Name: Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos with Pineapple, Mango, and Avocado Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: ½ cup pineapple juice; ½ cup brown sugar; 6 tablespoons ketchup; 6 tablespoons soy sauce; 3 tablespoons chicken broth; 1 ¼ teaspoons fresh ginger, minced; ¾ teaspoon garlic, minced; 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast; 24 mini corn tortillas; 1 cup pineapple, diced; 1 cup fresh mango, diced; 1 cup avocado, diced; ½ cup cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; Pinch of sea salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 3 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant twist on taco night, then you absolutely need to try this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos with Pineapple, Mango, and Avocado Salsa Recipe. Imagine tender, smoky grilled chicken glazed in a sweet and savory marinade paired with a bright, tropical salsa that brings bursts of juicy pineapple, luscious mango, and creamy avocado in every bite. It’s a celebration of flavors and textures that feels both fresh and comforting—perfect for sharing with friends or spicing up your weekly dinner routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A transparent clear bowl filled with three pieces of raw chicken, soaked in a dark reddish-brown liquid marinade that has bits of garlic and spices floating in it. The three pieces of chicken are pale pink with a smooth texture and are arranged with two larger pieces on the left side and one smaller piece on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with small black specks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward but incredibly effective. Each one plays a key role in building the bold flavor profile and the gorgeous color palette that makes this dish such a stand-out. From the tangy pineapple juice in the marinade to the creamy avocado in the salsa, every element comes together to create a fun and tasty meal.

½ cup pineapple juice: Adds natural sweetness and tropical zest for the marinade.
½ cup brown sugar: Balances savory flavors with rich caramel notes.
6 tablespoons ketchup: Lends tangy depth and a touch of umami to the sauce.
6 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings salty, savory complexity that complements the sweetness.
3 tablespoons chicken broth: Keeps the marinade moist and flavorful.
1 ¼ teaspoons fresh ginger, minced: Fresh spice that brightens the marinade.
¾ teaspoon garlic, minced: Adds aromatic punch and warmth.
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast: Tender protein that soaks up all those flavors beautifully.
24 mini corn tortillas: Perfect for handheld bites and adding a subtle corn flavor.
1 cup pineapple, diced: Sweet and juicy for the fresh salsa.
1 cup fresh mango, diced: Adds vibrant color and tropical sweetness.
1 cup avocado, diced: Creamy texture that balances the acidity.
½ cup cilantro, chopped: Fresh herbal brightness to lift the salsa.
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Gives the salsa that zingy pop of citrus.
Pinch sea salt: Enhances every flavor and ties everything together.

How to Make Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos with Pineapple, Mango, and Avocado Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken

Start by whisking together pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, chicken broth, ginger, and garlic in a large bowl. This mixture blends sweet, salty, and spicy notes to create that classic Huli Huli flavor. Reserve one cup of this marinade in a separate bowl—this little trick lets you baste the chicken later without contaminating the rest. Then add the chicken breasts to the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for 30 minutes so all those delicious flavors soak in.

Step 2: Assemble the Tropical Salsa

While the chicken marinates, combine diced pineapple, mango, avocado, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice in another bowl. Toss everything gently to mix but keep the chunks intact—that way, each salsa spoonful bursts with texture and flavor. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and cover it to keep the fresh flavors vibrant until you’re ready to serve.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Heat up a grill pan over medium heat and lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade—never reuse it for safety reasons. Grill the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until it’s perfectly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. During grilling, baste the chicken occasionally with the reserved marinade you set aside earlier to seal in moisture and add an extra layer of smoky sweetness. Once cooked, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces perfect for tossing into your tortillas.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Warm mini corn tortillas just before serving to make them soft and pliable. Then load them up generously with the diced Huli Huli chicken and a spoonful or two of the luscious pineapple, mango, and avocado salsa. Each bite delivers an exciting fusion of smoky, sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

How to Serve Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos with Pineapple, Mango, and Avocado Salsa Recipe

The image shows a white plate with five small soft tortillas arranged side by side. Each tortilla has three main visible layers: the bottom layer is warm, lightly charred tortilla, the middle layer is chunks of light brown grilled meat, and the top layer includes bright yellow diced mango, green diced avocado, finely chopped cilantro, and thin purple cabbage strips. A lime wedge sits near the tacos on the plate, with some scattered green cilantro leaves around. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with a blurred background showing a tiny white bowl of green herbs and a dark cup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple, but irresistible! A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or a few thin slices of jalapeño can add color and a kick if you love a little heat. A drizzle of lime crema or a light brush of extra reserved marinade over the tacos just before serving brings all the flavors together and adds shine. These garnishes make the experience feel festive and polished without any fuss.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, consider some lightly salted tortilla chips with guacamole or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. A side of black beans or coconut rice really boosts the tropical vibe and keeps things hearty. Whichever you choose, opt for lighter, fresh sides that complement but don’t overpower the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

These tacos look fantastic stacked high on a wooden board garnished with lime wedges and small bowls of extra salsa and hot sauce. For parties, serve everything buffet-style so guests can build their own tacos just the way they like. You could also turn the salsa into a colorful salad bowl next to grilled chicken on a platter, letting everyone load their own tortillas at the table. This recipe invites sharing and joy, so get creative and have fun with your presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover grilled chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days, while the fresh salsa is best enjoyed within 24 hours to maintain its bright flavor and creamy texture.

Freezing

Chicken can be frozen after cooking if you want to prep ahead. Place cooled, diced chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. However, the salsa, with fresh mango and avocado, isn’t freezer-friendly as it will lose its texture and color once thawed.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or reserved marinade to keep it moist. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness. Serve immediately with fresh salsa and warmed tortillas for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative that adds a bit more juiciness and richness to the tacos. Just adjust grilling time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

How spicy is this Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos with Pineapple, Mango, and Avocado Salsa Recipe?

This recipe is naturally mild and focuses on sweet and tangy flavors. If you enjoy spicy food, you can easily add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce either in the salsa or as a garnish to kick up the heat.

What if I don’t have a grill pan?

No worries! You can cook the chicken on a regular skillet, bake it in the oven, or even use a grill outdoors. Just make sure the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature to guarantee it’s cooked safely and remains juicy.

Is it better to use fresh or canned pineapple juice in the marinade?

Fresh pineapple juice is ideal because it has vibrant, natural sweetness and flavor, but canned pineapple juice works well in a pinch too. Just choose one without added sugars or preservatives for the best result.

Can I make the salsa ahead of time?

You can prep the salsa ingredients a few hours in advance, but it’s best to add the avocado and lime juice right before serving to avoid browning and keep it tasting fresh and bright.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos with Pineapple, Mango, and Avocado Salsa Recipe is pure sunshine on a plate that will brighten up any mealtime. The blend of sweet, savory, and fresh ingredients creates such a fulfilling and joyful eating experience, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Give it a try and watch how it turns a simple dinner into a little tropical celebration you’ll want to share with everyone you love!

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos with Pineapple, Mango, and Avocado Salsa Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need