Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack

If you’re craving bold tropical flavor with a perfect balance of sweet and savory, this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack delivers a restaurant-quality experience at home. Featuring juicy marinated chicken glazed with a rich huli huli sauce, layered over fluffy rice, and topped with caramelized grilled pineapple, this dish is vibrant, satisfying, and packed with island-inspired flavor.

This grilled pineapple chicken recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning stacked presentation that’s perfect for family dinners, entertaining, or meal prep. Every bite combines smoky char, sweet pineapple, savory soy glaze, and tender chicken for a dish that feels both comforting and exciting.

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What Is Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken is a popular Hawaiian dish known for its sweet and savory marinade made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice. Traditionally grilled and flipped (“huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian), the chicken develops a caramelized glaze with deep flavor.

This easy Hawaiian chicken dinner takes that classic flavor and elevates it into a stacked presentation layered with rice and grilled pineapple for a complete tropical chicken rice bowl.

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Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Savory Chicken Recipe

• Packed with bold island flavor
• Balanced sweetness from pineapple
• Smoky grilled finish
• Easy to meal prep
• Beautiful stacked presentation
• Customizable heat level
• Ready in under an hour

This Hawaiian huli huli chicken stack is both visually impressive and incredibly satisfying.

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Ingredients

For the Huli Huli Marinade

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

For the Chicken & Stack

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 6 pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
• 3 cups cooked white rice
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Reserve ½ cup marinade for later basting.
3. Add chicken thighs to remaining marinade.
4. Marinate at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

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Step 2: Cook the Chicken

5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
6. Lightly oil the grates.
7. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess.
8. Grill 5–6 minutes per side, brushing with reserved marinade.
9. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

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Step 3: Grill the Pineapple

10. Lightly brush pineapple rings with olive oil.
11. Grill 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized grill marks appear.

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Step 4: Prepare the Rice Base

12. Spoon warm white rice onto serving plates or shallow bowls.
13. Gently pack rice into a round mold for a neat stacked presentation (optional).

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Step 5: Assemble the Stack

14. Place grilled pineapple ring on top of rice.
15. Add grilled chicken thigh over pineapple.
16. Brush extra glaze over chicken for shine.
17. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

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Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack

Use Chicken Thighs

Thighs stay juicier than breasts and absorb marinade better.

Don’t Skip the Reserved Marinade

Basting during grilling enhances caramelization.

Grill Over Medium Heat

Too high heat can burn the sugar in the marinade.

Let Chicken Rest

Rest 5 minutes before stacking to retain juices.

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Flavor Variations

Spicy Version

Add 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes to marinade.

Low-Carb Option

Replace rice with cauliflower rice.

Teriyaki Twist

Add 1 tbsp honey for extra glaze thickness.

Oven-Baked Method

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes if no grill available.

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Serving Suggestions

This tropical chicken rice bowl pairs perfectly with:

• Macaroni salad
• Grilled vegetables
• Cucumber salad
• Steamed edamame
• Fresh mango slices

For entertaining, serve as individual stacks for elegant presentation.

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Storage and Meal Prep

• Store cooked chicken separately up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently in skillet or microwave.
• Store rice in airtight container.
• Assemble stacks just before serving.

This easy Hawaiian chicken dinner is excellent for weekly meal prep.

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Nutritional Benefits

This sweet and savory chicken recipe offers:

• High protein content
• Balanced carbohydrates
• Moderate healthy fats
• Vitamin C from pineapple
• Antioxidants from garlic and ginger

It’s satisfying while still feeling light and fresh.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, but reduce cooking time to avoid dryness.

Can I make it ahead?

Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.

What if I don’t have pineapple juice?

Blend fresh pineapple and strain for juice.

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Why This Grilled Pineapple Chicken Recipe Stands Out

Unlike basic grilled chicken dishes, this Hawaiian huli huli chicken stack combines texture, sweetness, smokiness, and visual appeal in one dish. The layering of rice, pineapple, and chicken ensures balanced flavor in every bite.

It’s both comfort food and vacation-inspired cuisine on one plate.

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Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack brings the flavors of the islands to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum impact. The juicy glazed chicken, caramelized pineapple, and fluffy rice create a sweet and savory harmony that’s irresistible.

Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting friends, this tropical chicken rice bowl guarantees bold flavor and beautiful presentation every time.