Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack: An Island Getaway On Your Plate

Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy, caramelized chicken, layered with sweet pineapple and a tangy slaw. This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack is a flavor explosion that will transport you to the tropics, one delicious bite at a time. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen. This dish is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends. Get ready to impress with this easy, yet unforgettable culinary creation!

Unforgettable Flavor Fusion: Experience the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, creating a taste sensation that will have you craving more.
Effortless Weeknight Meal: This recipe comes together quickly and easily, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner in a hurry.
Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: The stacked presentation adds a touch of elegance and visual appeal, making it perfect for entertaining guests or impressing your family.
Customizable and Versatile: Easily adapt this recipe to your liking with different toppings and sides, allowing you to create a unique and personalized culinary experience.

Ingredients

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are preferred for their higher fat content, which helps keep them moist and flavorful during grilling or cooking. Aim for roughly 2 pounds.
Pineapple Rings: Fresh or canned pineapple rings will work. If using canned, make sure to drain them well. The pineapple provides a juicy sweetness that complements the savory chicken.
Red Onion: A thinly sliced red onion adds a mild bite and beautiful color to the slaw. Soak the onion in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce its sharpness if desired.
Green Cabbage: The base of our crunchy slaw! Use about half a head of green cabbage, shredded finely.
Carrot: Shredded carrots provide sweetness and a pop of color to the slaw. One large carrot should be sufficient.
Mayonnaise: The base of the slaw dressing. Use your favorite brand, or even try a vegan mayonnaise for a lighter option. About half a cup.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a tang and acidity to the slaw dressing. Two tablespoons will do the trick.
Soy Sauce: Essential for the Huli Huli marinade, adding a salty, umami flavor. Use low-sodium to control the saltiness. About 1/4 cup.
Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the chicken caramelize beautifully during cooking. Use packed light brown sugar, about 1/4 cup.
Fresh Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy aroma to the marinade. Use about 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger.
Garlic: Provides a pungent and savory note to the marinade. You’ll need about 2 cloves, minced.
Sesame Oil: A touch of sesame oil adds a nutty richness to the marinade. Just a teaspoon will do.
Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty flavor and a pleasing textural contrast as a garnish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Huli Huli Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Slaw

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the pineapple slaw. In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded carrot, and thinly sliced red onion. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and rice vinegar. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to combine. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Pineapple

Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Grill or pan-fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last few minutes of cooking, grill or pan-fry the pineapple rings until they are lightly caramelized and heated through.

Step 4: Assemble the Huli Huli Chicken Stack

To assemble the stacks, start with a layer of the pineapple slaw on each plate. Top with a grilled pineapple ring. Next, place a grilled chicken thigh on top of the pineapple. Repeat layers as desired. For a taller stack, you can cut the chicken into smaller pieces for easier layering.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the Huli Huli Chicken Stacks with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

For a complete meal, serve the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stacks with a side of steamed rice or quinoa and a fresh green salad.

The Secret to Perfecting This Dish

To achieve culinary perfection, start by marinating the chicken overnight for maximum flavor penetration. Prepare all your ingredients beforehand – pineapple salsa, rice, and garnishes. While the chicken grills, warm the rice and assemble your Huli Huli Chicken Stack immediately after grilling for optimal taste.

Add Your Personal Touch

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try swapping the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice. Add some heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade, or include other tropical fruits like mango or papaya in your salsa for diverse flavors and textures.

Storing & Reheating for Best Quality

Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness. The rice can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent dryness.

Expert Advice

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Baste the chicken frequently with the marinade during grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling before slicing to retain its juices.

My family always requests this dish for summer barbecues. The sweet and savory flavors instantly transport us to a tropical island, creating unforgettable memories.

Conclusion for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack

The Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that brings the taste of the islands to your table. With its marinated grilled chicken, vibrant pineapple salsa, and fluffy rice, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Remember that marinating the chicken overnight is key for maximum flavor. Don’t hesitate to add your own personal touch with different garnishes or side dishes. Storing and reheating leftovers properly will allow you to enjoy the flavors of this dish for days to come. Follow the expert advice for grilling the chicken to perfection every time. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack is guaranteed to impress.

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack