Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos are my absolute favorite way to bring a taste of the islands to my own backyard. I remember the first time I tried this dish – the sweet, smoky aroma wafting from the grill felt like a mini-vacation. The juicy, tender chicken, marinated in that signature sweet and savory sauce, paired with a bright, fresh salsa, is just pure bliss. It’s an easy Hawaiian Huli Huli chicken recipe that always impresses my family and friends, and the vibrant flavors transport me straight to a luau. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos
You’re going to adore this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos recipe for so many reasons! The taste is absolutely incredible, a perfect balance of sweet and savory Hawaiian chicken that just sings with tropical notes. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, making it a weeknight winner. These vibrant tropical flavors are sure to impress, and the whole dish is wonderfully healthy and nutritious. It’s perfect for casual gatherings, and the presentation is always a crowd-pleaser. You’ll find yourself making this easy Huli Huli chicken recipe again and again.
- Unforgettable Taste: Experience that classic sweet and savory Hawaiian chicken flavor profile.
- Quick Prep: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Tropical Delight: Bursting with fresh pineapple, mango, and lime for vibrant flavors.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love these delicious tacos.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with lean protein and fresh fruit.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients create an impressive meal without breaking the bank.
- Versatile Serving: Great as a main dish or a fun appetizer.
Authentic Huli Huli Chicken Marinade Ingredients
To achieve that incredible, authentic Huli Huli chicken taste, you’ll need a special marinade. This sweet and savory Hawaiian chicken blend is the heart of the dish. We start with the marinade base:
For the Marinade
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice – This tropical staple adds sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken beautifully.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – For that signature caramelization and deep sweet flavor.
- 6 tablespoons ketchup – Gives our Huli Huli chicken sauce a tangy foundation and vibrant color.
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce – Essential for that umami depth and salty kick.
- 3 tablespoons chicken broth – Helps create a well-balanced marinade consistency.
- 1 1/4 teaspoons fresh ginger (minced) – Brings a warm, spicy aroma and flavor.
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic (minced) – Enhances the savory notes, making the marinade irresistible.
For the Chicken Tacos
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast – The perfect canvas for our delicious marinade.
- 24 mini corn tortillas – These will hold all the amazing Hawaiian Huli Huli chicken goodness.
For the Salsa
- 1 cup pineapple (diced) – For bursts of tropical sweetness and acidity.
- 1 cup fresh mango (diced) – Adds a wonderful creamy, sweet, and fruity element.
- 1 cup avocado (diced) – Provides a rich, buttery texture to balance the flavors.
- 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped) – Offers a bright, herbaceous finish that complements the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice – Cuts through the richness with a zesty tang.
- pinch sea salt – Just enough to enhance all the other delicious flavors.
How to Make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos
Get ready to experience the magic of this easy Hawaiian Huli Huli chicken recipe! Making these tacos is a breeze, and the results are absolutely mouthwatering. We’ll guide you through each step to ensure your grilled Huli Huli chicken is perfect.
Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 6 tablespoons ketchup, 6 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons chicken broth, 1 1/4 teaspoons fresh ginger (minced), and 3/4 teaspoon garlic (minced). The aroma alone is amazing!
- Step 2: Carefully reserve 1 cup of this glorious marinade for basting later.
- Step 3: Add the 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast to the main bowl with the remaining marinade. Toss them to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl tightly and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For an even deeper, Authentic Huli Huli chicken taste, feel free to marinate it for up to 4 hours, or even overnight!
Make the Fresh Salsa
- Step 4: While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vibrant salsa. In a separate bowl, gently combine the 1 cup pineapple (diced), 1 cup fresh mango (diced), 1 cup avocado (diced), 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped), and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice.
- Step 5: Give everything a gentle toss to mix the flavors without mushing the fruit. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt to enhance all those tropical notes. Cover and set aside so the flavors can meld.
Grill the Chicken
- Step 6: Heat your grill pan over medium heat. Lightly brush the surface with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 7: Remove the chicken from the marinade (discarding the used marinade) and place the pieces onto the hot grill pan. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes. You’re looking for that beautiful char and for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s cooked through.
- Step 8: During the grilling process, generously baste the chicken with the reserved marinade. This step is crucial for achieving that signature sweet and savory Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken flavor and a lovely glaze.
Assemble Your Tacos
- Step 9: Once the chicken is perfectly grilled, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Then, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 10: Warm your 24 mini corn tortillas according to package directions. This makes them more pliable and delicious.
- Step 11: Now for the best part! Fill each warm tortilla with the diced, juicy grilled chicken and top generously with the fresh pineapple salsa. Serve these amazing Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.
Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
Elevating your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is all about a few key techniques. Following these tips will ensure you get that perfect sweet, savory, and smoky flavor every time. Trust me, these little tricks make a big difference!
- Marinate for flavor: Don’t skimp on marination time! For the most delicious results, marinate your chicken for at least an hour, but overnight is even better to really infuse that sweet and savory Hawaiian chicken flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill: Give your chicken pieces space on the grill pan. This allows for even cooking and better caramelization, which is key to the Huli Huli chicken taste.
