When it comes to summertime cookouts, there’s nothing more delicious than huli huli chicken.
This iconic Hawaiian dish is sure to be the star of your next barbecue, but what should you serve alongside it?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll be exploring 15 tasty side dishes that are perfect for serving with huli huli chicken.
From succulent salads and savory sides to sweet desserts, there’s something here for everyone.
So fire up the grill and let’s get cooking!
Why These Side Dishes Goes Well With Huli Huli Chicken – By Chef Natalie
To save you time, and to make your decision easy, I have built a nice chart on why these side dishes go well with Huli Huli Chicken!
| Side Dish | Why it goes well with Huli Huli Chicken |
|---|---|
| Grilled Pineapple | The sweet and smoky flavors of grilled pineapple complement the tangy and savory flavors of Huli Huli Chicken perfectly. |
| Macaroni Salad | The creamy and slightly tangy macaroni salad provides a refreshing contrast to the bold and flavorful Huli Huli Chicken. |
| Rice Pilaf | Rice pilaf serves as a neutral and comforting side dish that helps balance the flavors of Huli Huli Chicken and adds a filling element. |
| Coleslaw | The crisp and cool coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that complements the tender and juicy Huli Huli Chicken. |
| Grilled Corn On The Cob | The smoky and slightly charred flavors of grilled corn on the cob complement the grilled flavors of Huli Huli Chicken. |
| Baked Potatoes | Baked potatoes provide a hearty and starchy component that pairs well with the bold flavors of Huli Huli Chicken. |
| Coconut Rice | The subtle sweetness and coconut flavor of coconut rice enhance the tropical and Asian-inspired flavors of Huli Huli Chicken. |
| Grilled Veggies | Grilled vegetables add a light and healthy element to the meal, providing a contrast to the rich and flavorful Huli Huli Chicken. |
| Sweet Potato Fries | The natural sweetness and crispy texture of sweet potato fries complement the savory and tangy flavors of Huli Huli Chicken. |
| Ambrosia Salad | The combination of fruits and creamy dressing in ambrosia salad adds a refreshing and sweet element that pairs well with Huli Huli Chicken. |
| Hawaiian Rolls | Soft and slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls are a classic accompaniment to Huli Huli Chicken, providing a vehicle for enjoying the flavors. |
| Fruit Salad | A light and refreshing fruit salad provides a contrast to the savory flavors of Huli Huli Chicken, offering a burst of freshness. |
| Guava Cake | Guava cake adds a tropical touch to the meal, complementing the flavors of Huli Huli Chicken with its fruity and sweet profile. |
| Coconut Pudding | Creamy and coconutty, coconut pudding adds a luscious and tropical element to the meal, harmonizing with the flavors of Huli Huli Chicken. |
| Pineapple Upside-Down Cake | Pineapple upside-down cake echoes the tropical flavor of Huli Huli Chicken and adds a delightful sweetness to the meal. |
| Plantain Chips | The crispy and slightly salty plantain chips provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender Huli Huli Chicken. |
1. Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple is the perfect accompaniment to huli huli chicken.
It’s sweet and tangy, a wonderful contrast to the subtle smoky flavor of the chicken.
Plus, it takes no time at all to prepare!
Simply cut a ripe pineapple into rings and remove the core.
Heat up your grill or a griddle pan on medium-high heat and brush each ring with oil or melted butter.
Grill for several minutes on each side until you get nice char marks and the pineapple is softened but still al dente.
To finish it off, sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt.
Serve alongside your delicious huli huli chicken for an unforgettable meal!
2. Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is an essential side dish to serve with huli huli chicken.
It’s a classic American picnic favorite that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.
Made with elbow macaroni noodles, creamy mayo, tangy apple cider vinegar, and crunchy celery, macaroni salad adds a delicious contrast of textures to the meal:
- The soft, chewy noodles
- The smooth, creamy sauce
- The crunchy celery
The perfect macaroni salad will have a balance of flavors that can stand up against the boldness of huli huli chicken.
A little bit of sugar helps bring out the sweetness in the barbecue sauce while diced onion adds some smokiness and spice to liven things up.
For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some pickle relish or chopped dill pickles for brightness and zest.
To complete this classic summer side dish, top it off with paprika for added color and flavor.
3. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is an ideal companion to huli huli chicken.
It adds a flavorful twist to the traditional take on this Hawaiian dish and can be customized with a variety of ingredients to suit any palate.
To make a simple version of rice pilaf, begin by adding 2 Tablespoons of butter or olive oil to a large saucepan over medium heat.
When the butter has melted, add 1 chopped onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
Then stir in 1 cup long grain white rice and cook another 2 minutes until the rice is lightly browned.
Add 2 cups chicken broth and bring it to boil; reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer until all liquid is absorbed about 15 minutes.
