Grilled to juicy perfection and bursting with tropical flair, these Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are the ultimate quick and easy weeknight dinner. They combine tender chunks of marinated chicken with sweet pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion for a deliciously colorful meal on a stick. The marinade, a harmonious blend of savory soy sauce, tangy pineapple juice, and a hint of brown sugar, infuses every bite with irresistible flavor. Whether you’re firing up the grill or using your oven broiler, these kebabs are a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Flavorful: Minimal prep, maximum flavor. Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something homemade and delicious.
Vibrant and Healthy: Loaded with lean protein and fresh produce, these kebabs are as nutritious as they are eye-catching.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the sweetness and spice to suit your taste.
Family-Friendly: The fun presentation on skewers makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breast or thighs: Go for boneless, skinless pieces cut into chunks. Thighs tend to stay juicier on the grill.
Pineapple chunks: Fresh is best for that bright, tangy-sweet bite. Canned works in a pinch, just drain well.
Bell peppers: Red, yellow, or green add vibrant color and a sweet crunch.
Red onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and mellows beautifully when grilled.
Soy sauce: Forms the savory base of the marinade.
Pineapple juice: Enhances the tropical profile and tenderizes the meat.
Brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel-like sweetness to balance the saltiness.
Garlic and ginger: Essential aromatics that bring warmth and depth.
Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken and promotes browning.
Black pepper or chili flakes: Optional, for a little kick.

Variations

Spicy Hawaiian: Add a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.
Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or hearty vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms instead of chicken.
Teriyaki Style: Replace the marinade with store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce for a richer flavor.
Citrus Twist: Add orange juice or zest for a zippier flavor profile.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and olive oil. Add chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 2 hours in the fridge.

Step 2: Prep the Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating for a nice color mix.

Step 3: Grill or Broil

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set your oven broiler on high. Grill the kebabs for about 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char.

Step 4: Serve Hot

Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Uniform Size: Cut all ingredients into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave a little space between pieces so the heat can circulate.
Double the Marinade: Reserve half for basting while grilling or as a dipping sauce.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety and juiciness.

How to Serve

These kebabs are wonderfully versatile and can be served in many tasty ways:

With Sides:

Pair with steamed rice, coconut rice, or quinoa for a hearty meal. A fresh cucumber salad or coleslaw adds a cooling contrast.

As a Platter:

Serve over a bed of mixed greens or in a wrap for a fun twist.

Party-Style:

Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for a tropical-themed appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooked kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze marinated, uncooked chicken (without the veggies) for up to 2 months. Thaw before threading onto skewers.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave briefly if you’re in a rush.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Lay the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through.

What if I don’t have skewers?
No skewers? No problem! Simply spread the ingredients on a baking tray or grill basket and cook them that way.

Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, just be sure to drain it well to avoid soggy kebabs. Fresh pineapple will caramelize better when grilled.

How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is ideal for deeper flavor. Don’t marinate for more than 24 hours, as the pineapple juice can start to break down the meat too much.

Final Thoughts

These Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are a colorful, flavorful, and super satisfying way to spice up your dinner routine. Quick to prep and fun to eat, they bring a little taste of the tropics to your table without any fuss. Give them a try this week—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal!

Kimberly

Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe