Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tropical Flavor: The combination of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and tangy glaze creates a mouthwatering, tropical-inspired dish.

Perfect for Grilling: Ideal for summer cookouts or anytime you want to enjoy a flavorful grilled meal.

Healthy and Balanced: Packed with lean chicken, vibrant veggies, and fresh pineapple, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.

Customizable: You can easily swap out veggies or add more variety to the skewers depending on your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Marinade

1/3 cup ketchup

1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup canned pineapple juice

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus more for brushing the grill

1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Kebabs

1 3/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes

3 cups fresh pineapple, cubed (about 3/4 of a 3-pound pineapple)

1 1/2 large green bell peppers, chopped into 1 1/4-inch pieces

1 large red onion, chopped into 1 1/4-inch pieces

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, dark brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste.

Marinate the Chicken: Place the cubed chicken in a gallon-sized resealable bag. Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade in the refrigerator. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.

Prepare the Veggies: Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the red onion, green bell pepper, and pineapple. Toss to coat evenly and season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Skewers: Soak 10 wooden skewers in cold water for 1 hour to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken, red onion, bell pepper, and pineapple onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients until all the chicken is used.

Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat, about 400°F (200°C). Brush the grill grates with olive oil.

Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5 minutes. Brush the tops with 1/4 cup of the reserved marinade, then rotate the skewers and brush the other side with the remaining marinade.

Finish Grilling: Continue grilling for about 4 minutes longer, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) at the center. Remove the skewers from the grill and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10 servings (9 to 10 kebabs)

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add More Veggies: Add more colorful veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a different twist on these skewers.

Spicy Kick: Add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy version of the skewers.

Grilling Fruit: Try adding other fruits like mango or peaches for a tropical variation.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat the skewers on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may lose some of their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple?

Fresh pineapple is best for optimal flavor and texture, but frozen pineapple can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s well-drained before grilling.

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken and prep the veggies ahead of time. Assemble the skewers just before grilling. You can also store the marinated chicken and veggies in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before grilling.

Can I use store-bought marinade?

Yes, you can use a store-bought marinade if you’re short on time. Just ensure it complements the flavors of pineapple and soy sauce.

Can I cook these skewers in the oven?

Yes, you can cook the skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden. You can also broil them for a few minutes at the end to get a nice char.

Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?

Yes, metal skewers can be used instead of wooden ones. Just be sure to use tongs to turn the skewers while grilling, as the metal handles will get hot.

Can I add more sauce to the skewers?

Absolutely! If you like extra glaze, feel free to brush on additional marinade while grilling. Just be careful not to burn the marinade with direct heat.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C) at the center to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Can I make these skewers without grilling?

Yes, you can cook the skewers in a grill pan on the stovetop or in the oven. Simply preheat the pan or oven and cook the skewers as you would on the grill, making sure to flip them for even cooking.

What should I serve with these skewers?

These skewers pair perfectly with coconut rice, a fresh green salad, or grilled veggies. You can also serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken. Place it in a resealable bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before assembling and grilling the skewers.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making them an ideal choice for summer grilling. With tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and colorful veggies, these skewers bring a taste of the tropics to your table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a casual meal at home, these skewers are sure to impress!

Print