The Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack is a bold, tropical-inspired dish that brings the flavors of the islands straight to your kitchen. Juicy chicken glazed in a sticky-sweet Huli Huli sauce, layered with caramelized pineapple and fluffy rice, creates a visually stunning and deeply satisfying meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet approachable for home cooks.

Huli Huli chicken has long been a staple of Hawaiian roadside stands and backyard gatherings. Traditionally grilled over open flames and basted repeatedly, the chicken develops layers of smoky, sweet, and savory flavor. This modern stacked presentation transforms the classic into an impressive plated dish that works equally well for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

What Makes Huli Huli Chicken Special?

Huli Huli chicken is defined by its signature sauce, a glossy blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, and ginger. As the chicken cooks, the sauce caramelizes into a sticky glaze that clings to every bite. The addition of pineapple enhances the natural sweetness while balancing the savory depth of the sauce.

The stack format elevates the dish, layering textures and flavors into one cohesive bite:

Tender glazed chicken
Sweet grilled pineapple
Neutral, fluffy rice to absorb the sauce

Ingredients

For the Huli Huli Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Ketchup
Pineapple juice
Fresh garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, grated

For the Stack

Pineapple rings
Cooked white or jasmine rice
Green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds

Instructions

Prepare the Huli Huli Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour half of the sauce over them. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium heat, brushing frequently with remaining sauce until caramelized and cooked through.
Grill the Pineapple
Grill pineapple rings until lightly charred and golden.
Assemble the Stack
Spoon rice onto plates, top with pineapple, then sliced Huli Huli chicken. Drizzle with extra sauce.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Perfect Huli Huli Chicken

Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts
Baste frequently for maximum glaze
Let sauce thicken slightly before final brushing
Charred pineapple adds depth

Variations

Spicy Huli Huli Chicken Stack
Add sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.

Huli Huli Chicken Bowl
Serve over rice in a bowl instead of stacking.

Low-Carb Version
Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with macaroni salad
Serve alongside grilled vegetables
Add a crisp cucumber salad for contrast

Cultural Context: Hawaiian Huli Huli

The name Huli Huli means “turn, turn” in Hawaiian, referencing how the chicken is repeatedly flipped while grilling. The method ensures even cooking and deep caramelization, a hallmark of traditional Hawaiian barbecue culture.

Storage & Reheating

Store chicken and rice separately
Refrigerate up to 3 days
Reheat gently to preserve glaze

Final Thoughts

The Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack delivers island flavors in a stunning, layered presentation. Sweet, savory, and deeply comforting, it’s a dish that brings warmth, color, and bold taste to any table.