Hawaiian Chicken Skewers: Amazing Island Flavor

Name: Hawaiian Chicken Skewers: Amazing Island Flavor
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 pound Chicken Breast (thighs can be used for extra juiciness); 1 cup Pineapple (fresh is best, canned can be substituted); 1 cup Bell Peppers (mix red, yellow, or green for variety); 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free version); 2 cloves Garlic (fresh minced recommended); 1 tablespoon Ginger (freshly grated is ideal); 2 tablespoons Honey (maple syrup or agave can be used as vegan alternatives); 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (lemon juice is an adequate substitute)

by Manar Jota

August 25, 2025

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Hawaiian Chicken Skewers have become my absolute go-to for backyard BBQs and weeknight dinners alike. I first tasted them at a luau years ago, and the explosion of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors dancing with the juicy pineapple and tender chicken was unforgettable. It’s truly an easy Hawaiian chicken skewers recipe that brings the taste of the islands right to your table. Learning how to make Hawaiian chicken skewers was a game-changer for my summer cooking. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

These skewers are a winner for so many reasons:

Incredible Flavor: A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of tanginess that transports you straight to the islands.
Super Speedy Prep: You can have everything ready for marinating in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight option.
Healthy and Delicious: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, these are a guilt-free way to enjoy a flavorful meal.
Budget-Friendly Fun: Uses simple ingredients that are easy on the wallet, especially when feeding a crowd.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore the colorful presentation and the fun of eating off a stick!
Perfect for Grilling: These Hawaiian grilled chicken skewers cook up beautifully, getting that delicious smoky char.
Versatile Pineapple Chicken Skewers Recipe: Easily adaptable with your favorite veggies or a different fruit.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Here is everything you’ll need to create the best Hawaiian chicken skewers marinade and assemble these delightful kabobs:

1 pound Chicken Breast – I like to use chicken breast because it’s lean, but chicken thighs work wonderfully too for an extra juicy bite. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
1 cup Pineapple – Fresh pineapple chunks are key for that authentic tropical sweetness, but canned chunks packed in juice are a fine substitute.
1 cup Bell Peppers – I usually grab a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers for a beautiful colorful presentation. Chop them into 1-inch pieces.
1/4 cup Soy Sauce – This forms the savory base of our marinade. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if needed.
2 cloves Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds a punchy aromatic quality.
1 tablespoon Ginger – Freshly grated ginger provides a warm, slightly spicy note that complements the other flavors so well.
2 tablespoons Honey – For that lovely sweetness and helps with caramelization on the grill. Maple syrup or agave are great alternatives.
2 tablespoons Lime Juice – The acidity brightens everything up and tenderizes the chicken. Freshly squeezed is best!

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Whipping up these delicious skewers is super simple, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as they cook is just heavenly. They truly are a perfect example of teriyaki chicken skewers Hawaiian style.

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Step 1: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill warms up, make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking – a little spray oil works wonders!
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and fresh lime juice. This creates your flavorful marinade, the heart of these sweet and savory chicken skewers Hawaiian.
Step 3: Place your cubed chicken breast, pineapple chunks, and bell pepper pieces into a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over everything, ensuring all the pieces are well-coated.
Step 4: Let the chicken and vegetables marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for an even deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. You’ll notice the chicken starts to absorb all those amazing tropical flavors.
Step 5: If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading. This prevents them from burning on the hot grill.
Step 6: Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple, and bell peppers onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients to create a beautiful, colorful presentation. Don’t pack them too tightly, as this allows for better heat circulation and even cooking.
Step 7: Carefully place the assembled skewers onto the preheated, oiled grill grates. Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes total, turning them every few minutes so all sides get a nice char and the chicken cooks through evenly.
Step 8: The skewers are ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer, and the vegetables are tender-crisp. You’ll see those lovely grill marks and a beautiful caramelization on the pineapple.
Step 9: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years to make these skewers absolutely perfect every time. Follow these tips and you’ll be serving up island-style perfection!

