Name: Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup pineapple juice; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes; 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 red onion, cut into chunks; 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks; Wooden or metal skewers

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If you’re on the hunt for a dish that perfectly captures the spirit of summer, look no further than these colorful and flavorful Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs. Sweet, juicy pineapple mingles with tender marinated chicken and crisp bell peppers, all brought together by a sticky-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or just want to bring a little island sunshine to your weeknight dinner, Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs deliver a crowd-pleasing blend of savory, tangy, and sweet in every bite.

Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs is short and sweet, but each component plays an important role in creating a vibrant, bold flavor and eye-catching presentation. These simple ingredients are easy to find and come together for an unforgettable grilled masterpiece.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds): Opt for juicy, fresh chicken and cut it into uniform cubes for even cooking and tender results.
Red bell pepper (1): Adds a subtle sweetness and brilliant pop of color to every skewer.
Green bell pepper (1): Offers a crisp texture and slightly grassy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Red onion (1): Gives a mild, sweet bite that caramelizes deliciously on the grill.
Fresh pineapple chunks (2 cups): Brings juicy sweetness and tropical charm; using fresh really makes a difference!
Soy sauce (1/3 cup): Forms the salty, savory backbone of the marinade—choose low-sodium if preferred.
Pineapple juice (1/4 cup): Enhances the sweet-tart flavor and keeps the chicken extra moist and tender.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds balanced sweetness and helps the kebabs caramelize perfectly on the grill.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Gives a subtle, tangy brightness to the marinade.
Sesame oil (2 teaspoons): Infuses the dish with nutty, aromatic richness—just a little goes a long way.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): Fresh garlic delivers a punchy depth to the marinade.
Grated fresh ginger (1 teaspoon): Lends zesty warmth and subtle heat, key for Hawaiian-inspired flavor.
Wooden or metal skewers: If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them first to prevent burning on the grill.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

Start by combining the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a medium bowl. Mix everything together until the honey is fully dissolved and the flavors are melded. This marinade is the secret to the signature tangy-sweet flavor in Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Reserve a quarter cup of the marinade for basting later—trust me, you’ll want that extra burst of flavor! Add the cubed chicken pieces to the remaining marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and let the chicken chill out in the fridge for at least an hour (or up to four hours if you’ve got the time), so those magic flavors soak right in.

Step 3: Prep Your Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid any accidental charring on the grill. Meanwhile, chop your bell peppers, onion, and pineapple into uniform chunks for even grilling and maximum juiciness in each bite.

Step 4: Skewer and Assemble

Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple onto the skewers, alternating as you go for that perfect blend of color and texture. Mixing up the order keeps things visually appealing and lets all those amazing flavors mingle.

Step 5: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, so it’s nice and hot when you lay down the kebabs. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes and brushing generously with the reserved marinade. You’re looking for juicy, fully-cooked chicken and beautiful grill marks.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

Garnishes

Finish your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions just before serving. For added crunch and a touch of island flair, scatter some toasted sesame seeds on top—the little details truly make these kebabs look and taste like they came straight from a festive luau.

Side Dishes

These flavorful kebabs pair incredibly well with simple steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or even grilled corn on the cob. A fresh tropical fruit salad or a crisp green salad makes an ideal, refreshing balance to the sweet and savory main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs into a beautiful platter centerpiece by arranging the finished skewers on a bed of leafy greens, surrounded by extra pineapple slices and vibrant bell pepper strips. You could also offer deconstructed kebab rice bowls, letting everyone pile on their favorite toppings for a fun, interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have extra Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs, simply slide the cooled ingredients off the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty and moist for up to three days, making them perfect for weekday lunches.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooked kebab pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. This prevents clumping and makes for easy portioning. Frozen Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs can last in the freezer for up to two months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the kebab pieces gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice to help retain moisture. Alternatively, use the microwave in short bursts, covering the dish with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out the chicken and veggies.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a flavorful, juicy alternative and work perfectly in Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs. Just keep in mind you may need to adjust the grill time slightly since thighs are often a bit fattier and can take a tad longer to cook through.

Can I cook Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes, you can! Arrange the kebabs on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake under the broiler, turning and basting occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred on the edges. You’ll still get great caramelization and flavor.

What can I substitute for pineapple juice in the marinade?

If you’re out of pineapple juice, orange juice or even apple juice will add a nice sweetness and acidity to the marinade. However, pineapple juice really brings out the tropical character in Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs, so use it if you can!

How do I keep my kebabs from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill grates are clean and brush them with a bit of oil right before grilling. Giving the kebabs a light coating of oil with a brush or spray will also help prevent sticking and keep those beautiful grill marks intact.

Can I make Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can marinate and assemble the kebabs a few hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill. Just be sure to grill them fresh for best flavor and texture; they’re a surefire hit for make-ahead entertaining.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the sweet and savory balance in Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs—you’re guaranteed to bring big smiles to the table. Give this recipe a try the next time you crave a taste of the tropics, and watch these vibrant kebabs disappear faster than you can say aloha!

Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a summer BBQ. Tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and colorful veggies are marinated in a tropical blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, and spices, then grilled to perfection. Easy to make and bursting with Hawaiian flair, these kebabs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

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For the Marinade:

1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

For the Kebabs:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 red onion, cut into chunks
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
Wooden or metal skewers

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade for basting.
Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken to the remaining marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 1-4 hours.
Preheat the Grill: Heat grill to medium-high.
Assemble the Kebabs: Thread chicken, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple onto skewers.
Grill the Kebabs: Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning and basting with reserved marinade.
Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite sides.