If you’re craving a burst of tropical flavor wrapped around tender, juicy chicken, you absolutely must try this Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe. Imagine juicy chicken cubes marinated in a perfectly balanced blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger, grilled alongside vibrant bell peppers, red onion, and fresh pineapple chunks. Every bite is a delightful harmony of sweet, savory, and smoky that transports you straight to an island getaway. It’s easy to prepare, fun to grill, and guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe, you’ll want to gather simple, fresh ingredients that each add their own unique touch. From the lean protein and colorful veggies to the aromatic marinade, every element plays a vital role in creating this mouthwatering dish.
- Chicken breasts (1½ pounds, cubed): Lean and tender, perfect for quick grilling and absorbing marinade flavors.
- Red bell pepper (1, chopped): Adds vibrant color and sweet crunch to the skewers.
- Yellow bell pepper (1, chopped): Brings a bright, sunny hue and subtle sweetness.
- Red onion (1, cut into wedges): Provides a slightly sharp bite that softens beautifully when grilled.
- Fresh pineapple chunks (2 cups): The star of the show, lending juicy sweetness and tropical aroma.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps to lightly coat and season the skewers for grilling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that highlight the natural flavors.
- For the marinade: A blend of pineapple juice (½ cup), soy sauce (¼ cup), brown sugar (2 tablespoons), ketchup (2 tablespoons), rice vinegar (1 tablespoon), minced garlic (2 cloves), and grated fresh ginger (1 teaspoon)—all these ingredients create that irresistible balance of sweet, tangy, and umami.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a medium-sized bowl. This marinade is where all the magic happens, infusing the chicken with tropical sweetness and a savory kick that’s hard to resist.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Set aside a quarter cup of the marinade for basting later. Add the chicken cubes to the remaining marinade, cover the bowl, and let the chicken soak up all those vibrant flavors in the fridge for at least one hour—though for best results, give it up to eight hours. This step ensures every bite is packed with moisture and taste.
Step 3: Prep the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Then thread the marinated chicken, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion wedges, and pineapple chunks alternately onto each skewer. This colorful arrangement not only looks fantastic but also balances sweet and savory flavors in every bite.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Before placing the skewers on the grill, brush them lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper for added flavor. Cook the skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve even charring. During the final few minutes, baste the skewers with the reserved marinade to build layers of taste and keep them juicy and glossy.
Step 5: Check and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through and has those delicious grill marks, your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are ready to enjoy. Serve warm and get ready for that perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that only this recipe can deliver.
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or thinly sliced green onions make fantastic garnishes for this dish. They add a fresh, herbal note and a bit of crunch that complements the smoky, caramelized chicken and veggies. Don’t hesitate to squeeze a wedge of lime over the skewers just before serving to brighten all those tropical flavors.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with fluffy steamed white rice or coconut rice for an island-inspired feast. You can also serve them alongside a crisp cucumber salad or a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the marinade. For something heartier, grilled corn on the cob or roasted sweet potatoes are fabulous companions too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers directly on a bed of rice in hollowed-out pineapple halves—it makes for a stunning presentation that’s perfect for summer dinners or parties. You could also serve the grilled ingredients off the skewers and build vibrant bowls with rice, greens, and a drizzle of extra marinade or teriyaki sauce. Either way, these options turn a simple dish into a visual and flavorful feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, simply place the skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors will mellow but remain wonderfully tasty, making for an easy weekday lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked marinated chicken cubes separately in a freezer bag for up to two months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before threading and grilling. It’s a great way to have this Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe ready for those busy nights when you want something quick and flavorful.
Reheating
To reheat cooked skewers, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken dry and rubbery. A brief time on a grill pan also refreshes the char and keeps the texture delightful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat. They’ll absorb the marinade well and stay tender even if grilled a bit longer.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
While at least one hour is needed for the chicken to soak up the flavors, marinating for up to eight hours provides the best depth of taste. Just avoid going much longer to prevent the meat from becoming mushy due to the pineapple’s natural enzymes.
Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake them at 425°F for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Baking is a convenient option when you don’t have access to a grill, and the result will still be deliciously tender and slightly caramelized.
What if I don’t have fresh pineapple?
Fresh pineapple is ideal for the juicy sweetness and texture it offers, but canned pineapple chunks (drained) can work in a pinch. Just be sure to choose chunks in natural juice rather than heavy syrup to avoid excess sweetness.
How do I prevent the skewers from burning on the grill?
Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling is essential to keep them from catching fire. Also, keep the grill at medium-high heat and turn the skewers often to cook evenly without charring too much.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a mini vacation on a plate. It’s simple to prepare but delivers big on flavor and visual appeal. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just craving some tropical goodness during the week, these skewers are sure to become a favorite in your recipe box. Don’t wait to give them a try and share the aloha spirit with everyone at your table!
Print
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and colorful grilled dish featuring juicy chicken breast cubes marinated in a tangy pineapple-soy sauce blend and skewered with vibrant bell peppers, red onion, and sweet pineapple chunks. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a tropical-inspired meal, these skewers are easy to prepare, packed with zest and vibrant textures, and ideal for serving alongside rice or fresh salad.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Marinade
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons 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 pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined. Reserve ¼ cup of this marinade separately for basting later.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours, allowing the chicken to absorb all the tropical flavors.
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure a good sear on the skewers and slightly charred edges for added flavor.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes, red and yellow bell pepper chunks, red onion wedges, and pineapple chunks onto the skewers alternately for a colorful presentation.
- Season and Oil: Brush the assembled skewers lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to season the vegetables and chicken evenly.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to cook evenly. During the last few minutes, baste the skewers with the reserved marinade to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Check Doneness and Serve: Ensure the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the edges are lightly charred. Remove from grill and serve warm, optionally over rice or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful skewers.
- If a grill is not available, bake the assembled skewers at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
- Serving these skewers over steamed rice or with a fresh salad makes for a complete and balanced meal.
