Name: Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup ketchup; 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar; 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup canned pineapple juice; 4 Tbsp olive oil, divided; 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; 1 3/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into 1 1/4-inch cubes; 3 cups (heaping) fresh cubed pineapple (about 3/4 of a 3 lb pineapple); 1 1/2 large green peppers, diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces; 1 large red onion, diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces; Olive oil for brushing grill and tossing vegetables; Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 1 hour

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 59 reviews

If you’re craving a burst of tropical flavor that’s juicy, savory, and just a little bit sweet, you’re going to love this Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe. Imagine tender chicken cubes marinated in a vibrant mix of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger, skewered alongside fresh bell peppers, red onion, and juicy pineapple chunks. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky grill char and refreshing island-inspired sweetness that will instantly transport your taste buds to a sunny Hawaiian beach party. This Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it the perfect dish to share with family and friends at your next cookout or casual dinner.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several wooden skewers arranged closely inside a glass tray on a white marbled surface. Each skewer has a repeating pattern of four layers: a shiny orange-brown marinated meat cube, a bright yellow pineapple chunk, a green bell pepper piece, and a purple-red onion chunk with white inner layers visible. The colors are vivid, and the textures differ from smooth meat to fibrous pineapple and crisp vegetables, all stacked neatly in a uniform size. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create these mouthwatering Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs, you only need a handful of simple but essential ingredients that each play a starring role in the flavor, texture, and color of the dish. From the tangy pineapple juice to the robust garlic and the colorful veggies, every component brings something special to the skewer.

Ketchup: Adds a sweet tanginess that helps balance the savory marinade perfectly.

Dark brown sugar: Provides deep molasses notes and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings a rich umami depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Canned pineapple juice: Infuses that tropical sweetness and tenderizes the chicken.

Olive oil: Used both in the marinade and to brush the grill for perfect searing.
Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle acidity to brighten the marinade.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for bold aromatic punch.
Minced ginger: Offers a warm, slightly spicy contrast to the sweetness.

Sesame oil: A small amount for that nutty, toasty finish.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season everything perfectly.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.

Fresh cubed pineapple: Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and tropical flair.
Green bell peppers: For crisp, colorful bites and fresh flavor.
Red onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and vibrant color.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken

Start by whisking together ketchup, dark brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, two tablespoons of olive oil, rice vinegar, freshly minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This marinade is the magic behind the flavor — tangy, sweet, and full of umami. Place the cubed chicken into a resealable bag, pour the marinade over it (saving about half a cup for later), seal the bag, and refrigerate. It’s best to let the chicken soak up all those vibrant flavors for about an hour to get nice and tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Pineapple

While the chicken marinates, prepare your veggies and fresh pineapple. Toss the diced red onion, green bell peppers, and pineapple chunks with the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. This step not only adds shine but also helps the vegetables grill to tender, slightly caramelized perfection.

Step 3: Skewer Everything Up

After soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent burning, thread the chicken, pineapple, onion, and bell peppers onto each skewer. Alternating ingredients creates a colorful, balanced bite every time. These kebabs look as good as they taste and get an even grill with proper spacing.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C), and brush the grates lightly with olive oil for a non-stick surface. Place the kebabs on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes. Then, using the reserved marinade, generously brush the tops. Flip the kebabs, brushing the other side with the remaining marinade. Keep grilling for an additional 4 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is perfectly juicy and charred on the edges.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe

The image shows seven grilled skewers neatly placed on a white plate over a white marbled surface. Each skewer has five layers of food items stacked in a repeating pattern: shiny, grilled orange-brown chicken pieces, bright yellow pineapple chunks with slight charring, green bell pepper pieces, and purple-red onion wedges. The chicken pieces have a glossy glaze with grill marks, making them look juicy and flavorful. The skewers are aligned parallel, and a purple cloth is partly visible on the upper right side of the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To bring those tropical vibes fully to your plate, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top of your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe. A squeeze of fresh lime adds a zesty brightness that complements the sweet and savory flavors beautifully, making every bite fresh and vibrant.

Side Dishes

Pair these kebabs with light and refreshing side dishes like coconut rice, a crisp cucumber salad, or even grilled corn on the cob. These sides keep the meal balanced, adding cooling textures and subtle flavors that enhance the overall island-inspired experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra fun presentation, serve the kebabs on a bed of leafy greens or alongside a colorful tropical fruit salsa. You can even wrap the grilled chicken and veggies in warm tortillas for a Hawaiian-style wrap, perfect for a casual lunch or picnic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy that island flavor during a busy week.

Freezing

If you want to keep these kebabs longer, remove them from the skewers and freeze the chicken and veggies separately in airtight freezer-safe bags. They will keep well for up to two months, allowing you to thaw and grill fresh kebabs whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs is on the grill or in a cast iron skillet over medium heat, just until warmed through. This method helps retain that beautiful char and prevents the chicken from drying out compared to microwaving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe since they tend to stay juicier and more flavorful on the grill, but just remember to cut them into similarly sized pieces for even cooking.

Do I need to soak the wooden skewers?

Yes, soaking the wooden skewers for at least 10 minutes prevents them from burning or catching fire on the grill, ensuring safe and even cooking of your kebabs.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Definitely! You can cook these kebabs under a broiler or on a grill pan indoors. Just make sure to turn them often to get even browning and cook thoroughly.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe?

Yes! You can swap the chicken for firm tofu, tempeh, or large portobello mushrooms and use the same marinade and veggies for a tasty vegetarian twist.

How do I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest and most accurate way is to use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part. The cubes should be opaque and juices run clear.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that brings joy, color, and incredible flavor to your table with very little fuss. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just whipping up a weeknight dinner, these kebabs are sure to impress and delight your taste buds with every juicy bite. So grab those skewers, fire up the grill, and let the island vibes begin!

Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need