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Welcome to a taste of the tropics with these mouthwatering Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos! Combining the irresistible flavors of sweet and savory Huli Huli chicken with the fresh and vibrant essence of a juicy salsa, these tacos are a delightful fusion that will transport your taste buds straight to the sandy shores of Hawaii.
The secret to these delectable tacos lies in the flavorful marinade featuring pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar, creating a harmonious blend of tropical and umami notes. Whether you opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast or the juicier thighs, the marinade works its magic during grilling, infusing the meat with a caramelized sweetness that is simply irresistible.
Picture yourself basking in the sun as you savor every bite of these island-inspired tacos, topped with a medley of diced pineapple, mango, avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Whether you enjoy them at a summer gathering or a laid-back family picnic, these Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Quick Benefits
- Burst of sweet and savory island flavors
- Fresh and juicy tropical fruit salsa
- Versatile – can use chicken thighs or swap out mango for papaya
- Leftovers keep well for up to three days in the fridge
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos Recipe
- Tropical Fusion Flavors: The blend of sweet and savory from pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar offers a delightful taste of the Hawaiian islands in every bite.
- Versatile Protein Options: Whether you use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, the marinade ensures tender, flavorful meat that absorbs the essence of the dish perfectly.
- Bright and Refreshing Salsa: The juicy and vibrant salsa made with pineapple, mango, avocado, and cilantro brings a burst of freshness to complement the smoky grilled chicken.
- Easy to Customize: Swap mango for papaya, opt for a vegetarian version with marinated portobello mushrooms, or add toppings like pickled red onions or sriracha mayo to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A hit at summer gatherings, these tacos are a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more, making it ideal for picnics, BBQs, or family meals.
- Convenient Leftovers: The chicken keeps well for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors even after the initial meal. Plus, the salsa stays fresh when stored separately for multiple servings.
- Honoring Tradition with a Twist: Inspired by the beloved Hawaiian Huli Huli chicken, these tacos pay homage to the classic dish while adding a playful fusion twist that transports you straight to the beach with each bite.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, these tacos are easy to assemble and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend meal.
- Pairing Perfection: Serve these tacos with coconut rice and a cucumber salad to create a complete meal that enhances the tropical flavors and textures of the dish.
Ingredients for Delicious Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos
Huli Huli Chicken
- 24 mini corn tortillas
- 45 ml chicken broth
- 900 g boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 100 g brown sugar
- 90 ml soy sauce
- 0.75 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1.25 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- 120 ml pineapple juice
- 90 ml ketchup
Pineapple Mango Avocado Salsa
- pinch sea salt
- 15 g cilantro, chopped
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- 150 g avocado, diced
- 160 g pineapple, diced
- 165 g fresh mango, diced
Pro Tips for Delicious Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos
Pro tip 1: To infuse even more flavor into the chicken, consider marinating it for at least 2-4 hours, or even overnight, in the Huli Huli sauce before grilling. This will allow the chicken to absorb all the sweet and savory flavors, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Pro tip 2: When grilling the chicken, baste it with the marinade continuously while cooking to build up those caramelized and charred flavors on the outside. This will create a delicious glaze and add depth to the overall taste of the tacos.
Pro tip 3: For a fun twist, you can lightly char the pineapple and mango on the grill before dicing them for the salsa. This will enhance the sweetness and add a smoky element to the fruits, complementing the grilled chicken perfectly.
How to Make Delicious Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos
Step 1: Prepare Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, chicken broth, minced ginger, and garlic until well combined.
Step 2: Marinate Chicken
Set aside 240 ml of the marinade in a separate bowl. Coat chicken breasts evenly in the main bowl with the remaining marinade. Refrigerate covered for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare Salsa
Combine diced pineapple, mango, avocado, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Drizzle with lime juice, season with sea salt, toss gently, cover, and set aside.
Step 4: Grill Chicken
Preheat a grill pan over medium heat and lightly oil. Grill chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade. Ensure internal temperature reaches 74°C. Dice chicken after grilling.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Evenly distribute diced grilled chicken and prepared salsa onto mini corn tortillas. Serve promptly.