Marinate Properly: Don’t rush the marinating step! For the absolute best flavor, let those chicken and veggie pieces soak in the marinade for at least 2 hours, or even overnight in the fridge. This allows the ingredients to really meld together.
Uniform Pieces: Cut your chicken, pineapple, and bell peppers into roughly the same size pieces. This is crucial for ensuring everything cooks evenly on the grill. No one wants undercooked chicken or burnt pineapple!
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give your skewers some space on the grill grates. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than grilling, and you won’t get those delicious caramelized bits and smoky flavors we love.
Soak Your Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading your ingredients. This little step prevents them from catching fire on the grill.

What’s the secret to perfect Hawaiian chicken skewers?

The real secret lies in the marinade and the balance of ingredients. A good soak in a well-balanced sweet and savory marinade, combined with perfectly grilled chicken and caramelized pineapple, creates that signature island flavor. For more delicious recipes, check out our full recipe collection.

Can I make Hawaiian chicken skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can marinate the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just thread them onto the skewers right before grilling.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Hawaiian chicken skewers?

The biggest pitfall is not marinating long enough, leading to bland chicken. Also, avoid overcrowding the grill, as this prevents proper caramelization. Finally, ensure your chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Understanding proper food safety is important when cooking.

Best Ways to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

These vibrant skewers are so versatile! They’re fantastic on their own for a light meal, or you can serve them alongside some fluffy white rice or coconut rice to soak up any extra marinade. For a complete island feast, consider pairing them with a fresh, crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad. Thinking about an Aloha chicken skewers recipe for a luau? These pair perfectly with grilled corn on the cob and a side of macaroni salad.

Nutrition Facts for Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Let’s talk about what goes into these delicious skewers per serving (this recipe makes about 4 servings, so approximately 1 skewer each):

Calories: 250 kcal
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Protein: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients you use, especially if you opt for chicken thighs or different types of pineapple.

How to Store and Reheat Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Once these delicious skewers have cooled down, storing leftovers is a breeze. For the best quality, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn, perhaps in a way that preserves the essence of your Hawaiian BBQ chicken skewers. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is simple. You can gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat, in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or even pop them back on the grill for a few minutes to recapture that smoky flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

What makes Hawaiian chicken skewers so flavorful?

The magic really happens in the marinade! It’s a perfect blend of savory soy sauce, sweet honey, tangy lime, and aromatic garlic and ginger. This combination creates that signature sweet and savory flavor profile that makes these skewers so addictive. Marinating the chicken and veggies allows all those delicious flavors to really soak in.

Can you use different kinds of meat for Hawaiian chicken skewers?

Absolutely! While chicken breast is a great lean option, chicken thighs are fantastic for extra juiciness. You could also try pork tenderloin or even shrimp for a different take on these tropical skewers. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the protein you choose. For other chicken dishes, you might enjoy our Mediterranean Chicken Gyros.

How do I make sure my Hawaiian chicken kabobs don’t fall apart on the grill?

The key is to not over-pack the ingredients onto the skewer. Leave a little space between the pieces of chicken, pineapple, and peppers. This allows for even cooking and prevents the skewers from becoming too heavy. Also, ensure your chicken and veggies are cut into relatively uniform, bite-sized pieces for stability.

What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled pineapple chicken skewers?

These skewers are wonderful served with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob. For a lighter, more tropical feel, consider serving them with mango salsa, or a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette. They really complement a variety of flavors!

Variations of Hawaiian Chicken Skewers You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with different twists to keep things exciting! Here are a few ideas to try:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade for a bit of heat that complements the sweet and savory notes.
Vegetarian Delight: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or halloumi cheese. They both absorb the marinade beautifully and grill up wonderfully, making these delicious Hawaiian chicken and vegetable skewers accessible for everyone.
Oven-Baked Version: No grill? No problem! You can achieve similar results by baking these skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Teriyaki Glaze Finish: For an extra punch of classic teriyaki flavor, brush a little extra teriyaki sauce onto the skewers during the last few minutes of grilling.

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