- Control the heat: Medium heat is your best friend. It allows the sugars in the marinade to caramelize beautifully without burning the chicken, ensuring that perfect glaze.
- Reserve that marinade: Basting with the reserved marinade during grilling adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture. Just make sure to only baste with marinade that hasn’t touched raw chicken.
What’s the secret to perfect Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken?
The secret lies in the balance of sweet and savory in the marinade and allowing it ample time to work its magic on the chicken. Proper grilling temperature also ensures that signature caramelized crust and juicy interior. For more grilling tips, check out this guide on how to grill chicken.
Can I make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Once grilled, you can also store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is great if you’re planning a party and want to get a head start, similar to how you might prepare ingredients for focaccia bread.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken?
Avoid overcooking, which can dry out the chicken. Also, ensure your grill or grill pan is hot enough before adding the chicken, and don’t skip basting with the reserved marinade for that authentic flavor. For other chicken recipes, you might enjoy our Mediterranean chicken recipe.
Best Ways to Serve Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos
These vibrant Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos are so versatile! They make a fantastic main course for a backyard luau, bringing those tropical island vibes right to your table. For an even more authentic experience, consider pairing them with traditional Hawaiian luau chicken recipe sides like poi, lomi-lomi salmon, or a fresh fruit salad. If you’re hosting a party or just want a fun appetizer, these tacos are also a perfect handheld option that guests will rave about. Their sweet and savory flavor profile makes them a hit for any occasion! You might also like these Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos.
Nutrition Facts for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional highlights per serving of our delicious Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos. Each serving provides a great balance of flavors and essential nutrients.
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Leftover Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a treasure, and storing it properly ensures you can enjoy that fantastic flavor later. Once cooked, let the chicken cool slightly before packing it into airtight containers. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, perfect for quick meals. If you want to store it for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and it will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your stored chicken, the best way to reheat it is gently. For refrigerated chicken, you can warm it in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave. If reheating from frozen, thawing it in the refrigerator overnight is ideal, then reheat as usual. This makes enjoying your delicious Hawaiian chicken convenient anytime! For more storage tips, consider looking into food storage best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
What makes Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken taste so special?
The unique taste comes from the authentic Huli Huli chicken marinade, which is a delightful blend of sweet pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and aromatics like ginger and garlic. This creates a signature sweet and savory Hawaiian chicken flavor that’s incredibly addictive.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative and often stay even juicier. You might need to adjust the grilling time slightly, as they can take a few minutes longer to cook through. The flavor will still be amazing!
How do I get the best char on my Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?
To achieve that perfect char, make sure your grill or grill pan is properly heated before adding the chicken. Don’t be afraid of a little caramelization from the marinade – that’s where a lot of the flavor comes from. Basting with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of grilling also helps create a beautiful glaze.
What are some good side dishes for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken?
Complement your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken with classic Hawaiian luau chicken recipe sides! Think of a refreshing pineapple coleslaw, steamed white rice, grilled pineapple slices, or a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. These sides enhance the tropical flavors beautifully. You might also enjoy our corn salad with lime.
Variations of Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken You Can Try
While this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos recipe is fantastic as is, the beauty of this dish is its adaptability! You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a vegetarian twist, try marinating firm tofu or cauliflower florets in the Huli Huli chicken marinade recipe – they soak up the flavors wonderfully. If grilling isn’t an option, you can achieve a similar delicious result by baking the marinated chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through, basting with the reserved sauce halfway through. You could also try this marinade on pork or even shrimp for a different take on this sweet and savory Hawaiian chicken. For another chicken taco idea, check out our chicken etouffee recipe.
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Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken: 1 Amazing Taco Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos, a tropical twist on a classic. Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce is paired with a fresh pineapple, mango, and avocado salsa. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for any casual gathering and brings vibrant Hawaiian flavors to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons ketchup
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons chicken broth
- 1 1/4 teaspoons fresh ginger (minced)
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- For the Chicken Tacos:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 24 mini corn tortillas
- For the Salsa:
- 1 cup pineapple (diced)
- 1 cup fresh mango (diced)
- 1 cup avocado (diced)
- 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, chicken broth, ginger, and garlic. Reserve 1 cup of this marinade for later use. Add the chicken to the main bowl and coat thoroughly. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Make the Salsa: In another large bowl, combine the diced pineapple, mango, avocado, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Toss gently. Sprinkle with sea salt. Cover and set aside.
- Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill pan over medium heat and lightly brush with oil. Remove chicken from marinade (discarding it) and place on the grill pan. Grill each side for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through (165°F). Baste with reserved marinade while grilling.
- Assemble Your Tacos: Dice the grilled chicken. Fill mini corn tortillas with the diced chicken and top generously with the prepared salsa. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least an hour for maximum flavor infusion. Overnight marination yields even better results.
- Always opt for fresh pineapple, mango, and avocado for the best taste and texture in your salsa.
- Grill the chicken over medium heat to ensure it cooks evenly without burning and retains moisture.
- Warm your corn tortillas before serving to make them pliable and soft.
- Feel free to experiment with toppings like pickled red onions or spicy slaw.
- Enjoy your tacos right after assembling them for maximum freshness, warmth, and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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