Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Kabobs: Your Ultimate Hawaiian BBQ Experience

Embark on a culinary journey to the tropics with these mouthwatering Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Kabobs! Bursting with sweet and savory Hawaiian flavors, these chicken skewers are grilled to perfection alongside vibrant pineapple chunks and crisp vegetables. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or a festive gathering, these kabobs are a guaranteed hit that will transport your taste buds straight to the islands.

Hawaiian-style grilled chicken is a true crowd-pleaser, beloved by even the most discerning palates. Its irresistible combination of smoky char, rich sweetness, and savory notes makes it an unforgettable dish. Loading these flavorful chicken pieces onto skewers with fresh fruit and colorful veggies not only makes them incredibly fun to eat but also ensures a balanced and satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion.

The Legendary History of Huli Huli Chicken

The story of Huli Huli chicken dates back to the 1950s, when Ernest Morgado, a Hawaiian businessman, first created this iconic dish. Morgado’s ingenious method involved grilling chicken between two racks that he would “huli” (Hawaiian for “turn”) from side to side over hot coals. This distinctive cooking technique, designed to ensure even cooking and thorough basting, gave the chicken its famous name: “Huli-Huli,” or “turn-turn.”

While Ernest Morgado’s original recipe remains a closely guarded trade secret, its legacy lives on through countless delicious interpretations. Our take on this beloved Hawaiian classic captures the essence of the original, delivering a sticky, finger-licking-good chicken that you simply won’t be able to get enough of. The rich history and unique preparation method contribute to the lore and deliciousness of Huli Huli chicken, making it more than just a meal – it’s an experience.

For those who prefer the convenience of a ready-made option, you can find the authentic Huli Huli sauce, based on Ernesto Morgado’s original invention from the Pacific Poultry company, available on Amazon here. However, for an unparalleled fresh flavor, we highly recommend trying our homemade Huli Huli sauce recipe, which we’ve included for your culinary adventure.

The delightful flavor profile of Huli Huli chicken shares a harmonious resemblance to grilled teriyaki chicken, but it truly elevates the experience when combined with the sweet acidity of grilled pineapple and the subtle char of bell peppers. This combination creates a symphony of flavors that is truly out of this world, making these grilled chicken kabobs a standout dish.

We are confident that you will adore this recipe as much as we do, discovering a new favorite for your grilling repertoire!

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At Sweet C’s, we believe in empowering every home cook. As someone without formal culinary training, I’ve learned that understanding “why” a recipe works and the role of each ingredient builds confidence in the kitchen. My goal is to equip even the most beginner home cook with the knowledge and inspiration to create delicious meals.

These Hawaiian Huli Huli chicken kabobs are undoubtedly one of our favorite recipes, offering a playful and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. The skewers make them incredibly fun and easy to serve, perfect for any gathering.

We love preparing these vibrant skewers for parties, pairing them with refreshing fruit salad, creamy Bacon Ranch Potato Salad, crispy Air Fryer French Fries, or a classic macaroni salad. The tropical flavors of the chicken complement a wide array of side dishes, making meal planning a breeze.

This recipe is destined to become a new favorite in your household for many compelling reasons, including:

• It delivers the ultimate sticky, sweet, salty, and savory chicken experience, with flavors that are truly out of this world. Get ready for an explosion of taste!
• If you’re new to grilling chicken kabobs, this guide provides extensive tips to help you achieve perfectly grilled chicken every time, regardless of the recipe you choose. We break down the techniques for success.
• It’s an ideal recipe for entertaining, whether you’re hosting a party or a cookout, thanks to its ease of preparation and ability to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
• You’re looking for a budget-friendly dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor, offering a packed tropical experience using ingredients readily available at any grocery store.

To fully embrace the island spirit, and perhaps add a touch of DIY charm to your home, check out our Quick and Easy Seashell Ornaments. It’s a delightful way to set the mood for your Hawaiian feast!

Grilling is arguably one of the most delicious methods to infuse lean chicken with incredible flavor. However, to ensure your chicken kabobs are consistently tender, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, a few key techniques are essential. Just like with our recipes for Perfect Grilled Chicken Breasts, Grilled Chicken Strips, and Grilled Chimichurri Chicken, there are secrets to achieving grilling greatness.

Essential Tips for Juicy, Tender Chicken Skewers

Here are our top tips for crafting the absolute best Huli Huli chicken kabobs:

• Maximize Flavor with Marination: For the most flavorful chicken imaginable, prepare a batch of the Huli Huli sauce and divide it in half. Use one half to marinate your chicken overnight. Reserve the other half in a jar in the refrigerator for basting the kabobs as they grill. The longer you allow the chicken to marinate, the more tender, juicy, and flavor-packed it will become. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight yields superior results.
• Prevent Burnt Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, it is crucial to soak them properly to prevent them from burning on the grill. Bamboo takes time to absorb moisture, so ensure they are submerged in water for at least 30 minutes, and ideally overnight, for the best outcome. This simple step will prevent frustrating charring and ensure your focus remains on perfectly cooked chicken and vegetables.