Once cooked, season with salt and pepper before serving alongside huli huli chicken for a delicious meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter/Olive Oil | 2 Tablespoons |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Long Grain White Rice | 1 Cup |
| Chicken Broth | 2 Cups |
| Salt & Pepper (to taste) | – |
With this recipe in hand, you’ll have a savory side dish ready in no time that will perfectly complement your homemade huli huli chicken.
4. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a perfect side to serve with huli huli chicken.
Its crunchy texture complements the savory flavors of the marinade, and its lightness helps to balance out the spiciness of the dish.
Making your own coleslaw is surprisingly easy.
Start by mixing together cabbage, carrots, and onions in a bowl.
To make the dressing, mix together mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt in another bowl until everything is fully incorporated.
Pour this mixture over your cabbage mixture and stir well to coat all of the vegetables evenly.
Refrigerate your coleslaw for at least an hour before serving so that all of the flavors can meld together and intensify.
Serve coleslaw on its own or as a topping for juicy huli huli chicken sandwiches.
Its creamy yet tangy flavor will be sure to add something special to your meal!
5. Grilled Corn On The Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a summertime staple that makes an excellent companion to huli huli chicken.
Sizzling in butter and seasoning, each cob is served piping hot with a crunchy bite and sweet aroma.
The perfect accompaniment to any barbecue meal, here are just three reasons why grilled corn on the cob is the ideal dish for your huli huli chicken:
- Its sweetness balances out the savory flavors of the chicken
- It’s easy to prepare and cook quickly
- Grilling brings out its natural flavor
There’s nothing like biting into freshly grilled corn on the cob, each kernel bursting with flavor that perfectly complements your plate of huli huli chicken.
So when you fire up the grill for your next backyard barbecue, make sure you include some cobs of corn for an unforgettable summer meal.
6. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with huli huli chicken.
They can be cooked in the oven, on the stove, or even in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.
The potato’s natural creaminess is complimented by the sweet and savory flavor of the chicken, making it a great companion dish.
Below is an overview of how to cook these delightful potatoes:
| Method | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 45 mins | 425°F |
| Stovetop | 10-15 mins | Medium High Heat |
| Microwave | 5-7 mins | High Power Level |
First, preheat your oven to 425°F if baking them in there.
Wash and scrub your potatoes before slicing them into cubes.
Place them on a greased baking sheet and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Bake for 45 minutes until they are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
If cooking on the stovetop, place cubed potatoes in a large skillet over medium-high heat with some oil or butter.
Saute for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Finally, if using the microwave, use a high power level to cook for 5-7 minutes or until done.
Adjust cooking time based on the size of potato cubes used. Serve alongside huli huli chicken for a complete meal!
For those looking for both convenience and great taste, baked potatoes are an excellent choice to enjoy with this popular Hawaiian dish!
7. Coconut Rice
Moving on from baked potatoes, coconut rice is a great side dish to serve with huli huli chicken.
This sweet and nutty side dish adds a wonderful flavor to the meal.
To make this delicious accompaniment, first combine one cup of long-grain white rice with one can of coconut milk, 1/4 cup of water, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a medium saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer for 20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
Once done cooking, fluff the rice with a fork and season with additional salt if desired.
This easy-to-make recipe comes together in no time at all and is sure to be loved by everyone at your dinner table.
Coconut rice pairs perfectly with huli huli chicken thanks to its creamy texture and subtle sweetness that complements the flavors of the dish.
Enjoy this flavorful side alongside your favorite Hawaiian main course for an unforgettable meal!
8. Grilled Veggies
Grilled veggies are the perfect accompaniment to huli huli chicken.
Roasted corn on the cob, tender asparagus spears, and juicy bell peppers give a delicious crunch to the smoky flavor of the chicken.
Plus, they’re easy to throw together on the grill!
To start, season your vegetables with a mix of olive oil, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Then toss them onto your pre-heated grill and let them sizzle until they’re lightly charred.
Be sure to turn them occasionally so all sides cook evenly.
When your vegetables are done cooking, plate them up with your huli huli chicken for a summertime meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Enjoy!
9. Sweet Potato Fries
For a side dish to go with your huli huli chicken, look no further than sweet potato fries.
These golden-brown morsels of delight are sure to be a hit with any crowd, making them an ideal accompaniment for your tropical-inspired meal.
Start by cutting up two or three large sweet potatoes into strips.
Be sure to keep the pieces the same size so they cook evenly.
Then toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, and salt until they’re fully coated.
Spread out the fries on a greased baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes.
Once they’re nice and crisp, serve with your favorite dipping sauce – maybe some honey mustard or barbecue sauce? Or try mixing some mayo with sriracha for an extra kick!
Sweet potato fries are a great way to add a little sweetness to your savory huli huli chicken dinner. Enjoy!
10. Ambrosia Salad
The succulent flavors of huli huli chicken are truly incomparable.
The sweet and savory combination sends taste buds into a tantalizing flurry of excitement.
To accompany this delicious dish, try a side of ambrosia salad.
