If you’re looking for a dish that brings sunshine and a burst of tropical flavor right to your table, this Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken chunks perfectly marinated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy mixture fuse beautifully with colorful vegetables and fresh pineapple, creating a mouthwatering, vibrant meal. Whether you’re grilling for a casual family dinner or a lively backyard party, these skewers promise a delightful taste sensation that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe plays a crucial role, from building the marinade’s complex layers of flavor to bringing fresh, vibrant colors to your plate. These simple yet essential ingredients work in harmony to give each bite a balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and just a hint of heat.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and balances the sweetness with a salty kick.
- Pineapple juice: Brings tropical sweetness and tenderizes the chicken for juicy bites.
- Brown sugar: Provides caramel notes and enhances the marinade’s glaze.
- Olive oil: Helps blend the marinade and keeps the chicken moist during grilling.
- Rice vinegar: Offers a mild acidity that brightens the overall flavor.
- Fresh lime juice: Injects vibrant citrus brightness and balances the richness.
- Minced garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic punch to the marinade.
- Minced ginger: Introduces a spicy, fresh zing that elevates the tropical profile.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle heat, perfect for those who like a little kick.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The star protein, cut into juicy, bite-sized cubes.
- Red bell pepper: Contributes sweetness and crunch with a vibrant splash of color.
- Yellow bell pepper: Adds bright, sunny hues and a mild, sweet flavor.
- Red onion: Provides sharpness and a lovely char when grilled.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: Boosts the tropical vibe with juicy sweetness and slight tang.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for holding everything together and perfect grill marks—don’t forget to soak wooden skewers to avoid burning!
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, olive oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. This marinade is the magic behind the Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe’s unforgettable flavor, layering sweet, savory, acidic, and spicy notes that marry perfectly with the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your cubed chicken into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and gently massage the flavors into every piece. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight, to allow the chicken to soak up all those vibrant tastes thoroughly.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Get your grill heating up to medium-high. While it warms, carefully thread the marinated chicken cubes, bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple chunks onto your skewers, alternating between the ingredients to create a beautiful, colorful pattern that’s as inviting to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Lightly oil your grill grates to prevent sticking, then place the skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally so everything chars slightly and cooks evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the veggies are tender with a charred edge bursting with smoky goodness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once grilled to perfection, carefully remove the skewers and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This resting time seals in all those delicious juices, ensuring every bite is both tender and flavorful.
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your dish by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a fresh, herbaceous lift. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the skewers right before digging in adds a zesty brightness that complements the marinade’s tropical flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe alongside fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the juices. For a lighter option, a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad or a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, balancing the richness with fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, arrange the skewers on a platter garnished with extra pineapple chunks and lime wedges. If you’re hosting, lay down a bed of shredded lettuce or kale and place skewers on top for a tropical platter that’s visually stunning and easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them great for quick lunches or dinner the next day. Just keep the marinade juices separate or wipe off excess for the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your skewers, it’s best to do so before grilling. Assemble the skewers and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw them fully in the fridge overnight before grilling for best results.
Reheating
To reheat grilled skewers, you can use a grill, oven, or stovetop. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the skewers wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, reheat them on the grill for a few minutes on each side to revive that smoky char and juicy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice because they’re a bit more forgiving during grilling and stay juicy and tender, offering extra flavor that pairs perfectly with the marinade in this Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem at all! These skewers can be cooked under the broiler in your oven or on a grill pan on the stovetop. Just keep an eye to avoid burning and turn frequently to cook evenly.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
While you can marinate for just 2 hours, letting the chicken soak overnight is ideal. It allows the flavors to deeply penetrate and tenderizes the meat spectacularly, making your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe extra delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. This small change keeps the flavor intact and makes the dish safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative with your veggies! Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms are great additions that grill well and complement the tropical and savory flavors in this Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings a splash of island flair to any meal. Its bright, balanced flavors and easy preparation make it a go-to for backyard barbecues or quick weeknight dinners. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the juicy, colorful, and simply irresistible skewers that always bring smiles to the table.
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Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken, colorful bell peppers, red onion, and sweet pineapple chunks. The chicken is marinated in a tangy and slightly spicy mixture of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and fresh lime juice, then grilled to juicy perfection. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a tropical-themed meal, these skewers deliver a wonderful balance of savory, sweet, and zesty flavors with a smoky char from the grill.
Ingredients
Marinade
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (freshly squeezed or from a can)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Skewers
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 medium red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, olive oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. This mixture will tenderize and infuse the chicken with a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken cubes in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and massage gently to coat all the pieces evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, turning occasionally to ensure even absorption.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces, red bell pepper chunks, yellow bell pepper chunks, red onion chunks, and pineapple chunks onto the skewers alternately for a colorful appearance.
- Grill the Skewers: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are slightly charred and tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve immediately with additional pineapple on the side if desired, along with a serving of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to avoid burning.
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of heat.
- This recipe can be adapted for indoor grilling using a grill pan or broiler if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
