Name: Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken Stack
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; ½ cup low-sodium teriyaki sauce; ⅓ cup pure pineapple juice (no sugar added); ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 3 tbsp dark brown sugar; 2 large garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger; 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; 4 fresh pineapple rings; Cooked white rice (for stacking); 2 tbsp sliced green onions (for garnish); 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Why Make This Recipe

Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken Stack is a delightful dish that brings the tropical flavors of Hawaii right to your kitchen. It’s simple to make, perfect for family dinners, and impresses guests. The combination of teriyaki, pineapple, and chicken creates a sweet and savory meal that is both satisfying and memorable.

How to Make Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken Stack

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (organic or air-chilled preferred)
½ cup low-sodium teriyaki sauce
⅓ cup pure pineapple juice (no sugar added)
¼ cup low-sodium or naturally brewed soy sauce
3 tbsp dark brown sugar
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
4 fresh pineapple rings
Cooked white rice (for stacking)
2 tbsp sliced green onions (for garnish)
1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions:

Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal it, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for max flavor).
Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and grill for 6–7 minutes per side until it is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Grill Pineapple: Add the pineapple rings to the grill. Cook them for 2–3 minutes per side until they become caramelized.
Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, boil the reserved marinade for 5–6 minutes until it thickens into a glossy sauce.
Assemble the Stack: Spoon some cooked rice onto a plate, layer it with grilled chicken, top with a grilled pineapple ring, then drizzle with the glaze. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

How to Serve Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken Stack

Serve the Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken Stack warm, right after assembling it. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The bright colors and tropical flavors will surely impress your family and friends!

How to Store Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken Stack

If you have leftovers, you can store the Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken Stack in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving again.

Tips to Make Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken Stack

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Always preheat the grill for better grilling results.
Feel free to add other toppings, like sliced avocado or fresh cilantro, for more taste and texture.

Variation

You can switch up the protein by using shrimp or firm tofu instead of chicken. The marinade will work well with these alternatives and give you a different, but equally delicious, stack!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s better to thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before marinating for more even flavor.

2. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh pineapple will give a better texture and taste. If you use canned pineapple, be sure to rinse it well to reduce sugar content.

3. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can look for gluten-free teriyaki sauce and soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free. Enjoy your Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken Stack with peace of mind!