If you’re craving a burst of tropical flavors wrapped in juicy, tender chicken, you’re going to love this Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of sweet pineapple, savory marinade, and vibrant veggies that come together on skewers to create a colorful, mouthwatering meal. Whether you’re grilling for a casual weeknight or entertaining friends, these kebabs bring a little island sunshine to your table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a vital role to make your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe unforgettable. From the fresh pineapple for sweetness to the garlic and ginger adding that signature zing, every component contributes layers of flavor, texture, and color.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 3/4 lb): Tender and lean, it soaks up the marinade beautifully for juicy kebabs.
- Fresh cubed pineapple (3 cups): Adds natural sweetness and juiciness that caramelizes on the grill.
- Green peppers (1 1/2 large): Provide a crisp, slightly bitter crunch to balance the dish.
- Large red onion (1): Brings a mild sharpness and lovely color contrast.
- Ketchup (1/3 cup): Acts as a base for the marinade with tangy depth.
- Dark brown sugar (1/3 cup packed): Sweetens and caramelizes, giving the chicken a beautiful glaze.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/3 cup): Adds rich umami and saltiness to the marinade.
- Canned pineapple juice (1/4 cup): Enhances the tropical flavor and tenderizes the chicken.
- Olive oil (4 Tbsp divided, plus extra for brushing): Keeps everything moist and helps with flavor absorption and grilling.
- Rice vinegar (1 1/2 Tbsp): Adds a subtle tang that balances sweetness.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): Infuses a pungent, savory kick that’s essential for depth.
- Minced ginger (1 Tbsp): Lends warmth and a hint of spice complementing the pineapple.
- Sesame oil (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle nuttiness that makes the marinade special.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings to perfect the flavors.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Marinade
The magic starts with your marinade. Combine ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk these flavorful ingredients together into a glossy, balanced mixture that will soak into the chicken perfectly.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a resealable bag and pour in most of the marinade, keeping some aside for later basting. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step is key because it allows the chicken to absorb all those vibrant flavors and become incredibly juicy when grilled.
Step 3: Prepare the Grill
Get your grill preheated to medium heat—around 400°F. A hot grill ensures that when the chicken touches the grates, you get those perfect sear marks and caramelization. Don’t forget to brush the grill grates lightly with olive oil so the kebabs don’t stick.
Step 4: Assemble Your Kebabs
Thread chunks of marinated chicken alternately with pineapple cubes, green peppers, and red onion onto skewers. This alternation not only looks beautiful but also ensures each bite offers different textures and flavors—juicy, sweet, and crunchy all at once.
Step 5: Grill and Baste
Place the kebabs on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Use the reserved marinade to baste the kebabs as they cook; this keeps them moist and intensifies the flavor. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink inside.
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch on your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions. A squeeze of lime adds a zesty brightness that enhances all the layered flavors. You can also add toasted sesame seeds for a subtle crunch and added visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Keep the tropical vibe going by serving these kebabs alongside coconut rice or quinoa salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the kebabs. For a casual BBQ, classic grilled corn or sweet potato fries make excellent companions too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, serve the kebabs on a colorful platter with extra pineapple slices and lime wedges. You can even lay the kebabs over a bed of fresh greens or tropical fruit salsa for an eye-catching centerpiece. If you’re hosting, mini skewers can be passed as delightful appetizers that get everyone excited for the main course.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs stay fresh for up to three days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the chicken and veggies together for convenience, or separate if you prefer to maintain the texture of the pineapple and peppers.
Freezing
If you want to save kebabs for longer, remove the chicken and vegetables from the skewers, then freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen kebab components last about two months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge for easy grilling another day.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the kebabs in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also re-grill them briefly for a crisp exterior and those wonderful grilled flavors to shine again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, so they stay juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill, ensuring safe and easy cooking.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I make these indoors?
You can definitely use a grill pan or broiler. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning and baste often, replicating the grill’s caramelization and flavor as closely as possible.
Is there a substitute for pineapple juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can use orange juice or apple juice with a splash of vinegar to maintain the marinade’s balance of acidity and sweetness.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight will intensify the flavors even more. Just make sure your marinade ingredients won’t overpower the chicken if left too long—overnight is perfect but avoid going beyond 24 hours.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about grilling up Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe that brings people together and brightens any meal. The balance of sweet pineapple, savory marinade, and fresh veggies creates such a delightful harmony of flavors and textures you’ll keep coming back to again and again. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and let this recipe bring a little island paradise to your dinner table tonight!
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Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Delicious Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs featuring tender chicken breast marinated in a tangy and sweet blend of pineapple, soy sauce, and spices, grilled to perfection with colorful bell peppers and red onion for a perfect summer meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 3/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 3 cups fresh cubed pineapple
- 1 1/2 large green peppers, cut into chunks
- 1 large red onion, cut into chunks
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 Tbsp olive oil (divided, plus more for brushing grill)
- 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, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, dark brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, canned pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined to create the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse. Reserve some of the marinade separately for basting during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Prepare your grill by preheating it to medium heat, approximately 400°F. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Kebabs: Thread the marinated chicken pieces alternately with cubes of fresh pineapple, green peppers, and red onion onto skewers, ensuring even distribution for balanced cooking and flavor.
- Grill the Kebabs: Place the assembled kebabs on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is cooked through. Remove from grill and let rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
- The marinade can be prepared a day in advance to deepen the flavors.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Serve with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
