What pairs with Huli Huli chicken?

The Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack pairs beautifully with classic Hawaiian sides such as macaroni salad, sticky rice, grilled pineapple, and lomi salmon. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or even Hawaiian sweet rolls for a more substantial meal.

What is Huli Huli sauce made of?

Huli Huli sauce, the star of the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack, is a sweet and savory marinade and glaze. It’s typically made with soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, and ginger. Some variations include rice vinegar, sesame oil, or even a splash of hot sauce for heat.

What is the difference between teriyaki and Huli Huli?

While both sauces are sweet and savory, teriyaki is a Japanese sauce that tends to be thicker and uses mirin or sake along with soy sauce and sugar. Huli Huli, on the other hand, is distinctly Hawaiian, lighter in texture, and includes pineapple juice for a tropical twist.

Why is it called Huli Huli chicken?

The word “huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian. Traditionally, the chicken is cooked on a spit over a fire and turned frequently while basting it with sauce. Hence, it became known as Huli Huli chicken — “turn turn” chicken.

Why is it called devil chicken?

In some areas, Huli Huli chicken has been nicknamed “devil chicken” due to its reddish, fiery appearance from the glaze and the smoky char from the grill. However, this nickname is informal and rarely used compared to its Hawaiian name.

What do Hawaiians call chickens?

In Hawaii, chickens are commonly called “moa,” which is the Hawaiian word for chicken. Wild chickens seen roaming the islands are sometimes referred to as “jungle fowl” or simply “wild moa.” Learn more about Hawaiian food terminology for deeper insight into the language and culture of the islands.

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack — Best Recipe & Tips (2025)

Description

This vibrant Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack features tender, marinated chicken, sticky rice, caramelized pineapple, and a luscious sweet-savory glaze — layered to perfection and full of aloha spirit.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack

For the Marinade:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

Optional: 1 tsp sesame oil, pinch of chili flakes

For the Stack:

2 cups cooked sticky rice (or jasmine rice)
4 slices fresh pineapple (grilled or caramelized)
Reserved marinade for basting

Garnish: chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and optional ingredients.
Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour marinade over, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight).

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Cook sticky rice or jasmine rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken & Pineapple

Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium heat.
Remove chicken from marinade, pat dry slightly, and grill 5–6 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade, until internal temp reaches 165°F.
Grill pineapple slices for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized.

Step 4: Assemble the Stack

Assembling the perfect layers of rice, chicken, and pineapple

On each plate, place a mound of rice.
Slice chicken and layer on top of rice.
Add a grilled pineapple slice on top.
Drizzle remaining glaze over the stack.
Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro if desired.

Notes

✅ Marinate overnight for best flavor.

✅ Use dark meat (thighs) for juicier chicken.

✅ For gluten-free: use tamari instead of soy sauce.

✅ Add extra pineapple on the side for a sweeter presentation.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Hawaiian Recipes

Nutrition

Serving Size: per serving
Calories: ~410 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 1100 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg