Name: Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup ketchup; 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar; 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from canned); 4 tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp minced ginger; 1/2 tsp sesame oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 3/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed (1 1/4-inch pieces); 3 cups fresh pineapple cubes (from about 3/4 of a 3 lb pineapple); 1 1/2 large green bell peppers, cubed; 1 large red onion, cubed

Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are a vibrant and flavorful summertime dish featuring juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, colorful peppers, and red onion, all glazed with a tangy tropical marinade. Grilled to perfection, they make the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal for barbecues, picnics, or weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These kebabs combine the best of sweet and savory flavors. The pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill, while the chicken stays juicy thanks to the quick marinade. Bright peppers and onions add crunch, color, and balance. Easy to prepare, fun to eat, and bursting with island-inspired flavor, these kebabs are a guaranteed family favorite. Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

Ingredients

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

Marinade:
1/3 cup ketchup
1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup pineapple juice (from canned)
4 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp minced ginger
1/2 tsp sesame oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Kebabs:
1 3/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed (1 1/4-inch pieces)
3 cups fresh pineapple cubes (from about 3/4 of a 3 lb pineapple)
1 1/2 large green bell peppers, cubed
1 large red onion, cubed

Directions

In a bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Reserve 1/2 cup marinade in the refrigerator. Place chicken cubes in a resealable bag, pour remaining marinade over, seal, and refrigerate for 1 hour. Soak 10 wooden skewers in water if using.
Preheat grill to 400°F (200°C). Toss onion, peppers, and pineapple with remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Thread chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onion onto skewers.
Brush grill grates with oil, then place skewers on grill. Cook 5 minutes, brush with reserved marinade, rotate, and brush the other side. Grill 4–5 minutes more, or until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9–10 kebabs
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken for shrimp or pork for a different twist.
Add red or yellow bell peppers for more color.
Use a spicy chili sauce in the marinade for extra heat.
Thread zucchini or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Brush with teriyaki glaze in the final minutes of grilling for added sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place skewers under the broiler or on the grill until warmed through. The chicken may also be removed from the skewers and reheated in a skillet. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can dry out the meat.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple?

Fresh pineapple is best for flavor and size, but canned can be used if well-drained.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers?

Yes, soak for at least 1 hour to prevent burning on the grill.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Can I prepare the kebabs ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to grill.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs stay juicy and flavorful and work well here.

What can I serve with Hawaiian chicken kebabs?

They pair well with rice, quinoa, grilled corn, or a fresh green salad.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

No, limit marinating to 1 hour or the texture of the chicken may change.

How do I keep the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Oil the grill grates well and don’t flip too early—let a crust form first.

Can I make these kebabs vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken with extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or tofu.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C) at the center.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors wrapped into one easy, colorful dish. Whether grilled outdoors or baked in the oven, they bring a taste of summer to any table. Serve them with rice or fresh sides for a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.