with these Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos—a flavor-packed dish that brings sunshine to your plate. This recipe features tender grilled chicken marinated in a rich blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger, then topped with a refreshing pineapple, mango, and avocado salsa. The result is a sweet and savory combination that’s perfect for warm-weather dining. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just need a fun weeknight dinner idea, these tacos offer a delicious taste of the islands that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Huli Huli Chicken:
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½ cup pineapple juice
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½ cup brown sugar
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6 tablespoons ketchup
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6 tablespoons soy sauce
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3 tablespoons chicken broth
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1¼ teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
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¾ teaspoon garlic, minced
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
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24 mini corn tortillas
For the Pineapple, Mango, and Avocado Salsa:
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1 cup pineapple, diced
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1 cup fresh mango, diced
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1 cup avocado, diced
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½ cup cilantro, chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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Pinch of sea salt
Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, chicken broth, ginger, and garlic until fully combined. Set aside 1 cup of this marinade in a separate container for basting later. Add the chicken breasts to the remaining marinade, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Salsa:
While the chicken is marinating, combine diced pineapple, mango, avocado, chopped cilantro, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Toss gently to mix. Season with a pinch of sea salt, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the surface or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used portion. Grill the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and dice into bite-sized pieces.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Warm the mini corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with grilled chicken and a generous spoonful of the salsa. Serve immediately while warm and fresh.
Nutrients
Serving Size: 6
Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
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Calories: 411 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 46 g
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Protein: 37 g
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Fat: 9 g
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Saturated Fat: 1 g
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Cholesterol: 96 mg
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Sodium: 789 mg
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Potassium: 928 mg
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Fiber: 5 g
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Sugar: 18 g
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Vitamin A: 525 IU
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Vitamin C: 30.1 mg
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Calcium: 69 mg
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Iron: 1.8 mg
What is Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli chicken is a Hawaiian favorite that dates back to the 1950s. The term “Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, which refers to the traditional cooking method of rotating the chicken over an open flame. It’s typically marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger—giving it a caramelized exterior and a deeply flavorful interior.
While traditional Huli Huli chicken is often served as a standalone protein with rice or macaroni salad, transforming it into tacos adds a fun, portable twist that’s perfect for casual gatherings or quick meals.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, Savory, and Vibrant
The magic of this recipe lies in its layers of flavor. The marinated chicken alone is packed with umami from soy sauce, sweetness from brown sugar and pineapple juice, and a subtle kick from ginger and garlic. When grilled, these flavors intensify, creating a slightly charred, caramelized coating that locks in the juices.
But the real game-changer is the tropical fruit salsa. A refreshing blend of diced pineapple, mango, and avocado creates a vibrant topping that contrasts beautifully with the smoky chicken. The lime juice and cilantro bring brightness, while the avocado adds creamy richness. Served in warm mini corn tortillas, each taco becomes a balanced bite of bold, tropical flavor.
Why These Tacos Are a Crowd-Pleaser
One of the most appealing aspects of these Huli Huli Chicken Tacos is how universally loved they are. The flavors appeal to adults and kids alike, and the recipe can be scaled up easily for larger groups. Since the chicken can be grilled outdoors or cooked indoors using a grill pan, it’s a flexible option year-round.
Their visual appeal also makes them ideal for entertaining. The mix of bright yellows, greens, and golden browns topped with herbs creates a dish that’s not only delicious but also stunning to present on a platter.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
These tacos are a meal in themselves but can be paired with several side dishes to create a complete spread:
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Coconut Rice: For a more authentic Hawaiian touch, serve the tacos with a scoop of fluffy coconut rice.
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Grilled Corn: Charred corn on the cob with lime butter complements the smoky flavor of the chicken.
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Mango Slaw: A simple slaw with cabbage, mango, and a citrus vinaigrette adds crunch and acidity.
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Pineapple Mojitos or Hibiscus Iced Tea: These refreshing drinks enhance the tropical theme.
And don’t forget garnishes—sliced jalapeños, extra lime wedges, or crumbled queso fresco can let guests customize their tacos even further.
Tips for Success
1. Don’t Skip the Marinade:
The marinade is key to the authentic flavor of Huli Huli chicken. Even 30 minutes can make a big difference, but if you have time, letting it soak overnight will enhance the flavor even more.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients for the Salsa:
Ripe pineapple and mango make the salsa pop. If using frozen fruit, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained to prevent sogginess.
3. Grill Marks Matter:
Grilling the chicken not only adds flavor but also gives it that signature look. Make sure your grill or grill pan is preheated and clean for the best sear.
4. Mini Tortillas for the Win:
Mini corn tortillas keep the tacos fun-sized and perfect for parties. Warm them just before serving so they’re pliable and slightly toasty.
5. Make it Customizable:
Set up a taco bar with the grilled chicken, salsa, and assorted toppings so everyone can build their perfect bite.
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations
If you love to experiment, this recipe is a fantastic base for variation:
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes to the salsa or marinade for heat lovers.
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Creamy Addition: Drizzle with chipotle mayo or a tangy yogurt-lime sauce for an extra layer.
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Low-Carb Option: Swap tortillas for butter lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb version.
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Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute grilled pineapple-glazed tofu or jackfruit in place of the chicken to create a satisfying plant-based version.
Perfect for Meal Prep
These tacos aren’t just great for immediate serving—they’re also excellent for meal prep. You can marinate and grill the chicken ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and quickly reheat for lunch or dinner. The salsa holds up well in the fridge for 1–2 days, although the avocado may begin to brown after that. Keep everything stored separately and assemble the tacos fresh for the best texture.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
There’s a reason these Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos might become a staple in your kitchen. They bring excitement to the table without requiring complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The combination of marinated chicken and bright salsa captures a slice of Hawaiian sunshine that’s hard to beat.
They’re also a conversation starter—especially when served at summer parties or taco nights. Guests will ask for the recipe, and you’ll love how easily it comes together.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos are a true celebration of flavor, color, and tropical inspiration. They combine the bold, caramelized flavors of island barbecue with the fresh brightness of fruit-forward salsa—all wrapped in a warm tortilla. From family dinners to festive gatherings, this dish delivers a memorable meal that’s equal parts satisfying and fun.
If you’re looking for a recipe that captures the spirit of aloha in every bite, these tacos are the perfect way to serve up sunshine—no passport required.