If you’re craving a burst of tropical flavors combined with juicy, tender chicken, this Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine perfectly grilled chicken pieces mingled with sweet pineapple, vibrant bell peppers, and red onions, all kissed by a tangy-sweet marinade that packs a taste punch. These kebabs are not just a feast for your palate but also a colorful, cheerful dish that will light up your grill and your table. Whether it’s a casual summer cookout or a fun weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite go-to for impressively simple yet irresistibly delicious grilling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The delightful magic of this Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe lies in its straightforward and fresh ingredients, each playing a crucial role in bringing the right balance of flavors and textures. These components make the dish as appealing to the eyes as it is to your taste buds.
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed into 1½-inch pieces, these provide the tender and juicy protein base.
- 1 red bell pepper: Cut into chunks for a sweet crunch and vibrant color contrast.
- 1 green bell pepper: Also chunked, adding a fresh, slightly grassy note.
- 1 red onion: Chunked to offer a mild sweetness and a bit of bite after grilling.
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks: The star tropical ingredient that adds juicy sweetness and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For brushing the kebabs, ensuring a lovely sear and preventing sticking.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for threading the kebabs; soak wooden ones beforehand to avoid burning.
- Marinade ingredients: ½ cup soy sauce, ⅓ cup pineapple juice, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 cloves garlic (minced), and 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger — these combine to create a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and fresh grated ginger in a medium bowl. This marinade is your secret weapon, blending sweet, salty, tangy, and aromatic notes that soak into every chicken piece. It sets the flavor profile for your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe and promises tender, flavorful bites.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken cubes in a resealable bag or a covered bowl and pour in the marinade. Make sure all pieces are well coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let those flavors sink in, or even better, marinate overnight for an even richer taste. Patience here rewards you with deeply infused, juicy chicken.
Step 3: Prep Your Skewers
If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Then start threading your kebabs, alternating juicy chicken chunks with colorful bell peppers, red onion pieces, and pineapple. This not only ensures each bite is a wonderful mixture of flavors but makes the kebabs look stunning and appetizing.
Step 4: Season and Grill
Lightly brush the assembled kebabs with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper for that essential savory touch. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and cook the kebabs for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. You’re looking for a beautiful charred finish on the chicken and vegetables and that irresistible aroma that means dinner is almost ready!
Step 5: Serve
Once cooked through and beautifully grilled, your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe is ready to serve piping hot. The wonderful caramelized edges on the chicken and pineapple are pure joy to bite into.
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your kebabs, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions to add a bright herbaceous note. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and subtle nuttiness, perfectly complementing the sweet and savory flavors.
Side Dishes
These kebabs shine alongside fluffy coconut rice or a simple steamed jasmine rice, soaking up every drop of flavorful juices. For a fresh contrast, a crisp salad with cucumber, avocado, and a light lime dressing keeps things light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe on a wooden platter lined with banana leaves for an authentic island vibe that impresses guests. You can also slide the cooked kebabs onto a bed of mixed greens or even stuff them into pita pockets for a fun and portable meal option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled promptly maintains the juicy texture of the chicken and freshness of the vegetables.
Freezing
If you want to keep these kebabs longer, freeze them before grilling. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover kebabs gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or on a grill pan over medium heat until warmed through. This will help preserve their juicy texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving on the grill. Just be sure to cut them into similar size chunks and monitor cooking time as they may require a few extra minutes to cook through.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
Marinating for at least 1 hour will give the chicken a good flavor boost. However, marinating overnight allows the pineapple juice and soy-based marinade to deeply penetrate, resulting in even more tender and tasty kebabs.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes! You can use a grill pan or even broil the kebabs in your oven on a high rack. Just watch closely to get those enticing char marks and avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from catching fire and ensures safe grilling. If using metal skewers, this step isn’t required.
Can I add other vegetables to the kebabs?
Definitely! Zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even chunks of mango work great and add extra color and flavor to your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the sweet and tangy combo of pineapple with grilled chicken that just makes this Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe a standout. It’s easy to prepare, fun to cook, and even more delightful to eat. I encourage you to give it a try next time you fire up the grill — it’s sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection and a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Print
Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, American
Description
These Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are a flavorful and vibrant dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Combined with colorful bell peppers, red onion, and fresh pineapple chunks, then grilled to perfection, they make a perfect main course for summer gatherings or a tasty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Kebabs
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Marinade
- ½ cup soy sauce
- â…“ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken cubes into a resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Preheat the grill: About 15 minutes before cooking, preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot enough to give nice grill marks and cook the chicken evenly.
- Assemble the kebabs: Thread the marinated chicken pieces alternately with red bell pepper chunks, green bell pepper chunks, red onion chunks, and fresh pineapple chunks onto the skewers. Leave a small space between pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Season and oil: Lightly brush the assembled kebabs with olive oil on all sides, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Grill the kebabs: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to cook all sides evenly and to develop char marks. The chicken should be cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the kebabs from the grill and serve hot. They pair excellently with extra pineapple chunks or steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning or charring.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the skewers for extra variety and nutrition.
- For a spicier twist, add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade before marinating the chicken.
