Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect dish to light up your next cookout, look no further than these Hawaiian Chicken Skewers. This recipe delivers everything you’d want in a summer meal: tender, juicy chicken marinated in a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory flavors, vibrant veggies, and golden caramelized pineapple, all grilled to perfection. It’s that irresistible combination of tropical flair and backyard grilling magic, making Hawaiian Chicken Skewers a dish everyone will gather around and rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple but essential building blocks that give Hawaiian Chicken Skewers their signature appeal. Each ingredient brings a pop of flavor, freshness, or texture, and together they create a show-stopping skewer that’s both beautiful and delicious.

• Chicken Breast: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breast for a lean, tender protein that soaks up every drop of marinade.
• Fresh Pineapple: Pineapple brings natural juiciness and sweetness, and caramelizes into golden perfection on the grill.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds a bright, sweet crunch that plays beautifully against the savory chicken.
• Green Bell Pepper: Delivers a slightly tangier note and vibrant color to every skewer.
• Red Onion: These wedges hold their shape and develop a delicious subtle sweetness as they grill.
• Bamboo or Metal Skewers: These hold everything together—soak bamboo beforehand to prevent burning!
• Soy Sauce (Low-Sodium): This is the salty backbone of the marinade, letting other flavors shine without overpowering.
• Pineapple Juice: Infuses the chicken with tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the meat.
• Brown Sugar or Honey: Either adds a hint of sweetness and helps create those irresistible caramelized edges.
• Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings tanginess and balance to the marinade.
• Olive Oil: Keeps everything moist and helps the flavors meld together.
• Garlic Cloves: Adds mellow, aromatic heat you’ll notice in every bite.
• Grated Ginger: Fresh ginger gives the perfect zing, livening up the entire dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For just a hint of heat that wakes up your palate.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Mix the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together your soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar or honey, rice vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. This marinade is all about layering salty, sweet, and tangy notes that will make your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers unforgettable.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add those juicy chicken cubes into the bowl, tossing them until every piece is completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—longer if you have the time! Letting the chicken soak in the flavors overnight takes the taste to a whole new level, making the meat wonderfully tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

If you’re using bamboo skewers, remember to give them a soak in water for about 20 to 30 minutes. This little trick keeps them from scorching on the grill. Now, thread the chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion onto the skewers, alternating each component for pops of color and taste. Leave just a bit of space between each piece so everything cooks evenly.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

Fire up your grill to medium-high and give the grates a light brush of oil. Lay out the skewers and cook them for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through with those delicious grilled marks. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. For a flavor bomb at the end, brush on some reserved, uncontaminated marinade during the last few minutes of grilling.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the skewers come off the grill, sprinkle them with chopped cilantro or a handful of sesame seeds. These finishing touches add fresh flavor and gorgeous color, giving your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers that final wow factor.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Brighten up your platter by showering your skewers with freshly chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even a squeeze of lime. Each garnish adds an extra burst of freshness and a pop of color, making your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers just as stunning to look at as they are to eat.

Side Dishes

Pairing is half the fun! Steamed jasmine or coconut rice is a classic partner, gently absorbing every bit of those delicious grilled juices. Or try serving with a simple green salad, grilled corn on the cob, or even crispy sweet potato fries. The sweet-savory notes of these skewers go with just about everything.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful Hawaiian luau vibe, arrange the Hawaiian Chicken Skewers on a bed of fresh pineapple rings or leafy greens. Or, serve the skewers “deconstructed” in a bowl with rice and extra veggies for a vibrant, build-your-own bowl night. Let everyone pick and mix their favorite ingredients!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Hawaiian Chicken Skewers (lucky you!), simply remove the pieces from the sticks and pop them into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will keep well, making for delicious lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze fully cooked skewers—just slide everything off the sticks beforehand. Place the pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture and taste.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave them in short bursts, but be careful not to overheat and dry out the chicken. If you have a bit of extra marinade or pineapple juice, add a splash to keep everything moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit fattier and even more juicy, making them a great substitute in Hawaiian Chicken Skewers. Just adjust your grilling time slightly, as thighs may need a minute or two longer to cook through.

Can I make Hawaiian Chicken Skewers indoors?

If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan or even your oven’s broiler works nicely. You’ll still get that lovely char on the meat and veggies, and your kitchen will smell amazing!

What’s the best way to avoid wooden skewers burning?

Soak them in water for at least 20 to 30 minutes before threading your ingredients. This helps keep them from scorching or burning on the grill, ensuring your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers stay picture-perfect.

How sweet should the marinade be?

It’s really up to your taste! You can use less brown sugar or honey if you prefer things on the savory side, or add a little extra for more pronounced sweetness. Pineapple already adds quite a bit of natural sugar to Hawaiian Chicken Skewers.

Can I make these skewers ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! Assemble the Hawaiian Chicken Skewers up to a day ahead and store, covered, in the fridge. When ready to grill, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then fire up the barbecue. They’re great for prepping in advance so you can relax with your guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving food that instantly sparks joy and brings everyone together, Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are that dish. Each bite is bursting with color, flavor, and that unbeatable grilled goodness. Fire up your grill, invite some friends over, and give these a try—you’ll be making them again and again!

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