Delicious Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Welcome to a taste of the tropics with these Yummy Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs! Bursting with sticky sweetness, smoky flavors, and a hint of zing, these vibrant skewers are the epitome of summer on a plate. The combination of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and crisp peppers creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for laid-back backyard hangouts or quick weeknight meals that transport you to a sunny paradise.

Grilling up these Hawaiian chicken pineapple kebabs is not just about cooking; it’s about creating moments of pure joy. The charred pineapple and tender chicken pieces disappear faster than you can say aloha, leaving everyone craving more. Whether you’re competing with the kids for the last caramelized pineapple chunk or savoring the juicy flavors, these kebabs are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Looking to impress at your next BBQ or simply jazzing up a weekday dinner? These tropical skewers are a surefire way to win hearts and taste buds. From the marinade tips to ingredient swaps, get ready to elevate your grilling game with these Yummy Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs that capture the essence of island living in every bite.

Quick Benefits

• Bursting with sunny, vibrant flavors that embody the essence of summer
• Offers a versatile and customizable dish with options for substitutions to suit various dietary preferences
• Convenient for meal prep with the ability to store leftovers and freeze for future enjoyment
• Provides a juicy and tender texture combination of grilled chicken and caramelized pineapple

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe

• Pure Summer Vibes: This dish brings the essence of summer to your plate with its sticky-sweet, smoky, and zesty flavors, perfect for grilling.
• Easy and Bursting with Flavor: A simple recipe with a burst of sunny flavor, making it an ideal choice for quick weeknight meals or relaxed backyard barbecues.
• Irresistible Combination: The tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and crisp peppers create a delicious and satisfying combination that even fussy eaters can’t resist.
• Versatile and Adaptable: From marinating the chicken to freezing for future use, this recipe offers various tips and swaps to suit different preferences like using different bell pepper colors or swapping chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
• Tropical Delight: With a balance of sweet and smoky flavors reminiscent of Hawaiian huli huli barbecue, these skewers bring a taste of the islands to your table.
• Make-Ahead and Crowd-Pleasing: Easy to prepare in advance by marinating the chicken and freezing, this dish is a hit at summer parties, picnics, or potlucks, where people will be begging for the recipe.
• Colorful and Customizable: While the classic choice is bell pepper and onion, you can add your favorite veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
• Cooking Tips and Tricks: From soaking wooden skewers to ensuring the chicken is cooked to perfection, this recipe provides helpful tips for a successful grilling experience.
• Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy these skewers over coconut or jasmine rice, with a crisp cucumber salad or grilled corn on the side, or dip them in a zesty yogurt-lime sauce for added freshness.
• Year-Round Appeal: Whether on a sunny day or during colder months, these skewers can be grilled outdoors or on a stovetop grill pan, offering a taste of the tropics any time of year.

Ingredients for Delicious Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Marinade

• 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• Freshly ground black pepper, as much as you like
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 4 tablespoons olive oil (split up), plus extra to rub on grill
• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped up
• 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup canned pineapple juice
• Sprinkle of salt, to taste

Kebabs

• 3 cups ripe pineapple, chopped (you’ll need about 3/4 of a 3-pound fruit)
• 1 3/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 1 1/4-inch chunks
• 1 1/2 big green bell peppers, chopped into 1 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 large red onion, cut into 1 1/4-inch chunks

Pro Tips for Delicious Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers

To make these Yummy Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs, consider marinating the chicken for at least an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate. Be mindful not to overcook the chicken; grill over medium heat until just done to keep it tender and juicy. Also, soaking wooden skewers in water for about an hour before grilling helps prevent charring.

For a juicier alternative, try using boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. If you prefer a sweeter taste, opt for yellow or orange bell peppers. In case you’re gluten-free, tamari is an excellent substitute for soy sauce. When using canned pineapple instead of fresh, pat the pineapple chunks dry before grilling to achieve nice grill marks.

To store leftovers, keep them chilled in a sealed container for up to three days, or freeze after marinating for the juiciest results. Reheat by spreading on a sheet pan, covering with foil, and warming in a low oven. Enjoy these vibrant skewers over coconut or jasmine rice, and pair them with a crisp cucumber salad or grilled corn for a delicious meal.

