Recipes

Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

Juicy chicken, fresh pineapple, and colorful veggies grilled to perfection with a sweet and tangy Hawaiian-style glaze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Tropical Flavor – Sweet pineapple pairs perfectly with savory chicken and veggies.

  • Quick & Easy – Ready in just 90 minutes including marinating time.

  • Perfect for Grilling – Ideal for summer BBQs or indoor grill pans.

  • Customizable – Swap veggies or protein as desired.

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, plus more for brushing grill

  • 1½ tbsp rice vinegar

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Kebabs

  • 1¾ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1¼-inch cubes

  • 3 cups fresh pineapple, cubed (about 3/4 of a 3-pound pineapple)

  • 1½ large green bell peppers, chopped into 1¼-inch pieces

  • 1 large red onion, chopped into 1¼-inch pieces

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken in a resealable bag, reserving 1/2 cup marinade. Pour remaining marinade over chicken, seal, and refrigerate for 1 hour. Soak 10 wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.

Step 3: Prepare Veggies and Pineapple

Drizzle remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over onion, bell pepper, and pineapple. Toss to coat and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread onion, bell pepper, pineapple, and chicken onto skewers, alternating ingredients.

Step 5: Grill

Preheat grill to 400°F (200°C) and brush grates with oil. Grill skewers for 5 minutes, brush tops with 1/4 cup reserved marinade, flip, and brush remaining marinade. Cook 4 more minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 6: Serve

Remove from grill and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • Veggie Swaps – Try zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.

  • Fruit Alternatives – Mango or peaches can replace pineapple for a unique twist.

  • Indoor Option – Use a grill pan or broiler if outdoor grilling isn’t available.

  • Extra Glaze – Reserve a little more marinade for brushing during serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless thighs are juicier and slightly quicker to grill.

2. How do I prevent the skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 10 minutes before grilling.

3. Can this be made ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken up to 4 hours ahead, but assemble skewers just before grilling.

Final Thoughts

These Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are a colorful, flavorful, and fun dish that brings tropical vibes to any meal. Perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or casual gatherings, they’re juicy, sweet, and satisfyingly savory in every bite.

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