Storage Tips
To store the finished Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos, place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it. The chicken will keep well for up to three days. It’s recommended to store the salsa separately to maintain its freshness and prevent it from softening the chicken. Before reheating, warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos just before serving to ensure that all the components remain vibrant and delicious.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve its texture and flavors. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through and assemble your tacos with the salsa and other toppings for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have boneless, skinless chicken breast on hand, you can easily substitute it with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result that still absorbs the flavorful marinade perfectly during grilling.
In case you are missing fresh mango for the salsa, you can swap it out for diced papaya as a tropical and sweet alternative. This change will still provide a similar fruity and refreshing contrast to the savory chicken, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the tacos.
For a vegetarian twist, consider using grilled portobello mushrooms as a substitute for the chicken. Marinate the mushrooms in the same Huli Huli marinade to infuse them with the sweet and savory flavors, offering a delicious meat-free option for your tacos that pairs well with the vibrant salsa and toppings.
Serving Suggestions
For a fun and interactive taco bar experience, set up a build-your-own Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Taco station at your next gathering. Arrange all the components – grilled chicken, pineapple-mango salsa, diced avocado, and cilantro – in separate bowls for guests to customize their tacos to their liking. Serve with warm mini corn tortillas and let everyone create their own flavor-packed island-inspired tacos.
To elevate the presentation of your Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos, consider serving them in crispy taco shells made from grilled flour tortillas. Simply mold the warm tortillas over a taco shell rack or the bottom of a muffin tin and bake until crispy. Fill the taco shells with the smoky grilled chicken, vibrant pineapple-mango salsa, and a dollop of sriracha mayo for a crunchy and flavorful twist on this tropical favorite.
FAQs for Delicious Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe, offering juicier results and absorbing the flavorful marinade excellently during grilling.
Can I cook the chicken on a stovetop instead of grilling?
Grilling imparts a smoky flavor and caramelizes the marinade, but if needed, you can also cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or broil it for similar results.
What are some additional toppings that go well with these tacos?
Sliced red onions, shredded lettuce, or a drizzle of spicy aioli can complement the fresh salsa and juicy chicken in these tacos.
How should I assemble the tacos for serving?
Fill warm mini corn tortillas with grilled chicken, top generously with the tropical salsa, and garnish with fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges for a burst of flavors.
Conclusion
As you take your first bite of these delectable Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos, you’ll be transported to a sunny beach with each burst of sweet and savory flavor. The juicy pineapple, caramelized marinade, and vibrant tropical salsa will make you feel like you’re on a tropical getaway right at your own dinner table.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and sides to make these tacos your own. Whether you’re adding a kick of heat with some sriracha mayo or opting for a vegetarian twist with grilled portobello mushrooms, these tacos are versatile and perfect for any occasion. So gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and enjoy a taste of the islands with these irresistible Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos.
Delicious Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos
Transport yourself to the beach with these Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos, featuring smoky grilled chicken, caramelized pineapple marinade, and a refreshing tropical fruit salsa.
Prep Time40 Minutes
Cook Time16 Minutes
Total Time56 Minutes
CuisineHawaiian
Skill LevelEasy
Servings8 Servings (24 mini tacos)
Ingredients
Huli Huli Chicken
- 24 mini corn tortillas
- 45 ml chicken broth
- 900 g boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 100 g brown sugar
- 90 ml soy sauce
- 0.75 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1.25 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- 120 ml pineapple juice
- 90 ml ketchup
Pineapple Mango Avocado Salsa
- pinch sea salt
- 15 g cilantro, chopped
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- 150 g avocado, diced
- 160 g pineapple, diced
- 165 g fresh mango, diced
Instructions
-
Prepare Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, chicken broth, minced ginger, and garlic until well combined.
-
Marinate Chicken: Set aside 240 ml of the marinade in a separate bowl. Coat chicken breasts evenly in the main bowl with the remaining marinade. Refrigerate covered for 30 minutes.
-
Prepare Salsa: Combine diced pineapple, mango, avocado, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Drizzle with lime juice, season with sea salt, toss gently, cover, and set aside.
-
Grill Chicken: Preheat a grill pan over medium heat and lightly oil. Grill chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade. Ensure internal temperature reaches 74°C. Dice chicken after grilling.
-
Assemble and Serve: Evenly distribute diced grilled chicken and prepared salsa onto mini corn tortillas. Serve promptly.
