If you’re craving a dish that brings sunshine and flavor to your plate fast, look no further than this Quick and Tasty Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe. Bursting with a perfect balance of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and vibrant veggies, it’s a breeze to prepare yet impressive enough to wow your friends and family. Every bite offers juicy, tender chicken paired with the tropical charm of pineapple and a deliciously tangy marinade that you’ll want to drizzle on everything. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, these kebabs deliver loads of taste without demanding hours of kitchen labor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Quick and Tasty Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a key role in layering flavor, adding texture, and creating a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
- Ketchup: Provides a tangy and slightly sweet base for the marinade that complements the pineapple perfectly.
- Packed dark brown sugar: Adds rich sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken and veggies on the grill.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Infuses the marinade with umami depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Canned pineapple juice: Enhances the tropical taste and tenderizes the chicken with natural enzymes.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken juicy and helps veggies char beautifully on the grill.
- Rice vinegar: Balances sweetness with a mild tartness for a rounded marinade.
- Minced garlic: Brings savory warmth that pairs wonderfully with ginger and sesame oil.
- Minced ginger: Adds a fresh, zesty spice to lift the entire flavor profile.
- Sesame oil: A tiny hint for that subtle nutty richness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Tender chunks perfect for grilling and soaking up the marinade.
- Fresh cubed pineapple: Sweet and juicy bites that contrast deliciously with savory chicken.
- Green bell peppers and red onion: Colorful, crunchy veggies that add texture and a slight sweetness.
How to Make Quick and Tasty Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together ketchup, dark brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and season with salt and pepper. This marinade is the heart of your kebabs, combining sweet, tangy, and savory notes that will soak into every piece of chicken to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chopped chicken into a resealable bag, pour most of the marinade over it, and refrigerate for an hour. Be sure to set aside half a cup of the marinade for basting later. This not only tenderizes the chicken but ensures every bite sings with bold, balanced flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for at least an hour to prevent burning on the grill. This step is simple but critical for safe and clean grilling.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare the Grill
Get your grill hot and ready at medium heat, around 400°F (200°C), and brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. A properly heated and oiled grill is key to perfect searing and gorgeous grill marks.
Step 5: Toss the Veggies and Pineapple
Drizzle olive oil over the chopped red onion, green bell peppers, and fresh pineapple cubes, then season with salt and pepper. Tossing them in oil ensures they cook evenly and develop a beautiful char that enhances their natural sweetness.
Step 6: Assemble the Kebabs
Alternate threading marinated chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion onto each skewer until all ingredients are used. This colorful assembly isn’t just fun to look at; it ensures every bite gets a little of everything.
Step 7: Grill the Kebabs
Place the skewers on the oiled grill grates. Grill for 5 minutes on one side to get a good sear and caramelization, then brush the tops with the reserved marinade. This basting layer adds a glossy finish and extra flavor punch.
Step 8: Rotate and Baste
Flip the skewers and baste the other side with the remaining marinade. This step guarantees every angle of the kebabs is infused with that delectable glaze.
Step 9: Finish Grilling
Grill the kebabs for about 4 more minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Serve the kebabs hot off the grill for juicy, irresistible results.
How to Serve Quick and Tasty Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
Top your kebabs with freshly chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even sliced green onions to add a fresh aromatic finish and a little crunch. These garnishes highlight the tropical and savory flavors brilliantly.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs exceptionally well with fluffy coconut rice, a crisp garden salad, or even grilled corn on the cob. These sides balance the sweet and savory kebabs with fresh, subtle flavors and satisfying textures for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve your kebabs on a large platter lined with banana leaves or alongside a small bowl of extra reserved marinade as a dipping sauce. You can also stack the kebabs upright in a glass jar for a party-style presentation that’s both fun and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully after a day, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked marinated chicken cubes in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling kebabs and grilling fresh. Avoid freezing the fully assembled kebabs to maintain best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the kebabs in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil to keep them moist, or give them a quick turn on a hot grill for a few minutes to revive that charred texture. Avoid microwaving to keep the chicken juicy and the veggies crisp.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative because they stay juicy and tender even if slightly overcooked. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes and marinade as instructed.
Is it necessary to soak the wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking the skewers prevents them from burning on the grill and helps keep your kebabs intact during cooking.
Can I prepare the kebabs without a grill?
You can grill them indoors on a grill pan or roast them in the oven on a broiler setting. Just watch carefully to get a bit of char and ensure they cook evenly.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild with no added heat, but you can easily add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade if you like a little kick.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it gluten-free without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly delightful about a Quick and Tasty Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe that manages to be so easy yet so packed with fresh, bold flavors. Whether you’re a grilling pro or just starting out, these kebabs make a fantastic, colorful meal that brings a little tropical vacation vibe to your dining table. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience how fast deliciousness can come together!
Print
Quick and Tasty Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9-10 kebabs
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
These Quick and Tasty Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Marinated chicken pieces, fresh pineapple, bell peppers, and red onions are threaded onto skewers and grilled to juicy perfection. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to be a hit at any cookout or weeknight dinner, delivering vibrant Hawaiian-inspired taste in under an hour.
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
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (for marinade)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (4 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp minced ginger
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (plus 3/4 tsp pepper for marinade)
Main Ingredients
- 1 3/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into 1 1/4-inch cubes
- 3 cups fresh cubed pineapple (about 3/4 of a 3 lb pineapple)
- 1 1/2 large green bell peppers, diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (for vegetables and pineapple)
- Additional olive oil for brushing grill
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, dark brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, sesame oil, 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, and salt to taste, creating a flavorful Hawaiian marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chopped chicken breast into a resealable gallon-size bag. Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade by placing it into the refrigerator for basting later. Pour the remaining marinade into the bag with the chicken, seal securely, and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Soak Skewers: While the chicken marinates, soak 10 wooden skewers in water for about 1 hour to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat, approximately 400°F (200°C), to ensure even cooking of the kebabs.
- Prepare Vegetables and Pineapple: Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the diced red onion, green bell peppers, and fresh pineapple cubes. Toss everything together to coat evenly and season the onion and bell peppers with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Kebabs: Thread the marinated chicken, red onion pieces, green bell peppers, and pineapple chunks alternately onto the soaked wooden skewers until all chicken is used.
- Grill the Kebabs – First Side: Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes without turning, allowing for a good sear and grill marks.
- Baste and Rotate: Brush the tops of the skewers with 1/4 cup of the reserved marinade from the refrigerator. Flip the skewers carefully and brush the other side with the remaining 1/4 cup marinade to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Grill to Finish: Continue grilling the kebabs for an additional 4 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the meat is fully cooked and juicy. Serve warm immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety.
- Can substitute wooden skewers with metal skewers for reuse and convenience.
- If you don’t have a grill, the kebabs can be cooked on a grill pan or broiled in the oven, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Reserve marinade must be set aside before adding to raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
