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image of a realistic top down mise en place shot boneless skinless chicken thighs pineapple juice soy sauce brown sugar garlic ginger ketchup sesame oil teriyaki sauce sticky rice chili flakes green onions sesame seeds cilantro arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
C. Motter Cindy

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack

Experience the sweet and savory flavors of Hawaii with this easy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack, featuring juicy grilled chicken thighs coated in a pineapple soy glaze, stacked over sticky rice and charred pineapple for a tropical dinner that's perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Authentic Hawaiian Huli Huli Marinade
  • 1 cup 1 canned or fresh
  • 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1/2 cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce packed
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
  • 4 cloves Ketchup minced
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic fresh, grated
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger toasted is best for deeper flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil optional, but welcome
  • Cayenne or Chili Flakes
For the Chicken Stack
  • 2 lbs 2 trimmed
  • 8 rings Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs fresh or canned, drained and patted dry
  • 2 cups Pineapple prepared fresh just before serving
  • Sticky Rice sliced, for garnish
  • Green Onions toasted, for garnish
  • Sesame Seeds fresh, for garnish
  • Cilantro

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Grill
  • Basting brush
  • Zip-top bag or shallow dish
  • cutting board,

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce or tamari, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if using). Whisk vigorously until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
  2. Measure out exactly half of the marinade and set it aside in a separate, clean bowl. The other half is for marinating the raw chicken.
  3. Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the non-reserved marinade over the chicken, ensuring everything is fully coated. Press out the air and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, and ideally, up to 12 hours.
  4. Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced by about a third and lightly thickened into a viscous glaze. Set aside and keep warm.
  5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
  6. Place the pineapple rings directly on the grill grates. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they develop nice char marks and soften slightly. Remove and set aside.
  7. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on the first side.
  8. Flip the chicken. Using a basting brush, liberally coat the surfaces of the chicken with the reduced Huli Huli glaze. Grill for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Every minute or so during the last few minutes, flip the chicken and baste the other side.
  9. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Slice the chicken across the grain into generous strips.
  10. Place a small, generous mound of warm sticky rice onto each plate. Top the rice with 1-2 grilled pineapple rings. Layer the sliced chicken over the pineapple. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top and finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 35gFat: 18g

Notes

This marinade is best made ahead; marinate chicken up to 12 hours. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Leftover chicken stores in fridge for 4 days or freezer for 3 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, adding a bit of water or glaze to keep moist. If grilling isn't possible, bake in oven at 400°F for 20 minutes then broil 2-3 minutes per side, basting with glaze.
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