Sunny Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe: Tropical Backyard Magic

Juicy and vibrant hawaiian chicken kabobs dance with tropical flavors that transport you straight to island paradise.

Sweet pineapple chunks mingle with tender marinated meat, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Colorful bell peppers add crunch and visual appeal to these skewers.

Zesty marinades infuse each bite with tangy and rich undertones.

Backyard barbecues become extraordinary when these colorful kabobs sizzle on the grill.

Simple ingredients blend into an effortless meal that promises delightful summer memories.

You’ll want to serve these delectable skewers at every outdoor gathering.

What Makes Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Delicious

• Blast of Tropical Flavors: Dive into a culinary adventure with a marinade that combines sweet pineapple juice, savory soy sauce, and zesty garlic, creating an explosion of Hawaiian-inspired taste.
• Grill-Perfect Meal: Designed for outdoor cooking, these kabobs deliver restaurant-quality results with simple grilling techniques that guarantee perfectly charred chicken and vibrant vegetables.
• Colorful and Nutritious Feast: Packed with lean protein, bell peppers, and juicy pineapple chunks, this dish offers a balanced meal that looks as amazing as it tastes, making it a crowd-pleasing option for family dinners or backyard gatherings.
• Quick Prep, Maximum Flavor: With minimal ingredients and a straightforward marinating process, these kabobs transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that requires minimal kitchen effort but delivers maximum deliciousness.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs the marinade and creates the primary protein for the kabobs.

• Soy Sauce, Pineapple Juice: Liquid base that adds complex savory and sweet flavor profiles.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute marinade and prevents chicken from sticking.
• Brown Sugar: Provides caramelization and sweet undertones.
• Garlic: Adds robust and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
• Ground Ginger: Contributes a warm and slightly spicy taste.
• Black Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning and provides mild heat.

• Red Onion, Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add crunch and complementary flavors.
• Pineapple Chunks: Brings tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a mild onion flavor and visual appeal.

• Wooden Skewers: Allows for easy grilling and serving of individual portions.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Create Zesty Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, blend together soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients until they form a cohesive and flavorful marinade that will infuse the chicken with tropical goodness.

Step 2: Coat Chicken in Flavor

Drop the cubed chicken into the marinade, ensuring each piece gets completely covered. Toss the chicken thoroughly so the sauce clings to every surface. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let the chicken soak up the marinade for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers

• Marinated chicken
• Red onion chunks
• Bell pepper pieces
• Pineapple chunks

Alternate these ingredients to create visually appealing and balanced kabobs.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the assembled skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure even cooking. Look for golden-brown grill marks and completely cooked chicken with no pink interior.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, crisp finish. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of Hawaiian-inspired flavors.

Tips for Juicy Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

• Boost Marinade Flavor: Let chicken soak in the marinade for at least 2 hours to maximize the Hawaiian-inspired taste and tenderness.
• Prevent Skewer Burn: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to stop them from catching fire and breaking apart.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe and perfectly cooked kabobs.
• Veggie Swap Strategy: Replace bell peppers with zucchini or swap pineapple for mango to create delightful flavor variations while keeping the tropical essence.
• Grill Mark Perfection: Rotate kabobs every 3-4 minutes to achieve beautiful cross-hatched grill marks and even cooking throughout.

Skewer Combos for Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

• Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, richer flavor profile that adds depth to the marinade.
• Mediterranean-Style Kabobs: Swap pineapple and bell peppers with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. Use oregano and lemon juice in the marinade for a Greek-inspired twist.
• Low-Carb Chicken Kebabs: Eliminate brown sugar and use a sugar-free alternative. Replace pineapple chunks with grilled mushrooms or asparagus for fewer carbohydrates.
• Vegetarian Tofu Version: Substitute chicken with firm tofu cubes, using the same marinade and grilling technique. Maintain the tropical fruit and vegetable components for a plant-based alternative that keeps the original recipe's essence.

Pairing Picks for Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

• Tropical Cocktail Companion: Pair these kabobs with a refreshing mai tai that echoes the pineapple and tropical flavors in the dish, bringing out the sweetness and complementing the grilled chicken.
• Sweet and Tangy Side Kick: Serve alongside coconut rice to absorb the marinade's delicious juices and provide a creamy, smooth texture that balances the kabobs' grilled intensity.
• Crisp Veggie Contrast: Add a cucumber-mango salad with a light lime dressing to introduce a cool, fresh element that cuts through the richness of the grilled meat and adds brightness to the meal.
• Zesty Wine Match: Select a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer that stands up to the kabobs' bold marinade and harmonizes with the pineapple and Hawaiian-inspired flavors.

How to Store Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

• Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, separating chicken from vegetables to maintain texture.
• Wrap kabobs individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Place kabobs on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid drying out chicken. Rotate halfway through for even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange kabobs on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil.

Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs FAQs

• What makes Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs unique?

The combination of sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce creates a perfect balance of tropical flavors that transport you to Hawaii with every bite.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and can actually be more tender and flavorful than chicken breasts.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• How can I get the best grill marks on my kabobs?

Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat and don’t move the kabobs too much during cooking – this helps create those beautiful caramelized grill marks.

Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs bring tropical paradise right to dinner tables with sweet and tangy marinades. Juicy grilled chicken chunks threaded with colorful peppers and pineapple create a quick, delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Fruits:

• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1 large green bell pepper
• 1 large yellow bell pepper
• 1 red onion
• 1 cup fresh pineapple

Marinade and Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• Green onions

Other:

• Skewers (metal or wooden)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Immerse cubed chicken into the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
3. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent charring. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F).
4. Remove chicken from marinade, drain excess liquid. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with red onion, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks to create colorful, balanced kabobs.
5. Place skewers on hot grill, cooking for 10-15 minutes. Rotate every 3-4 minutes to achieve even caramelization and ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Remove kabobs from grill, let rest for 3-5 minutes to retain moisture. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a crisp, aromatic finish.
7. Serve immediately while kabobs are hot and juicy, presenting a delightful Hawaiian-inspired grilled meal.

Notes

• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling, ensuring your kabobs stay intact and cook evenly.
• Use fresh pineapple chunks for the best flavor and texture, as canned pineapple can become mushy and less vibrant on the grill.
• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor absorption, but avoid exceeding 2 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat’s texture and making it tough.
• For a low-carb option, replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative or use a small amount of honey to maintain the sweet Hawaiian-style marinade.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg