Grilled Huli Huli Chicken and Pineapple Skewers

Get ready to take a flavor-packed trip to the islands with these dynamite Grilled Huli Huli Chicken and Pineapple Skewers! Juicy chunks of marinated chicken, perfectly grilled to tender perfection, alongside sweet and tangy pineapple chunks, all skewered up for a taste bud extravaganza!

Picture this: the grill’s fired up, the scent of that Huli Huli marinade—packed with soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and a kick of garlic and ginger—wafting through the air, creating a symphony of flavors you can practically taste just by smelling it!

Once those kabobs hit the grill, it’s game on! That sizzle, that caramelization—pure magic happening right before your eyes! And let’s not forget the pineapple, folks! It’s like nature’s candy, getting all caramelized and sweet, while still bringing that tropical punch to the party!

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken and Pineapple Skewers bring a taste of Hawaii to our backyards. This dish, known for its balance of savory and sweet flavors, is a summertime favorite that’s both delightful to the palate and pleasing to the eye. The magic of Huli Huli lies in the marinade, a concoction of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a hint of pineapple juice, which together create a rich, caramelized glaze when grilled.

Our approach to crafting these skewers ensures that every piece of chicken is infused with the signature Huli Huli flavor. As we soak the chicken in marinade, the pineapple chunks get their moment too, taking on some of the sauce’s flavor. The result is a skewer that’s not only moist and tender but also carries the taste of the tropics in each bite. The smoky char from the grill highlights the marinade’s sweetness and provides a subtle contrast to the juicy pineapple.

Crafting the perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken and Pineapple Skewers requires selecting quality ingredients that will harmonize to create a savory, tropical dish. Below, we’ll detail the components necessary for the chicken preparation and the best choice of pineapple.

Chicken Preparation

For the chicken aspect of the skewers, we’ll need:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: approximately 1.5 pounds, cut into cubes.
• Huli Huli marinade: a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, fresh ginger, minced garlic, will amplify the flavor; measurements can vary based on preference and quantity of chicken.
• Skewers: either metal or bamboo. Bamboo skewers should soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

What can you serve with this Grilled Huli Huli Chicken and Pineapple Skewers?

• Serving Suggestions

  When we prepare Grilled Huli Huli Chicken and Pineapple Skewers, we have the perfect opportunity to complement the main dish with side dishes that highlight its tropical and savory flavors. Here are our top picks for sides that will round out your meal:

  Starchy Sides:

  • Pineapple Rice: The sweet accents in the pineapple pair exquisitely with the savory chicken.

  Vegetable Sides:

  • Lemon Butter Broccoli: The zesty lemon brightens the plate, while the buttery texture balances the char of the grill.
  • Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Choose an assortment of bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for a colorful and healthy addition.

  Salads:

  • Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad: An innovative twist that combines the sweetness of corn with a punchy salad base.
  • Asian Smashed Cucumbers: Their chilled and crisp nature offers a refreshing contrast.

  Breads:

  • Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls are always a welcome addition to soak up any extra sauce.
  • Ohana Noodles: Tossed with a sesame oil and soy dressing, these noodles complement the chicken’s marinade.

  We recommend selecting sides that suit your personal taste while balancing the sweet and savory flavor profile of the Huli Huli chicken. Enjoy crafting a well-rounded menu that will transport your taste buds to the islands with every bite.

Some tips:

Grilling Technique

In this section, we’ll detail the steps to ensure your Grilled Huli Huli Chicken and Pineapple Skewers come out perfectly every time. We cover how to skewer your ingredients, set up your grill, and achieve the optimal cooking temperature and duration.

Skewering

Before grilling, proper skewering is essential. We recommend using metal skewers as they are more durable and conduct heat well, which helps cook the chicken from the inside. Thread the chicken and pineapple onto the skewers, ensuring not to overcrowd them to promote even cooking. 

Grill Setup

• Ensure the grill grates are clean and apply a light coating of oil to prevent sticking (be sure to oil the grates BEFORE heating the them. NEVER oil a heated grill grate!).
• For the perfect sear, preheat your grill to high direct heat. For gas grills, that’s around 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and for charcoal grills, distribute the coals to create a high-heat zone.  This setup mimics the traditional Hawaiian technique and gives those desirable grill marks.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Once the grill is set, place the skewers directly over the heat. Cooking times can vary but aim for a total of 10 minutes, flipping every minute for even cooking. An instant-read thermometer should register an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the chicken. Cooking at a medium-high heat ensures the chicken is both safe to eat and still juicy, while the pineapple gets a nice caramelization.

Frequently Asked Questions

In our experience with grilling, these are some of the most common questions we get about making Grilled Huli Huli Chicken and Pineapple Skewers.

What ingredients are required to make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken and Pineapple Skewers?

To craft these skewers, you will need chicken thighs or breasts, pineapple chunks, and an assortment of ingredients for the Huli Huli sauce which includes pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, ginger, garlic, and sometimes Sriracha or sesame oil.

How can you adapt the Huli Huli chicken skewer recipe for cooking in an oven?

For oven adaptation, arrange the marinated chicken and pineapple skewers on a baking sheet and bake at a high temperature – around 425°F – turning halfway through until the chicken is caramelized and cooked through, roughly 25-30 minutes.

Is there a way to prepare Huli Huli chicken and pineapple skewers using an air fryer?

Certainly! Cook the skewers in the air fryer at 380°F for about 12-15 minutes, turning them once. The key is to ensure the chicken is no longer pink and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

How can you modify the Huli Huli chicken recipe to suit a low-carb diet?

Simply swap the soy sauce for a low-sodium version, use a low-carb sweetener in place of honey, and serve the skewers with a side of low-carb vegetables instead of rice.

If you LOVE this Grilled Huli Huli Chicken and Pineapple Skewers recipe, try this Hawaiian Shrimp Kabobs recipe OR these Italian Steak Kabobs with Roasted Garlic Basting Sauce!

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