The smell of food sizzling on the grill brings a special kind of magic to any summer gathering. These Hawaiian Chicken Skewers take me right back to long, sunny afternoons spent with family, where the air was filled with laughter and the irresistible aroma of grilled pineapple and juicy chicken.
This recipe is one of my all-time summer favorites, it’s quick, easy, and absolutely bursting with tropical flavor!The sweet, tangy glaze on these skewers is what makes them so special. It’s a mix of pineapple, soy sauce, and a touch of honey that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving a fun weeknight dinner, these Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Let’s get started!
What’s Inside This Recipe?
Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather everything you’ll need. This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into large chunks
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
You’ll also need:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden ones, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Once you’ve got everything ready, it’s time to assemble and grill these gorgeous skewers!
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Making these Hawaiian Chicken Skewers is easy and fun! The steps are straightforward, and I’ll guide you through everything so your skewers turn out perfectly.
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). This marinade is what gives the chicken its amazing sweet and savory flavor!
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Place the cubed chicken in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for basting.
Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours for even more flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the skewers
While the chicken marinates, prepare your skewers. Alternate threading chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple chunks onto the skewers. This combination of colorful veggies and juicy fruit makes each bite so satisfying!
Step 4: Preheat the grill
Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works just as well. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Grill the skewers
Place the assembled skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking.
Brush the reserved marinade onto the skewers during the last few minutes of grilling. This adds a delicious glaze and keeps everything juicy.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature), remove the skewers from the grill.
Let them rest for a couple of minutes, then serve warm. Pair them with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal!
Recipe Variations and Customization Ideas
One of the best things about these Hawaiian Chicken Skewers is how versatile they are. You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for cubes of firm tofu or halloumi cheese. Both grill beautifully and soak up the marinade’s flavors.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the skewers gluten-free.
- Low-carb: Skip the pineapple and add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for a keto-friendly twist.
- Kid-friendly: Keep the red pepper flakes out of the marinade and let the kids help assemble the skewers. They’ll love eating what they helped create!
Leftovers? Remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’re delicious tossed into a stir-fry, added to a wrap, or served cold in a salad.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. In fact, I often prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay extra juicy and tender on the grill. Just cut them into even pieces so they cook evenly.
Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 425°F and place the skewers on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through and brushing with marinade, until the chicken is cooked through.
What can I serve with Hawaiian Chicken Skewers?
I love pairing these skewers with coconut rice, a crisp green salad, or even some grilled corn on the cob. They also go well with a side of sweet potato fries or roasted veggies.
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken and chop the veggies up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble the skewers just before grilling.
What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before cooking. Avoid moving the skewers too early, let them sear for a couple of minutes before turning.
Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce instead of the marinade?
While homemade marinade adds a fresher, more complex flavor, bottled teriyaki sauce works in a pinch. Just be sure to reserve some for basting.
Are Hawaiian chicken skewers gluten-free?
They can be! For gluten-free just use tamari in your marinade, and double-check any store-bought sauces or spice blends for hidden gluten.
Try These Tropical Skewers Today!
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these Hawaiian Chicken Skewers. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just whipping up a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
If you make these skewers, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below or share your photos on social media. Don’t forget to tag me. I can’t wait to see your creations.
Looking for more grilling inspiration? Check out my recipe for Grilled Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers—another summer favorite!
Happy cooking, friends!
Wanda
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Equipment
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden ones, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion cut into large chunks
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks or canned, drained
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice reserved from canned pineapple or fresh
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a touch of heat
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). This marinade is what gives the chicken its amazing sweet and savory flavor!
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
- Place the cubed chicken in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for basting.
- Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours for even more flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the skewers
- While the chicken marinates, prepare your skewers. Alternate threading chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple chunks onto the skewers. This combination of colorful veggies and juicy fruit makes each bite so satisfying!
Step 4: Preheat the grill
- Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works just as well. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Grill the skewers
- Place the assembled skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Brush the reserved marinade onto the skewers during the last few minutes of grilling. This adds a delicious glaze and keeps everything juicy.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
- Once the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature), remove the skewers from the grill.
- Let them rest for a couple of minutes, then serve warm. Pair them with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal!
