Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos

If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful twist on Taco Tuesday, you’ve come to the right place! These Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos are like a mini-vacation on a plate. With their sweet and tangy marinade paired with fresh, vibrant salsa, they make dinner feel special without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating your family to something different on a busy weeknight, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

The best part? You can whip up these delightful tacos in under an hour! So grab your ingredients and let’s dive into this tropical treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: The marinade does all the work, making it simple to get dinner on the table quickly.
• Family-friendly: Kids love tacos, and this sweet and savory chicken will please even picky eaters.
• Fresh flavors: The bright salsa adds a refreshing touch that perfectly complements the marinated chicken.
• Make-ahead option: Prep the chicken and salsa ahead of time for an even quicker meal on busy nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for these Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos—just simple, wholesome ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

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)
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast

For the Tacos

• 24 mini corn tortillas
• 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

Variations

One of the best things about these Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos is how flexible they are! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some shredded cabbage or crunchy slaw for extra texture.
• Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the salsa if you like some heat.
• Try a different fruit: Substitute peaches or papaya for the mango for a unique twist.

How to Make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, chicken broth, ginger, and garlic. This marinade brings that signature huli huli flavor—sweet with just enough umami kick. Reserve 1 cup of it in another bowl. Coat your chicken in the remaining marinade and let it soak up those delicious flavors in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Salsa

While your chicken is marinating, let’s make that vibrant salsa! In another bowl, combine diced pineapple, mango, avocado, cilantro, and lime juice. Gently toss everything together. Not only does this add freshness to your tacos, but it also balances out the richness of the marinated chicken. Sprinkle with sea salt and set aside so those flavors mingle.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Heat a grill pan over medium heat and brush it lightly with oil or cooking spray. Remove the chicken from its marinade—don’t forget to discard that marinade! Grill each piece for about 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked through (165 degrees internal temperature). As it cooks, baste occasionally with your reserved marinade to keep everything juicy and flavorful. Once done, dice your grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Now comes the fun part! Take your mini corn tortillas and divide the grilled chicken evenly among them. Top each taco with plenty of fresh salsa. Serve immediately while they’re warm and bursting with flavor!

Enjoy every bite of your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos as you soak in those island vibes right from your dining room table!

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos

Making these tacos is a breeze, and with a few simple tips, you can elevate your taco night to something truly special!

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for a few hours or even overnight intensifies the flavors. This extra time lets the marinade penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful and juicy.
• Grill for Flavor: If you have access to an outdoor grill, use it! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chicken. Just be sure to monitor the temperature for perfect results.
• Customize Your Salsa: Feel free to add other ingredients to your salsa such as diced red onion or jalapeño for a spicy kick. Customizing allows you to tailor the dish to your taste and adds vibrant color!
• Keep Tortillas Warm: Warm tortillas are more pliable and easier to handle. You can wrap them in foil and place them in a low oven while you prepare everything else, ensuring they stay soft and delicious.
• Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your tacos right after assembling them. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy, enhancing every bite of this delightful meal.

How to Serve Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos

These Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos not only taste fantastic but also look appealing when served right. Here are some ideas on how to present these scrumptious tacos at your next gathering!

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Adding a sprinkle of green onions on top provides a nice crunch and a mild onion flavor that complements the sweetness of the salsa.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges alongside your tacos for an extra burst of freshness. A little squeeze of lime can brighten up all those tropical flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Coconut Rice: This fluffy coconut-flavored rice pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory elements of the tacos. Its creamy texture balances out the dish wonderfully.
• Black Bean Salad: A zesty black bean salad with corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing adds protein and fiber while complementing the tropical flavors of your main dish.
• Grilled Veggies: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn grilled alongside your chicken make for a colorful and healthy side that brings out all those barbecue vibes.
• Tropical Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with watermelon, strawberries, and kiwi can provide a sweet contrast to your savory tacos. Plus, it’s an easy way to incorporate more fruits into your meal!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set for a fun Taco Tuesday or any weeknight dinner filled with flavor! Enjoy every bite of these Hawaiian-inspired delights!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos are not only delightful but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare the chicken and salsa ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow any leftover tacos to cool completely before storing.
• Place the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Store the salsa separately in another airtight container for optimal freshness.
• Reheat only the chicken when ready to serve to maintain the texture of the tortillas and salsa.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze the chicken, ensure it’s cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Remove as much air as possible from the bag and seal tightly.
• The frozen chicken can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to use.

Reheating

• To reheat, place thawed chicken in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
• Serve with fresh tortillas and salsa to enjoy your tacos just like they were made fresh!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos that might help clarify any uncertainties!

Can I use other meats instead of chicken for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey or tofu if you’re looking for alternative protein sources. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.

What toppings go well with Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos?

Feel free to get creative! Additional toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of creamy avocado dressing can enhance your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos beautifully.

How do I make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos spicier?

To add some heat, include sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder in your pineapple mango salsa. This will elevate the flavor profile and give your tacos a delightful kick!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos! They bring together vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients that are sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and make it your own. Don’t forget to share your experiences; I’d love to hear how they turn out!