Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe

This Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe is a radiant celebration of island flavors, pairing juicy, marinated chicken with sweet-tart pineapple and crisp, colorful veggies. Each bite bursts with savory, sticky-sweet goodness and a grill-kissed aroma that instantly transports you to a tropical paradise—no plane ticket required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe is in the simplicity of its ingredients—each one adds a vital layer of flavor, color, or texture, making every skewer a vibrant, harmonious bite. Here’s what you’ll reach for before your Hawaiian escape begins:

• Soy sauce (or tamari): This is your umami base, lending rich, savory depth to the marinade. Use tamari for a gluten-free option!
• Pineapple juice (canned): Gives the marinade its signature tropical sweetness and a hint of acidity that tenderizes the chicken.
• Honey (or brown sugar): For that sticky-sweet finish and luscious, caramelized edges on the grill. Either is delicious, so use what you have.
• Sesame oil: Offers a toasted, aromatic note that really sets apart the marinade’s flavor.
• Garlic powder & ground ginger: These two spices deliver depth and zing, echoing the classic tastes of Hawaiian-inspired cuisine.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and rounding out all those bright flavors.
• Cornstarch (mixed with cold water): Thickens the marinade into a glossy, clingy sauce that coats every morsel.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cut, tender when marinated, and ideal for skewering.
• Bell peppers (assorted colors): These add crunch and gorgeous color—go wild with red, yellow, orange, or green!
• Red onion: Slightly sweet and robust, it caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
• Pineapple chunks: The juicy bursts of sweetness make these kabobs truly irresistible—fresh or canned work great.
• Olive oil (or more sesame oil): For brushing on veggies, giving them that irresistible sheen and helping them roast evenly.
• Oil or cooking spray: For your grill grates, to keep things from sticking and make turning a breeze.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe is how endlessly customizable it is. You can swap in favorite veggies or adjust the marinade for what you have on hand—or even tweak to fit dietary needs!

• Use Chicken Thighs: Prefer a juicier bite? Substitute boneless, skinless thighs for chicken breasts—they’re deliciously tender and forgiving on the grill.
• Go Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for extra-firm tofu or thick-cut portobello mushrooms and marinate as you would the chicken for all those island flavors.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of chili flakes or a squirt of sriracha to your marinade for a subtle kick that’s hard to resist.
• Low-Sugar Option: Try monk fruit sweetener or simply use less honey or brown sugar; you’ll still get loads of flavor from the pineapple and spices.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Step 1: Make the Irresistible Marinade

Start by combining soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Whisk well and bring to a simmer, then add in your cornstarch and cold water slurry. Let it thicken and bubble gently for a few minutes until glossy and just pourable. Set aside to cool—you’re going to want to taste-test it, I promise.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Toss your chicken pieces in half the luscious marinade (save the rest for basting later) and let the flavors soak in for at least an hour—up to four for major flavor payoff! Use a zip-top bag or covered bowl, and let those tropical notes work their magic in the fridge.

Step 3: Prep Skewers & Assemble Kabobs

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water to keep them from charring. Thread chicken, bell pepper chunks, onion pieces, and juicy pineapple onto skewers in a colorful, alternating pattern. Before grilling, brush your veggies lightly with olive or sesame oil so they caramelize beautifully.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium (or use the broiler method, if grilling isn’t an option). Oil the grates and arrange kabobs in a single layer. Grill, turning every few minutes, while basting with your reserved marinade. In about 15–20 minutes, the chicken will be cooked through, lightly charred, and glazed to sticky perfection.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Garnishes

Give your kabobs a fresh touch with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or finely chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and herbaceous flavor. Add a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten things up—or a diced red chili for an extra visual (and flavorful) punch!

Side Dishes

Pair this Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe with classic steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or even fluffy quinoa. For a true tropical feast, add a crisp green salad, grilled corn on the cob, or a lively fruit salsa alongside each skewer.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party vibe, serve kabobs on a pineapple platter or arrange them upright in mason jars with extra pineapple at the bottom. Individually plated kabobs over colorful rice or as part of a build-your-own kabob bar makes every dinner interactive and unforgettable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack any leftover kabobs in an airtight container—they’ll stay juicy and delicious in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the skewers for quick reheating or remove the pieces for salads and wraps.

Freezing

You can freeze the marinated (uncooked) chicken for up to two months—just thaw overnight before skewering and grilling. Cooked kabobs freeze decently too; wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month, though veggies may soften a bit after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftover kabobs on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or briefly microwave until just warmed through. A quick turn on a hot grill also revives that fresh-off-the-barbecue magic.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a dish that’s as fun, flavorful, and vibrant as a Hawaiian sunset, this Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe truly delivers. Gather your favorite people, fire up the grill, and let these skewers whisk you away to paradise—one sweet, savory bite at a time!

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