Sizzling Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe for Summer Fun

Succulent tropical hawaiian chicken skewers transport you to a beachside paradise with their vibrant, sweet-and-savory flavors.

Juicy marinated meat promises an explosion of tangy pineapple and zesty marinade.

Weeknight dinners gain excitement through these colorful, easy-to-prepare kebabs.

Summer gatherings call for something special that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Colorful ingredients blend island-inspired tastes into one mouthwatering dish.

Quick marinading techniques ensure maximum flavor absorption and tender meat.

Grab those skewers and let deliciousness begin!

Hawaiian Chicken Skewers That Bring Island Vibes

• Burst with Tropical Flavors: Experience a delightful fusion of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and zesty marinade that transports your taste buds to a Hawaiian paradise.
• Master Easy Grilling Techniques: Perfect for beginners and grill enthusiasts, this recipe requires minimal cooking skills and delivers impressive results with simple steps.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Party Dish: Colorful skewers make a stunning centerpiece for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, and potluck events that will wow your guests.
• Customize with Flexible Ingredients: Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add different vegetables to make this recipe your own unique culinary creation.

Ingredients to Skewer Tropical Hawaiian Chicken

• Chicken: Tender cubes of protein that form the main component of these tropical skewers.

• Soy Sauce: Provides a savory and salty base for the marinade.
• Pineapple Juice: Adds a sweet and tangy tropical flavor to the chicken.
• Honey: Helps create a caramelized glaze and balances the savory elements.
• Olive Oil: Ensures even coating and helps prevent sticking during grilling.
• Garlic: Brings a robust and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
• Ginger: Offers a warm and slightly spicy undertone to the dish.
• Chili Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and additional depth to the flavor profile.

• Pineapple: Fresh chunks that provide a sweet and juicy contrast to the chicken.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add crunch and nutritional value.
• Red Onion: Contributes a sharp and slightly sweet flavor to the skewers.

• Skewers: Essential for creating the grilled kebab-style presentation.

How to Grill Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Perfectly

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Pineapple juice
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Chili flakes

Stir until all ingredients are perfectly blended and create a vibrant liquid that will make your chicken sing with tropical flavors.

Step 2: Infuse Chicken with Tropical Goodness

Drop chicken cubes into the marinade, gently tossing to ensure every piece gets coated with the delicious mixture. Cover the bowl and slide it into the refrigerator.

Let the chicken soak up those incredible flavors for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 3: Build Colorful Skewer Masterpieces

Start threading your ingredients onto skewers in a playful pattern.

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

Alternate these ingredients to create a stunning rainbow of colors and textures.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature.

Lightly brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place skewers on the grill, rotating every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Grill for 10-12 minutes until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Tropical Delights

Transfer your sizzling skewers to a serving platter.

Pair with fluffy rice, crisp salad, or your favorite dipping sauce. Get ready to transport your taste buds to a Hawaiian paradise with every delicious bite.

Tips to Get Hawaiian Skewers Just Right

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
• Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and juiciness, cutting into uniform chunks for consistent grilling.
• Pat chicken dry before marinating to help the sauce adhere better and create a more flavorful exterior.
• For a low-carb option, serve skewers over cauliflower rice or mixed greens instead of traditional rice.
• Swap chicken with tofu or shrimp for a versatile protein alternative that absorbs the tropical marinade perfectly.

Variations to Change Up Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating in the same Hawaiian-inspired sauce for a plant-based protein option.
• Spicy Caribbean Version: Add scotch bonnet peppers to the marinade and use jerk seasoning for a fiery island-style flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or a fresh mixed green salad to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: For those without a grill, bake skewers at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking for even browning.

Pairing Ideas to Serve With Hawaiian Skewers

• Mix coconut rum, fresh pineapple juice, and a splash of grenadine for a vibrant drink that mirrors the skewers' tropical flavors.
• Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer with light sweetness and fruity notes that balance the chicken's savory and tangy marinade.
• Prepare coconut rice using coconut milk, adding a creamy texture that echoes the Hawaiian-inspired ingredients and absorbs the skewers' delicious marinades.
• Create a light, cool beverage blending cucumber, mint leaves, sparkling water, and a touch of lime to cut through the grilled chicken's richness.

Storing Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Safely

• Refrigerate: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Wrap individual skewers tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Microwave Reheating: Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent chicken from becoming dry.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F, spread skewers on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle a little extra pineapple juice to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• What makes the marinade special in these Hawaiian Chicken Skewers?

The marinade combines sweet pineapple juice, savory soy sauce, and honey, creating a perfect balance of tropical flavors that tenderizes and infuses the chicken with delicious taste.

• Can I use different types of meat for these skewers?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu while keeping the same marinade for a similar flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Lightly oil the grill grates before cooking and ensure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps create a non-stick surface and beautiful grill marks.

Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent tropical hawaiian chicken skewers combine sweet and savory flavors from Pacific island cuisine. Grilled pineapple and tender marinated chicken create a memorable summer dish you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken breast, cubed
• 2 cups (473 ml) fresh pineapple, cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, cubed
• 1 green bell pepper, cubed
• 1 red onion, cubed
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) pineapple juice
• 2 tbsps honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes in a mixing bowl.
2. Immerse cubed chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Prepare wooden skewers by soaking them in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning. Alternate threading marinated chicken, juicy pineapple chunks, colorful bell peppers, and sliced red onion onto each skewer.
4. Heat outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high temperature (around 400°F). Lightly brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Arrange skewers on hot grill, cooking for 5-6 minutes per side. Rotate carefully to ensure even charring and consistent cooking until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
6. Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.
7. Plate alongside steamed jasmine rice, tropical salad, or drizzle with extra marinade as a complementary sauce.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, up to 2 hours maximum to prevent meat from becoming mushy.
• Use metal skewers for even heat distribution or soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• Adjust chili flakes based on heat preference, starting with less and adding more for spice lovers.
• Consider gluten-free option by replacing soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg