If you’ve ever dreamed of a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, you’re going to love this Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe. It’s a dazzling combination of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful vegetables all grilled to perfection with a tangy, sweet, and savory marinade that bursts with island-inspired goodness. These kebabs bring a tropical breeze right to your backyard cookout or dinner table, making every bite feel like a mini getaway packed with bold, irresistible flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together here to create an unforgettable symphony of tastes and textures. Each component plays an essential role—from the tangy pineapple juice that adds brightness to the dark brown sugar sweetening the marinade, and the fresh vegetables offering a satisfying crunch and color.
- Ketchup: Adds a rich, tangy base to the marinade that balances the sweetness.
- Packed dark brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes and perfect sweetness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings a salty umami kick without overpowering flavors.
- Canned pineapple juice: Infuses the chicken with tropical sweetness and helps tenderize it.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken juicy and helps in grilling without sticking.
- Rice vinegar: Adds acidity, balancing the sweetness and boosting flavor complexity.
- Minced garlic: Offers aromatic depth with a savory punch.
- Minced ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy note to brighten the marinade.
- Sesame oil: Gives a subtle nutty fragrance that elevates the entire dish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: The star protein, cut into perfect kebab-sized chunks for even cooking.
- Fresh cubed pineapple: Provides juicy sweetness and a tropical burst to every skewer.
- Green peppers: Adds vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Red onion: Contributes a slight sweetness and bite that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade
Start by whisking together ketchup, packed brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, rice vinegar, freshly minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of sesame oil in a bowl. This marinade combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, designed to soak deeply into the chicken pieces, making each bite juicy and flavorful. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to taste—it’s the subtle hint of seasoning that brings harmony to the marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the diced chicken breast into a resealable plastic bag or a bowl, then pour the marinade over the top. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least an hour, preferably longer if you can wait. This step is where the magic happens as the chicken tenderizes while absorbing that delightful tropical marinade that makes the Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe stand out from the crowd.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
While the chicken marinates, chop your fresh pineapple into juicy cubes and dice the green peppers and red onion into chunky pieces approximately the same size as the chicken. The goal is even grilling and a beautiful presentation on the skewers. Thread the chicken, pineapple, green pepper, and onion alternately onto skewers to create colorful, balanced kebabs looking as good as they’ll taste.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill and lightly brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the kebabs on the grill and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally and brushing with the reserved marinade to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Grill until the chicken is fully cooked and has lovely grill marks, about 10-15 minutes. The pineapple will caramelize, adding extra sweetness and an irresistible aroma.
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe with a scattering of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for that extra pop of green and fresh flavor. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal that makes the dish feel even more special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
These kebabs pair wonderfully with fluffy white rice or coconut jasmine rice to soak up all those delicious juices. For a refreshing contrast, consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or grilled corn on the cob for a complete tropical feast. Each side perfectly complements the kebabs’ sweet and savory qualities.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe the star by serving them on a large platter arranged over banana leaves or colorful tropical-themed plates. For parties, you can also serve them alongside small bowls of extra marinade for dipping or with a zesty pineapple salsa to add an extra layer of fun and flavor that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover kebabs keep well when refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate any skewers or remove the chicken from skewers before storing to save space and preserve freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked kebabs by first removing the chicken and vegetables from the skewers, then storing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen properly, they maintain their flavor for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat these kebabs gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, about 10-15 minutes, or toss them briefly on the grill for that freshly charred taste. Avoid microwaving for the best texture and flavor preservation.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more forgiving on the grill. Just cut them into equal sizing pieces for even cooking and marinate the same way for full flavor.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
While an hour is the minimum to get good flavor, marinating for 3-4 hours or overnight really enhances the tenderness and allows the marinade to deeply infuse the chicken.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe.
What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out?
Using olive oil in the marinade and brushing the skewers while grilling helps keep the chicken moist. Also, avoid overcooking by grilling just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I grill these kebabs indoors?
Definitely! You can use a grill pan or broiler to mimic the outdoor grill effect. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning and turn frequently.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh, bold flavors and joyful cooking. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or your next get-together, these succulent skewers bring tropical sunshine to any table. Give them a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again because the taste is truly unforgettable.
Print
Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Delicious Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs featuring a flavorful marinade made with ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice, grilled to juicy perfection with fresh pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion on skewers. Perfect for a tropical-inspired meal that’s both sweet and savory.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 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
- 1 1/2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 4 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp minced ginger
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 3/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into 1 1/4-inch cubes
- 3 cups (heaping) fresh cubed pineapple (about 3/4 of a 3 lb pineapple)
- 1 1/2 large green bell peppers, diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, packed dark brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, canned pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil until well combined. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chopped chicken breast cubes into a resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse the meat.
- Thread the Kebabs: After marinating, take the chicken pieces and thread them onto skewers alternating with fresh cubed pineapple, diced green bell peppers, and diced red onion, creating colorful and flavorful kebabs.
- Grill the Kebabs: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning occasionally and brushing with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is fully cooked and has grill marks, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Serve: Once cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot for a delightful sweet and savory meal.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- These kebabs pair well with steamed rice or a fresh green salad.
