Top rice with chicken and pineapple.

Notes

• Use fruit.
• Keep leftovers in the fridge.
• Clean your grill.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Calories: 450

Keywords: Hawaiian Chicken, Huli Huli, Grilled Pineapple, Chicken Stack, Tropical Dinner