If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant tropical flavors and juicy, tender chicken, you’re going to love this Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of sweet pineapple, savory soy marinade, and grilled vegetables that come together to create a dish that’s both delightfully refreshing and satisfyingly hearty. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just want to bring a little island sunshine to your dinner table, these kebabs promise a fun and flavorful adventure with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make all the difference in this Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe, each bringing its own unique flair to the dish, from the tangy pineapple juice to the rich brown sugar that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Here’s what you’ll want to gather to make these kebabs truly shine.
- 1/3 cup ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness that forms the base of the marinade’s flavor.
- 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar: Provides deep molasses notes and helps create a beautiful glaze on the chicken.
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Balances the sweetness with a savory umami kick.
- 1/4 cup canned pineapple juice: Infuses the chicken with tropical acidity and helps tenderize the meat.
- 4 Tbsp olive oil, divided: Keeps the chicken juicy and prevents sticking on the grill.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp rice vinegar: Adds subtle brightness to cut through the richness.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (4 tsp): Gives a punch of mellow spice and depth.
- 1 Tbsp minced ginger: Brings a fresh and slightly peppery warmth.
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil: Adds a delicate nutty aroma to the marinade.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 1 3/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into 1 1/4-inch cubes: The star protein that soaks up every bit of marinade.
- 3 cups (heaping) fresh cubed pineapple: Brings juicy sweetness and a burst of tropical flavor on each skewer.
- 1 1/2 large green peppers, diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces: Adds crisp texture and vibrant color to the kebabs.
- 1 large red onion, diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces: Offers a mild sharpness and beautiful purple hue.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the ketchup, dark brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, canned pineapple juice, half of the olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This marinade creates a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that will soak into every morsel of chicken, giving it unforgettable flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your cubed chicken breast into a resealable plastic bag, then pour the marinade over it, ensuring all the pieces are well coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, but ideally up to 2 hours if you have time. The acid in the pineapple juice tenderizes the chicken wonderfully while infusing it with that tropical zest unique to this Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe.
Step 3: Assemble the Kebabs
Once marinated, thread the chicken cubes, fresh pineapple chunks, diced green peppers, and red onion pieces onto skewers, making sure to alternate for a colorful, flavorful presentation. This layering ensures every bite has a mix of sweet, savory, and crisp textures that keep things exciting.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill and brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the kebabs on the grill and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing them with the reserved marinade. The sugars will caramelize nicely, creating that beautiful glaze and smoky char that’s simply irresistible. Make sure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe even more, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions over the top just before serving. A little squeeze of fresh lime juice works wonders to brighten up the rich flavors and add a zesty finish.
Side Dishes
These kebabs pair beautifully with fluffy coconut rice or a simple cilantro-lime quinoa for a wholesome meal. A crisp green salad or grilled corn on the cob adds fresh, crunchy contrast that complements the tender chicken and juicy pineapple perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe right off the skewers is fun and casual, but for a party, try laying the kebab pieces on a platter surrounded by tropical fruits like mango slices or shredded coconut. You could even serve the chicken pieces over a bed of leafy greens or inside warm pita bread with a drizzle of a tangy yogurt sauce for a creative twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making them a great option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep some kebab magic on hand, you can freeze both the marinated, uncooked chicken and the cooked kebabs separately. Just wrap tightly in freezer-safe packaging or containers. Frozen kebabs can be safely stored for up to 2 months without losing too much flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat leftover kebabs, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain that nice grilled texture and prevent the chicken from drying out. A quick brush with a little olive oil before reheating helps keep them juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for this Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe because they stay juicy and tender even if grilled a bit longer. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading your ingredients helps prevent them from burning on the grill, making your grilling experience much smoother.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Just swap out regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and make sure the other ingredients like ketchup are gluten-free, too. The flavors will still be deliciously authentic.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least 20 minutes is enough to infuse good flavor, but if you have the time, letting the chicken soak in the marinade for 1 to 2 hours will deepen the taste and tenderness beautifully.
Is it possible to cook these kebabs indoors?
Yes, if you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or even broiling them in the oven works well. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning and baste with the marinade to keep them moist.
Final Thoughts
Getting together to make and savor this Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe is like a mini vacation in your own kitchen. The irresistible mix of sweet pineapple, savory marinade, and charred vegetables never fails to delight. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles around your table.
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Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
These Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs feature tender, marinated chicken cubes grilled alongside fresh pineapple and colorful vegetables. The sweet and savory marinade, blended with pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, delivers a tropical flavor that’s perfect for summer cookouts or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
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
- 1 1/2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (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 peppers, diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces
Additional
- Olive oil, for brushing the grill
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, and sesame oil. Season the marinade with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring all ingredients are well combined for balanced flavor.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the cubed chicken breast into a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, seal the bag tightly, and refrigerate for at least 25 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Assemble the kebabs: After marinating, thread the chicken cubes, fresh pineapple pieces, diced green peppers, and diced red onion alternately onto skewers, creating colorful and even kebabs ready for grilling.
- Preheat and prepare the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful grill marks on the kebabs.
- Grill the kebabs: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with leftover marinade to keep the kebabs moist and flavorful. Grill until the chicken is fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Serve: Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these vibrant Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs hot off the grill as a main dish.
Notes
- Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- If canned pineapple juice is not available, fresh pineapple juice can be used as a substitute.
- For added spice, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Leftover marinade can be boiled for a few minutes and used as a glaze during grilling but should not be used raw.
- These kebabs can also be cooked under a broiler if a grill is not available, turning frequently for even cooking.
