If you’re dreaming of a tropical vacation without leaving your backyard, these Rainbow Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are your ticket to paradise. Skewered with juicy marinated chicken, a cascade of vibrantly colored bell peppers, pineapple, and sweet onion, each bite brings a burst of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. These colorful kabobs aren’t just gorgeous to serve at any gathering — they’re fun to make, put everyone in a festive spirit, and leave you grinning after every mouthful. Whether you’re grilling for a summer party or a simple family dinner, Rainbow Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs never fail to liven up the table and delight your taste buds.

Rainbow Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All it takes are a handful of staple ingredients to create a dish that wows with both flavor and looks. Every element in these Rainbow Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs was chosen to bring a pop of color, delicious taste, and perfect tenderness or crunch to every skewer.

Chicken breast: Juicy cubes of boneless, skinless chicken breast soak up the tangy marinade and grill to perfection.
Red bell pepper: Provides sweetness, bold red color, and a little char for eye-catching contrast.
Green bell pepper: Brings fresh crunch and a subtle, grassy flavor that complements the sweetness elsewhere.
Yellow bell pepper: Adds cheerful color and mellow, sunshiny flavor to the mix.
Fresh pineapple: Pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill, infusing each bite with juicy tropical sweetness.
Red onion: Slices of red onion turn tender and slightly sweet when grilled, adding another layer of flavor.
Soy sauce: Lays the foundation for a savory, umami-rich marinade.
Pineapple juice: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a distinct tropical flair to every bite.
Honey: Brings just the right touch of sticky-sweet glaze, helping with caramelization.
Garlic: Adds a punchy depth and aroma to the marinade.
Olive oil: Keeps the chicken juicy and helps everything brown evenly on the grill.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for just the right little kick.
Wooden or metal skewers: Metal skewers are reusable, but if you use wooden ones, soak them first to prevent burning.

How to Make Rainbow Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, and black pepper in a large bowl. This sweet and savory marinade will tenderize your chicken and give it that irresistible island flavor. Make sure to stir until the honey is dissolved and everything is well blended.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Cut your chicken breasts into even, bite-sized pieces so everything cooks at the same pace. Toss the chicken cubes into the marinade, making sure they’re all coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 8 hours if you have time) for the most flavorful Rainbow Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs.

Step 3: Chop Your Veggies and Pineapple

While the chicken is soaking up all that goodness, chop your red, green, and yellow bell peppers, pineapple, and red onion into uniform chunks. This ensures that each skewer will have a burst of color, flavor, and balanced cooking time per bite.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken, chunks of pineapple, and the trio of colored peppers and onion onto your skewers in whatever pattern pleases your eye. For the ultimate rainbow effect, alternate veggies and chicken so every skewer is as beautiful as it is delicious. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes first!

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Grill the Rainbow Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs for 10 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables have a satisfying char. If you have any extra marinade, brush it on during the first half of grilling for even more flavor.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let your kabobs rest on a platter for a few minutes after grilling; this helps the juices redistribute. Serve them hot off the grill and enjoy your hard work — trust me, these kabobs are worth every step!

How to Serve Rainbow Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

Garnishes

A scatter of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley brings an extra green pop and a refreshing finish. For a quick tropical flair, add toasted coconut flakes or sprinkle with sesame seeds. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right at the end makes everything sing!

Side Dishes

Rainbow Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are fantastic over a bed of steamed jasmine or coconut rice, which soaks up all the marinady drippings. Serve alongside grilled corn, a cool cucumber salad, or creamy coleslaw for the ultimate cookout spread. Even a simple green salad makes a gorgeous fresh partner here.

Creative Ways to Present

Lay the skewers on a big platter lined with banana leaves for bold island vibes. For parties, remove the kabob bites and layer them “deconstructed” over a rice bowl or inside lettuce wraps. Or, go mini with cocktail-size skewers for appetizer trays that are guaranteed to disappear in a flash.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra Rainbow Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen a bit, making them just as enjoyable the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze cooked kabobs (removed from skewers) in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to revisit that tropical feast — just keep in mind that some veggies may soften slightly during freezing.

Reheating

Warm leftover Rainbow Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or pop them in the microwave in short bursts to heat through. Add a splash of pineapple juice or cover with foil to help keep everything juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly richer and stay juicy, especially after grilling. Just trim off any excess fat before marinating and proceed with the recipe as written.

Do I have to use fresh pineapple?

Fresh pineapple is ideal for its texture and flavor when grilled, but canned chunks (in juice, not syrup) work in a pinch. Be sure to drain well and pat them dry before assembling the kabobs.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No worries! You can make Rainbow Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs on a grill pan or under your oven broiler. Just turn the kabobs occasionally so they cook and char evenly.

Can I prep these ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken and chop the veggies a day ahead. Assemble the skewers a couple hours before grilling and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Are Rainbow Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs gluten-free?

Just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos and you’re set. Double-check your other sauce ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

These Rainbow Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are pure joy on a stick: flavorful, festive, and always a favorite wherever they appear. Fire up the grill, gather your favorite people, and give these kabobs a try — you’re guaranteed to make any meal feel like a celebration!