Huli Huli Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken and sweet pineapple grilled to perfection in a tangy, savory Hawaiian-style marinade. These skewers bring the taste of the islands right to your backyard barbecue, ready in under an hour.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Marinade & Marinate Chicken
- b.In a small saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- c.Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- d.Carefully measure and reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the marinade in a separate bowl for basting later. Allow it to cool.
- e.Place the chicken cubes in a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Assemble the Skewers
- b.If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- c.Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with chunks of red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and fresh pineapple.
- d.Leave a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Basting Glaze
- b.In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water together to create a smooth slurry.
- c.Pour the reserved 1/2 cup of marinade into the saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- d.Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering marinade. Continue to whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glaze. Remove from heat.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Grill the Skewers
- b.Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Clean the grates and lightly oil them with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- c.Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes.
- d.During the final 3-4 minutes of grilling, generously brush the thickened glaze over all sides of the skewers.
- e.The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender-crisp with a nice char.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest, Garnish, and Serve
- b.Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a platter.
- c.Let the skewers rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- d.Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest results, use chicken thighs. If you prefer chicken breast, be careful not to overcook it.
- 2Soaking wooden skewers is crucial to prevent them from catching fire on the grill.
- 3Do not marinate the chicken for more than 8 hours, as the acid in the pineapple juice can break down the meat and make it mushy.
- 4Cut the chicken and vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
- 5Always reserve the basting sauce *before* it touches the raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- 6Ensure your grill is properly preheated to get a nice char and prevent the skewers from sticking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This marinade works wonderfully with pork tenderloin, shrimp, or firm tofu. Adjust grilling times accordingly (shrimp will cook much faster).
Vegetable Add insVegetable Add-ins
Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the skewers.
Add Some HeatAdd Some Heat
For a spicy kick, add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Oven Baked MethodOven-Baked Method
If you don't have a grill, bake the skewers on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through and basting with the glaze in the last 5 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Bell peppers and pineapple are packed with Vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts immunity. Bell peppers also provide Vitamin A, which is important for vision and skin health.
Contains Digestive Enzymes
Fresh pineapple contains bromelain, a natural enzyme that can aid in the digestion of proteins and may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two skewers contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the exact size of the chicken and vegetable pieces. This estimate includes the chicken, vegetables, and marinade.