Mediterranean Ginger-Sesame Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple
Prep & Cook Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 3–4
This Mediterranean twist on the classic Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken combines sweet pineapple, savory soy, and aromatic ginger and garlic for a vibrant, tropical flavor. The chicken is marinated in a ginger-sesame sauce, grilled or baked to caramelized perfection, and served with juicy pineapple and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Perfect over rice, this dish is quick to prepare yet impressive enough for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Marinade/Sauce
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp rice vinegar (optional)
Main Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup pineapple slices or chunks
1–2 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish
2 green onions or chives, thinly sliced, for garnish
Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, ketchup, sesame oil, and rice vinegar (if using) until smooth.
Marinate the Chicken:
Place chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for basting or sauce. Marinate in the fridge for at least 20–30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Cook the Chicken:
Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with reserved marinade, until cooked through and caramelized. Grill pineapple slices alongside for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly charred.
Oven/Broil: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a lined baking sheet, brush with marinade, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through. Broil pineapple for 2–3 minutes to caramelize.
Serve:
Slice the chicken and serve over a bed of white rice. Top with grilled pineapple, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and sliced green onions or chives. Drizzle extra reserved marinade over the top if desired.
Tips & Variations
Chicken Choice:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, while thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Marinade Time:
For best flavor, marinate at least 30 minutes. You can marinate up to 2 hours, but avoid much longer to prevent the pineapple juice from “cooking” the chicken.
Pineapple Prep:
Fresh pineapple works best for grilling and caramelization. Canned pineapple can be used, but pat dry to prevent excess liquid.
Sauce Options:
Reserve half the marinade to use as a glaze while cooking or as a finishing drizzle. For extra thickness, simmer the reserved marinade for 3–5 minutes with a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
Cooking Methods:
Grill: Adds smoky char and caramelized flavor.
Oven/Broiler: Quick and convenient, with similar results.
Skillet/Stovetop: Sear chicken in a pan, then add marinade and simmer until cooked and coated.
Add Vegetables:
Grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus complement the tropical flavor and add color.
Sesame Seeds & Garnish:
Toast sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan to enhance nutty flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also be used.
Rice or Grain Base:
Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Sweetness Adjustment:
Adjust honey or brown sugar in the marinade to taste. For a tangier twist, add a splash of lime juice.
Make Ahead:
Marinate the chicken ahead of time and store in the fridge. The dish can be assembled and cooked just before serving for convenience.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but fully thaw the chicken before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking.
Q: Can I skip the pineapple?
Yes, but the pineapple adds sweetness and acidity that balances the ginger-sesame flavors. You could substitute with mango or peach slices for a similar tropical effect.
Q: How can I thicken the sauce?
Simmer the reserved marinade with a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade.
Q: Can this be cooked entirely on the stovetop?
Absolutely. Sear the chicken in a skillet, then simmer in the marinade until cooked through and glazed.
Nutrition
(per serving, approximate)
Calories: 320
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 12g
Calcium: 4% DV
Iron: 10% DV
(Values may vary depending on chicken type, pineapple, and serving size.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Ginger-Sesame Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple is a vibrant, flavorful dish that balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Juicy chicken paired with caramelized pineapple and a nutty ginger-sesame glaze makes for an easy yet impressive meal. Serve it over rice for a complete dinner, and enjoy a quick weeknight recipe that delivers tropical flavors with minimal effort.