Name: Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 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, plus more for brushing grill; 1 1/2 Tbsp rice vinegar; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 Tbsp minced ginger; 1/2 tsp sesame oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 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 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

If you’re looking for a dish that absolutely screams summer, look no further than these Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs. Juicy chunks of marinated chicken, sweet pineapple, and vibrant bell peppers and onions come together on a skewer to create the ultimate balance of color, flavor, and fun. It’s not just a delight to eat, but also a showstopper to serve at any cookout or family dinner. With every bite, these Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs deliver that perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will instantly transport you to a tropical paradise.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs is how simple the ingredients are, yet each one plays a key role in building those irresistible layers of flavor and color. Here’s what you need, plus a quick tip on how each ingredient shines in this standout recipe:

Ketchup: The base of our marinade brings a classic tang and a touch of sweetness that sticks beautifully to the chicken.
Dark Brown Sugar: Deepens the marinade with caramel notes and gives the perfect balance to the tangy flavors.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds a vital savory depth while keeping the saltiness in check.
Pineapple Juice: Delivers sweet acidity and helps tenderize the chicken for ultimate juiciness.
Olive Oil: Keeps the marinade smooth and prevents sticking on the grill; also used to toss the veggies.
Rice Vinegar: Lends a bright, zippy touch to unify all the flavors.
Minced Garlic: For that punch of savory goodness you can’t live without in a marinade.
Minced Ginger: Offers a warm, spicy-sweet element that elevates the tropical vibe.
Sesame Oil: Adds a lovely nutty aroma that sneaks its way into every tasty bite.
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adjusts and enhances all the combined flavors.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: The lean protein star that holds onto all that beautiful marinade.
Fresh Pineapple: Use real, juicy cubes for sweet-tart bursts and unmatched freshness.
Green Peppers: Bring a sharp crunch and deep green color to every skewer.
Red Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and stunning purple hue once cooked and caramelized.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, packed dark brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and just half a teaspoon of fragrant sesame oil. Season it with a hearty grind of black pepper and some salt to taste; this mixture is the magic that makes Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs so craveable!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your bite-sized chicken pieces into a gallon-size resealable bag. Reserve half a cup of the marinade in the fridge for basting later, then pour the rest over the chicken in the bag. Seal and refrigerate for about an hour—just enough time for those flavors to infuse without turning the texture mushy. If you’re using wooden skewers, now’s also the best time to soak them in cold water to prevent burning.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies and Pineapple

While the chicken soaks, get your skewering ingredients ready! Cut your green peppers, red onion, and fresh pineapple into roughly equal-sized chunks. Drizzle everything with the remaining olive oil, season with a bit of salt and pepper, and toss to coat. This little trick helps get those gorgeous char marks and keeps everything juicy once they hit the grill.

Step 4: Assemble the Kebabs

Thread the marinated chicken pieces, pineapple cubes, green pepper chunks, and red onion pieces onto the soaked skewers, alternating ingredients for that signature tricolor kebab look. You’ll start to see Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs take shape, each looking better than the last!

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to a toasty 400°F (about 200°C). Brush the grates with a little olive oil to keep sticking at bay, then lay your skewers in a single layer. Grill for about 5 minutes, then brush the tops generously with a quarter cup of the reserved marinade. Rotate and repeat on the other side. Continue grilling for another 4 minutes or so, until the chicken registers 165°F (75°C) at the center and everything is gently caramelized.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

Garnishes

To give your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs a gorgeous finishing touch, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. For a subtle crunch and color pop, a handful of thinly sliced green onions scattered on top works wonders.

Side Dishes

Nothing complements these tropical skewers better than a scoop of fluffy coconut rice, a crisp cucumber salad, or grilled corn on the cob. Each adds a different texture and flavor while keeping things bright and summery.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties and picnics, serve Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs upright in a pineapple half or nestle them on a platter lined with banana leaves for an extra festive, island-inspired vibe. You can even let guests build their own skewers at a kebab bar—guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to remove them from the skewers before storing—they’ll fit better and reheat more evenly!

Freezing

For longer storage, simply pull the cooked chicken and veggies off the skewers and freeze in a zip-top freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, and you’ll have a delicious, tropical meal ready whenever you crave it.

Reheating

To reheat, spread the kebab pieces out on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat briefly in the microwave in 30-second bursts—just don’t overdo it to keep the chicken nice and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor and holds its shape on the grill. Canned pineapple tends to be softer and less flavorful, so I highly recommend sticking with fresh for truly standout Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

About one hour is perfect for these kebabs. Marinating much longer can break down the chicken’s texture, so try not to go overboard—an hour gives tons of flavor without sacrificing that tender bite.

Can I cook these on a grill pan or in the oven?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil the skewers on a baking sheet, turning occasionally for even cooking. Either method still yields tasty Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs.

What if I want to make these ahead for a party?

You can marinate the chicken in advance and prep all the veggies and pineapple. Simply assemble and grill when ready to serve—the flavors only get better with a little prep ahead!

Are there other proteins I can use in this recipe?

Definitely! Try swapping the chicken for pork tenderloin or even firm tofu if you want a vegetarian spin—both work beautifully with this irresistible marinade.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your family and friends with something truly special, these Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are sure to be your new go-to! The tropical-inspired flavors, fun skewers, and the joy of grilling make them a crowd favorite wherever they go. Give them a try and let your taste buds take a little island vacation!