Name: Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
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; 3/4 teaspoon garlic, minced; 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast; 1 cup pineapple, diced; 1 cup fresh mango, diced; 1 cup avocado, diced; 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; Pinch of sea salt; 24 mini corn tortillas

Jump to Recipe·4 from 5 reviews

If you are searching for a sensational way to spice up taco night, the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and fresh ginger, grilled to perfection and nestled inside soft mini corn tortillas. The addition of a vibrant salsa with pineapple, mango, avocado, and cilantro lifts each bite to a tropical paradise of flavors and textures. It’s a playful, fresh take on tacos that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds three pale pink pieces of raw chicken submerged in a dark brown marinade with visible small bits of garlic or seasoning evenly spread throughout; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with black specks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos come alive. Each item plays a crucial role: the marinade brings sweetness, saltiness, and zest, while the fresh fruits and herbs add brightness and creaminess that perfectly complement the grilled chicken.

Pineapple juice: Adds natural sweetness and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
Brown sugar: Balances the tang and salt with a rich caramel note.
Ketchup: Provides a subtle tang and body to the marinade.
Soy sauce: Delivers savory umami depth to the chicken.
Chicken broth: Enhances moisture and flavor in the marinade.
Fresh ginger (minced): Adds a bright, aromatic kick that wakes up the palate.
Garlic (minced): Brings savory warmth to the mix.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: The star protein, perfect for marinating and grilling.
Mini corn tortillas: Soft, slightly sweet bases for the tacos.
Pineapple (diced): Provides juicy bursts of sweetness in the salsa.
Fresh mango (diced): Adds tropical sweetness and vibrant color.
Avocado (diced): Creamy texture that balances acidity and spice.
Cilantro (chopped): Fresh herbaceousness that lifts the entire dish.
Fresh lime juice: Brightens flavors with zesty acidity.
Pinch sea salt: Enhances all the fresh ingredients and ties the salsa together.

How to Make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Create the Marinade

Start by whisking together pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, chicken broth, fresh ginger, and garlic in a large bowl. This combination is where the magic begins—it infuses the chicken with a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that are signature to Hawaiian Huli Huli sauce. Reserve one cup of this marinade aside to baste the chicken later, then immerse your chicken breasts into the remaining mixture. Let it soak up all those incredible flavors by refrigerating for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Salsa

While the chicken marinates, chop your pineapple, mango, and avocado into bite-sized pieces. Combine these with the chopped cilantro and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice in a large bowl. Toss everything gently to marry the flavors and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Cover the salsa and set it aside to allow the tastes to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Heat a grill pan over medium heat and give it a light brush of oil to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade—remember to discard this used marinade to keep things safe—and grill the chicken, covered, for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use the reserved marinade to baste the chicken occasionally; this will keep the meat juicy and add layers of flavor as it cooks. Once grilled, dice the chicken into small pieces, ready to be piled high in your tortillas.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

To assemble your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos Recipe, simply divide the chopped chicken evenly among the mini corn tortillas, then top each with a generous spoonful of the fresh fruit salsa. The mix of smoky grilled chicken with bright, tropical salsa makes every bite a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.

How to Serve Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos Recipe

A white plate holds four soft tacos arranged in a diagonal line, each taco made with light golden tortillas that have charred spots. Inside the tacos is a layered mix starting with small pieces of light brown cooked meat, topped with chunks of yellow pineapple and green avocado cubes, then garnished with thin strips of bright purple cabbage and scattered fresh green herbs. A green lime wedge is placed near the tacos on the plate, which sits on a white marbled surface with some parsley leaves scattered around. In the blurred background, there are two small bowls, one filled with dark sauce and the other with chopped green herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a little flair to your tacos brings them to the next level. Consider topping with additional fresh cilantro leaves, a drizzle of creamy lime crema, thinly sliced red onions for a bit of crunch, or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra Hawaiian touch. These garnishes enhance not only the look but also the complexity of flavors.

Side Dishes

Complement your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos Recipe with refreshing side dishes like a crisp green salad, coconut rice, or grilled sweet corn. These sides balance the meal by offering fresh, light notes or subtly sweet accompaniments that echo the taco’s tropical vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party presentation, arrange the tacos on a wooden platter lined with banana leaves for an island-inspired look. You can also serve the chicken and salsa buffet-style, letting guests build their own tacos. Wrapping tacos in parchment paper tied with twine makes for charming handheld servings perfect for casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers of this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos Recipe, keep the grilled chicken and fruit salsa stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the salsa from becoming soggy and keeps the chicken tasting fresh for up to three days.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken portion by itself for up to two months. Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before freezing in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. It’s best to freeze the salsa fresh, as the fruit ingredients will lose their texture and vibrancy after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave to avoid drying it out. Since the salsa is fresh, serve it cold or at room temperature to preserve its bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat, which makes them even more juicy and flavorful when grilled. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is pineapple juice essential in the marinade?

Pineapple juice is key for achieving that authentic sweet and tangy Hawaiian flavor and also helps tenderize the chicken. If unavailable, you could substitute with a mix of orange juice and a splash of vinegar, but it won’t be quite the same.

Can I make the marinade and salsa ahead of time?

Yes! The marinade can be prepared in advance, and the salsa can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated. Just add the avocado last or right before serving to prevent browning.

What type of tortillas work best?

Mini corn tortillas are traditional and add a lovely texture and earthiness that pairs perfectly with the tropical toppings. However, small flour tortillas can be used if preferred for a softer, milder flavor.

How spicy is the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos Recipe?

This recipe isn’t spicy by nature, focusing more on sweet and savory flavors. If you like heat, you can easily add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes either in the salsa or as a topping.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos Recipe that brings a taste of the islands right to your kitchen table. With its harmonious blend of grilled chicken, fresh tropical salsa, and vibrant garnishes, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress both family and friends. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this recipe your own—it’s a fun, flavorful journey your taste buds will thank you for.

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need