This fruity delight is sure to enrapture the senses and provide a heavenly contrast to the robust flavor of the main course.
Ambrosia salad contains fresh fruits such as oranges, pineapple, and bananas that are combined with shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, and mini marshmallows for an extra layer of sweetness.
A creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice lightly coats all the ingredients for a bright and zesty finish.
From its vibrant colors to its unique texture, ambrosia salad is a delightful addition to any meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
11. Hawaiian Rolls
No summer barbecue is complete without a delicious side dish, and Hawaiian rolls are the perfect accompaniment to huli huli chicken.
These pillowy rolls, with their hint of sweetness and golden-brown crust, offer an ideal balance to the slightly spicy and savory flavors of huli huli chicken.
Plus, they’re easy to make and transport, making them an ideal choice for outdoor picnics or family gatherings.
Hawaiian rolls are made with enriched dough and pineapple juice, giving them a soft texture and a subtle hint of sweetness.
They’re brushed with melted butter before baking, ensuring that their golden-brown crust gets nice and crisp in the oven.
When served warm, these sweet rolls are simply irresistible!
These delectable treats are easily customizable too – you can add herbs or spices to the dough if you like, or top them with sesame seeds before baking for a little added crunch.
No matter how you make them, Hawaiian rolls are sure to be a hit with your guests when served alongside huli huli chicken. Satisfy everyone’s appetite with this classic combination; it’s sure to be remembered long after the meal is over!
12. Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a classic accompaniment to huli huli chicken.
It’s an easy dish to prepare and can be served both warm or cold.
The perfect fruit salad should have a mix of sweet and tart flavors, so it pairs well with the sweet teriyaki glaze on the chicken.
Start by gathering your favorite fruits for the salad.
Choose from sweet options like pineapples, oranges, apples, pears, bananas, kiwis, peaches, and mangoes for bright citrus notes, and bring in some tartness with berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
To add more texture to the dish include some crunchy items like almonds or walnuts as well as something creamy like avocado or coconut flakes.
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl with some honey and lime juice for dressing.
A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves provides a nice finishing touch that will elevate your fruit salad into something extraordinary.
Serve it alongside your huli huli chicken for a delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at your dinner table.
13. Guava Cake
Guava Cake is a perfect accompaniment to Huli Huli Chicken.
The sweet, tropical flavor of guava pairs perfectly with the zesty, smoky flavors of the chicken.
A light and fluffy guava cake can be the perfect way to finish off a flavorful meal.
To make this simple yet delicious dessert, start by preheating your oven to 350°F.
Next, sift together all-purpose flour and baking powder in a bowl and set aside.
In another bowl cream together butter, sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy.
Then add in some mashed guavas along with the flour mixture and mix until fully combined.
Spread the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan before baking for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once cooled, top with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat that will surely impress all your guests!
14. Coconut Pudding
Coconut pudding is the perfect dessert to serve with a Hawaiian-style huli huli chicken feast.
It’s a light, creamy custard that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of the main dish.
The classic recipe is made with coconut milk, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract.
For an even more indulgent treat, top it with whipped cream or shredded coconut flakes before serving!
Making coconut pudding is surprisingly easy. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main ingredients:
Coconut milk
Egg yolks
Sugar
Vanilla Extract
Optional toppings:
Whipped cream
Shredded coconut flakes
Fresh fruit like mango or pineapple slices
To make the pudding, start by whisking together egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
Gradually add in the coconut milk while stirring continuously until everything is well combined.
Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat while stirring continuously to avoid burning the bottom.
Once thickened and bubbling, reduce heat and simmer for another couple of minutes before removing from heat to cool down completely.
Serve chilled or at room temperature topped with your choice of optional toppings! Enjoy!
15. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Transitioning from the creamy, tropical flavors of Coconut Pudding to the delightful sweetness of Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a tantalizing experience.
This classic treat can be a showstopper on any dinner table, especially when served with huli huli chicken.
The combination is sure to delight even the most discerning taste buds.
The classic flavors of this cake are simple and delicious.
A layer of sweet pineapple sits atop a moist butter cake that’s baked with a brown sugar glaze.
For an extra burst of flavor, top it off with some maraschino cherries.
The presentation alone is enough to take your breath away!
When you serve Pineapple Upside-Down Cake alongside huli huli chicken, the two dishes combine for a truly memorable meal.
With its bold, tangy flavors and moist texture, the chicken pairs perfectly with the sweet and tender flavors of the cake for an unforgettable feast.
Conclusion
I’m sure everyone will agree that huli huli chicken is a delicious dish.
To top it off, you can serve it with these 15 dishes.
From grilled pineapple and macaroni salad to guava cake and coconut pudding, there’s something for everyone.
This combination of flavors and textures will be sure to have your guests raving about the meal long after they’ve gone home.
So the next time you’re hosting a cookout or family gathering, try serving up some huli huli chicken with these tasty sides – I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed!
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