Grilled Hawaiian-Style Chicken Skewers are a vibrant and mouthwatering dish made with tender marinated chicken, juicy pineapple, and colorful bell peppers and red onions. Grilled to perfection, these skewers are perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with sweet and tangy tropical flavors
• Simple ingredients, big results
• Perfectly tender and juicy grilled chicken
• A fun and colorful dish that looks as great as it tastes
• Great for meal prep and customizable to your taste
• Ideal for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners
• Easy to make and even easier to enjoy

ingredients

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

For the 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
• 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Kebabs:

• 1 3/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into 1 1/4-inch cubes
• 3 heaping cups fresh cubed pineapple (about 3/4 of a 3-pound pineapple)
• 1 1/2 large green bell peppers, cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 large red onion, cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces

directions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Add 3/4 teaspoon pepper and salt to taste.
2. Place chicken in a gallon-sized resealable bag. Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade in the refrigerator, then pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 1 hour.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in cold water for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat a grill over medium heat to 400°F (200°C).
5. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the red onion, bell pepper, and pineapple. Toss and season with salt and pepper.
6. Thread the chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients until all the chicken is used.
7. Lightly oil grill grates. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 5 minutes.
8. Brush tops with 1/4 cup of reserved marinade. Flip skewers and brush with the remaining 1/4 cup of marinade.
9. Grill for about 4 more minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
10. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 9 to 10 kebabs
• Prep time: 25 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken thighs: Swap chicken breast for boneless skinless thighs for a juicier bite.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade.
• Different veggies: Try adding zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
• Oven-baked: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, rotating occasionally.
• Extra glaze: Make more marinade and thicken it with cornstarch to use as a sauce over rice.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the grill, stovetop, or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken?

It’s best to marinate the chicken for 1 hour. Avoid going longer to prevent the texture from becoming mushy.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Fresh pineapple is recommended for best flavor and texture. Canned pineapple tends to be too soft and less flavorful.

Do I have to use skewers?

Skewers make it fun and easy to grill, but you can also cook the components in a grill basket or on a sheet pan.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the marinade and cut the veggies and chicken in advance. Assemble the skewers just before grilling.

What sides go well with Hawaiian chicken kebabs?

Great options include white rice, coconut rice, coleslaw, macaroni salad, or grilled corn on the cob.

Can I freeze these kebabs?

Freezing assembled kebabs is not recommended due to texture changes in the vegetables. Freeze just the marinated chicken if needed.

How do I prevent the skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in cold water for at least 1 hour before grilling to prevent burning.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, easily double the ingredients for a larger crowd. Make sure to grill in batches if needed.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the skewers in the oven.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Conclusion

These Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are a vibrant, flavorful addition to any meal rotation. With their sweet, tangy marinade and colorful mix of ingredients, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your next cookout or family dinner. Customize them to your liking, pair with your favorite sides, and enjoy a taste of the tropics at home.

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