How to Make Delicious Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Step 1: Finish cooking and serve

Continue grilling for approximately 4 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the kebabs from the grill and serve hot.

Step 2: Grill kebabs

Preheat the grill to medium heat (around 400°F) and grease the grates with olive oil. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 5 minutes. Brush half of the reserved marinade on top, then flip and brush with the remaining marinade.

Step 3: Assemble kebabs

Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion onto the soaked skewers, alternating the ingredients until all the chicken is used.

Step 4: Prepare skewers and vegetables

As the chicken marinates, soak 10 wooden skewers in cold water for 1 hour. Toss pineapple, peppers, and red onion with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Marinate chicken

Place the chicken cubes in a large resealable bag. Reserve 1/2 cup of marinade. Add the remaining marinade to the chicken, seal the bag, and mix well. Refrigerate for approximately 1 hour to marinate.

Step 6: Prepare marinade

Combine ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Storage Tips

After enjoying the vibrant flavors of your Hawaiian chicken pineapple kebabs, store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, spread the kebabs on a sheet pan, loosely cover with foil, and warm in a low oven. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave, heating in quick bursts. For freezing, marinate the chicken and freeze before cooking for the best results.

To enhance the juiciness of the dish, consider using boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. For a sweeter flavor profile, opt for yellow or orange bell peppers. If you require a gluten-free option, tamari is a perfect substitute for soy sauce. In case fresh pineapple is unavailable, canned pineapple can be used after patting dry the chunks. Remember to soak wooden skewers in water for about an hour before grilling to prevent them from charring.

Get creative with your kebabs by experimenting with additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor. When grilling the chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 75°C) for safe consumption while keeping it juicy. The fresh pineapple adds a delightful bite and juiciness when cooked over heat, though canned pineapple can be a convenient substitute.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a juicier alternative, consider using boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. The dark meat tends to be more flavorful and moist when grilled. If you prefer a sweeter taste, try using yellow or orange bell peppers in place of green ones. These varieties are slightly sweeter and can enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

If you need to make this recipe gluten-free, you can easily swap out the soy sauce for tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. Additionally, if fresh pineapple is not available, canned pineapple can be used as a substitute. Just make sure to dry the canned pineapple chunks before grilling to achieve those attractive grill marks. These substitutions can help accommodate dietary preferences or ingredient availability without compromising the delicious flavors of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these mouthwatering Hawaiian chicken pineapple kebabs on a bed of fluffy coconut rice for a delightful island-inspired meal. Pair them with a refreshing cucumber salad or grilled corn on the side to complete the tropical feast. To elevate the experience, offer a zesty yogurt-lime dip for dipping the skewers or as a drizzle over the kebabs.

For a vibrant party spread, present a platter of these colorful kebabs alongside a selection of tropical fruits. The juicy caramelized pineapple and tender chicken will be a hit with guests, and the sweet-smoky flavors will transport everyone to a sunny beachside barbecue. Whether grilled outdoors in the summer or on a grill pan during colder months, these irresistible kebabs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

FAQs for Delicious Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for the skewers?

Yes, you can definitely swap canned pineapple for fresh in this recipe. Just make sure to dry off the canned pineapple chunks before grilling to get those nice grill marks.

How should I store leftovers of the Hawaiian chicken pineapple kebabs?

You can keep leftovers chilled in a sealed container for up to three days. When reheating, spread them on a sheet pan, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a low oven. Alternatively, you can use the microwave in short bursts for quick reheating.

How can I make the chicken even juicier?

If you prefer juicier chicken, try swapping in boneless chicken thighs for the chicken breast in the recipe. The dark meat of thighs tends to stay juicier during grilling.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Yes, it’s recommended to soak wooden skewers in water for about an hour before grilling. This helps prevent them from charring up on the grill.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Yummy Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs are not just a dish but a vibrant ode to summer grilling and the spirit of island flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers are sure to bring smiles all around. The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes in every juicy bite will transport you to a tropical paradise right at your dinner table.

Remember, the versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations and substitutions to suit your preferences or dietary needs. So don’t hesitate to get creative with the ingredients and make these kebabs your own. With tips on marinating, grilling, and serving, you’re all set to impress your guests or enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and let these Yummy Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs bring a taste of sunshine to your next meal. Enjoy!