The last thing you want is for your delicious Huli Huli chicken and vibrant vegetables to be overshadowed by burnt bamboo skewers. Fortunately, preventing this common grilling mishap is incredibly simple and requires just one crucial step: proper soaking.

Bamboo is an excellent material for skewers, but it’s slow to absorb moisture and equally slow to release it. To prevent your bamboo skewers from catching fire or charring excessively on the hot grill, you must soak them in water. We recommend soaking them for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for truly optimal results and peace of mind, an overnight soak is best.

A convenient way to prepare your skewers is to simply place them in a casserole dish or lasagna pan, fill it with water, and leave them on the counter. This way, they’ll be perfectly saturated and ready for grilling the following day, allowing you to focus on the delicious Hawaiian chicken and vegetables.

Huli Huli sauce, a wildly popular Hawaiian barbecue sauce, shares a delectable kinship with traditional teriyaki. It strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory, primarily featuring a base of soy sauce, fresh ginger, and brown cane sugar, along with a medley of other aromatic spices. This unique blend creates a marinade and glaze that elevates any meat, especially chicken, to new culinary heights.

Crafting your own homemade Huli Huli sauce is surprisingly simple. The key is to vigorously whisk all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and the sugar has completely dissolved. This ensures a smooth, consistent sauce that will coat your chicken beautifully and infuse it with rich flavor.

Once prepared, Huli Huli sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option, allowing you to prepare the sauce in advance for future meals or larger gatherings.

This Huli Huli sauce recipe is also incredibly versatile and easy to scale. You can effortlessly double or triple the batch if you’re planning a big cookout. One batch typically provides enough sauce for about 5 to 6 pounds of chicken or pork, ensuring you’ll have plenty for marinating and basting, with some delicious leftover sauce for dipping or future use.

To prepare your homemade Huli Huli sauce, simply combine the following ingredients in a small bowl and whisk them well until fully integrated and the sugar has dissolved:

• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown cane sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup sherry
• 1-2 Tablespoons sesame oil
• 1-2 pieces fresh ginger, crushed or grated
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• Dash or two of Worcestershire sauce
• Sriracha or Asian chili paste (or red pepper flakes) to taste, for a hint of heat
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

If these Huli Huli Chicken Kabobs have ignited your passion for outdoor cooking, you’re in for a treat! Explore some of our other recent favorite grill and smoker recipes designed to bring delicious, smoky flavors to your table:

You can find our complete collection of grilled and smoked recipes here.

For more delicious poultry ideas, explore our wide range of chicken breast recipes here.

If you loved this easy and flavorful recipe, please consider giving it a five-star rating by clicking the stars below and leaving a comment! Your feedback helps us grow and inspires other home cooks. Please also help us share this delicious recipe on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

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5 from 2 votes

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Kabobs

By: Courtney O’Dell

Servings: 8 skewers

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 13 mins

Total: 28 mins

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Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Kabobs – sweet and savory Hawaiian chicken kabobs with pineapple and vegetables grilled to perfection!

Equipment

• World Market Hawaii’s Famous Huli-Huli Sauce – Hawaiian BBQ Sauce – Meat Rub BBQ Marinade Sauce and Steak Seasoning – 24 Ounce – 1 Pack

Ingredients

• For the Huli Huli sauce:
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown cane sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup sherry
• 1-2 Tablespoon sesame oil
• 1-2 fresh ginger pieces, crushed
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• Dash or two of Worcestershire sauce
• Sriracha or Asian chili paste, or red pepper flakes to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• OR – 1 bottle of the Original Huli Huli Chicken Sauce
• For the chicken kabobs:
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1” cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1” cubes
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1” cubes
• 1 sweet onion, cut into 1” cubes
• ½ pineapple, cut into 1” cubes

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely. Divide the sauce in half; set one half aside for basting later.
2. Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, to prevent burning on the grill.
3. Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes.
4. Place chicken cubes in a plastic bag or large bowl. Pour half of the prepared Huli Huli sauce over the chicken to marinate. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, in the refrigerator for maximum flavor and tenderness.
5. After the chicken has marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 425 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. While the grill preheats, cut the onion, pineapple, and bell peppers (red and green) into 1-inch cubes, similar in size to the chicken pieces.
7. Remove the soaked skewers from the water. Thread the chicken, peppers, pineapple, and onion onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients for an attractive and evenly cooked kabob.
8. Lightly brush a small amount of the leftover marinade (from the chicken bag, which you will discard) onto the assembled skewers and place them directly on the preheated grill. Ensure to discard any remaining chicken marinade and wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken.
9. Cook the chicken kabobs for approximately 5 minutes per side. Then, turn them to the opposite side and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F as measured with an instant-read thermometer.
10. Brush the grilled kabobs generously with the reserved Huli Huli sauce (the half you saved earlier for basting). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the sauce warms through and becomes delightfully sticky and caramelized.
11. Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired, for a touch of freshness.
12. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Kabobs!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 327kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 27gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 1033mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: American

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