Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is the definition of tropical comfort food. Sweet, savory, sticky, and smoky, this iconic island dish transforms simple chicken into something unforgettable. When layered into a stack with fluffy rice and caramelized pineapple, it becomes a complete, show-stopping dinner that tastes like a vacation on a plate.

The magic lies in the sauce — a bold blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and ketchup that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks. Each bite delivers juicy chicken, sweet tangy glaze, and tropical freshness that keeps you coming back for more.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard grilling, or impressing guests, this Huli Huli Chicken Stack brings island flavor straight to your table.

Why This Recipe Is a Winner

Authentic sweet-savory Hawaiian flavor
Juicy, tender chicken every time
Perfect balance of rice, pineapple, and glaze
Easy to grill or pan-cook
Family-friendly and meal-prep ready

Ingredients

1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 cup pineapple slices (fresh or canned)
2 cups cooked white rice

Huli Huli Sauce

½ cup soy sauce
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ cup ketchup
2 tbsp honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil

Garnish

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, honey, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil.
Reserve ½ cup of sauce for glazing later.
Marinate chicken in remaining sauce for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours).
Heat grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through.
Grill pineapple slices until lightly charred.
Brush chicken with reserved sauce and cook 1 minute more per side.
To assemble, layer rice on plate, top with chicken, then pineapple.
Drizzle extra sauce over the stack.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Flavor & Texture Experience

This dish delivers sticky-sweet glaze, juicy chicken, smoky char, and bright pineapple acidity — all balanced by soft, fluffy rice. Every layer plays a role, making each bite rich yet refreshing.

Serving Ideas

Add a cucumber salad for freshness
Serve with coconut rice
Pair with grilled vegetables
Perfect with iced tea or pineapple juice

Storage & Meal Prep

Store leftovers up to 4 days refrigerated
Reheat gently to preserve juiciness
Sauce thickens when chilled — stir before reheating