Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Kabobs - 2 Thumbnail

Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Kabobs are a vibrant grilled dish packed with tropical flavor. Juicy chunks of chicken are marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger, then threaded onto skewers with fresh pineapple, colorful bell peppers, and red onion. As they grill, the marinade caramelizes beautifully, creating smoky, slightly charred edges and tender, flavorful bites. These Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are perfect for summer cookouts, backyard barbecues, or casual weeknight dinners. Serve them over fluffy rice, alongside a crisp salad, or on a platter for sharing. They’re easy to make, visually stunning, and guaranteed to bring bright island-inspired flavor to your table.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Hawaiian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Ingredients
For the Skewers
1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
2 cups pineapple chunks fresh works best
1 red bell pepper chopped into large squares
1 green bell pepper chopped into large squares
1 red onion cut into thick wedges
Bamboo or metal skewers
For the Marinade
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves finely minced
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat

Method

Step 1: Make the Marinade

Grab a mixing bowl and combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir or whisk until everything blends smoothly. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss until each piece is fully coated. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate for several hours or overnight.

Step 2: Build the Skewers

Using bamboo skewers? Soak them in water for about 20–30 minutes first so they don’t burn on the grill. Thread the ingredients onto the skewers, alternating chicken pieces with pineapple, peppers, and onion. Leave a little room between each item so the heat circulates and cooks everything evenly.

Step 3: Grill the Skewers

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the assembled skewers on the grill and cook for about 10–15 minutes. Turn them occasionally so every side gets that beautiful char. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). During the final minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with reserved marinade (only if it hasn’t touched raw chicken) for extra flavor.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a platter. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or sesame seeds for a fresh finish and a little visual pop.

Notes

How to Serve

Serve with Rice

Pair the skewers with steamed white rice, nutty brown rice, or fragrant coconut rice to create a satisfying meal.

Top a Fresh Salad

Slice the grilled chicken and add it to a bed of greens for a light tropical-style salad.

Add a Dipping Sauce

Serve alongside sweet chili sauce or teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.

Create a Party Platter

Arrange the skewers on a large serving dish with extra pineapple and herbs for a colorful presentation.

Helpful Tips

Cut Ingredients Evenly
Try to keep the chicken and vegetables similar in size so they cook at the same speed.

Avoid Overcrowding the Skewers
Leaving a bit of space between pieces helps them grill evenly and develop better char.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Remove the skewers as soon as the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature to keep the meat tender and juicy.

Choose Fresh Pineapple
Fresh pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill and delivers brighter flavor than canned.

Marinate for Maximum Flavor
Letting the chicken sit in the marinade overnight creates deeper flavor and juicier results.

Recipe Variations

Shrimp Version

Swap the chicken for large shrimp to create a seafood-inspired skewer.

Vegetarian Option

Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and add vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.

Extra Spicy

Mix Sriracha or chili paste into the marinade for added heat.

Teriyaki Twist

Replace the marinade with teriyaki sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor profile.

Hawaiian BBQ Style

Brush the skewers with Hawaiian barbecue sauce during grilling for a sticky, smoky finish.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator Storage

Place leftover skewers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheating

Warm them in a skillet, oven, or microwave until heated through.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked marinated chicken for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before assembling the skewers.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pineapple works if fresh isn’t available. Just drain it well and pat the pieces dry so the skewers don’t become watery. Fresh pineapple, however, tends to grill better and offers brighter flavor.

How do I keep chicken from sticking to the grill?

Make sure the grill is hot and lightly oil the grates before placing the skewers down.

Can these skewers be baked instead of grilled?

Absolutely. Bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking.

What other vegetables work well on these skewers?

Zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes are all great additions.

Is marinating necessary?

While you can cook the chicken without marinating, the marinade adds much deeper flavor. Even a quick 15–30 minute soak improves the taste significantly, but longer marinating delivers the best results.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Chicken Skewers capture the bright, tropical flavors of island-inspired cooking in one colorful dish. Tender chunks of marinated chicken grill alongside sweet pineapple and vibrant vegetables, creating the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory.

This recipe also shines because of its flexibility. Serve the skewers over rice, add them to salads, or present them on a large platter for gatherings. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or a festive potluck, these grilled skewers are guaranteed to impress and disappear quickly from the table.