Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe

This Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser brimming with flavor, color, and tropical vibes! Juicy marinated chicken is grilled to perfection alongside sweet pineapple and vibrant veggies, making every bite an irresistible mix of savory and sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients for this Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe, but each one plays a starring role in crafting those classic island flavors. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters!

• Soy Sauce (or tamari): Adds rich, savory depth and is the backbone of our marinade. For gluten-free diners, use tamari!
• Canned Pineapple Juice: Lends tangy sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken, infusing every bite with tropical aroma.
• Honey (or brown sugar): Delivers irresistible caramelization on the grill and balances the salty notes of soy.
• Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way, adding warm, toasty flavor and smoothness to the marinade.
• Garlic Powder & Ground Ginger: These pantry staples provide gentle heat and fragrant undertones—don’t skip!
• Salt & Black Pepper: Enhance all the natural goodness of the other ingredients.
• Corn Starch & Water: Whisked together, these quickly thicken your marinade so it clings to the kabobs beautifully.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-size pieces so each kabob is juicy and cooks evenly.
• Bell Peppers (any color): Bring crunch and bold color—mix red, yellow, and green for a vibrant presentation!
• Red Onion: Offers mild bite and becomes sweetly mellow when grilled.
• Pineapple Chunks: Absolute non-negotiable for that Hawaiian flair—fresh or canned both work great.
• Olive Oil (or more sesame oil): Helps veggies char perfectly and prevents sticking.
• Oil or Grill Cooking Spray: Ensures your kabobs release easily for picture-perfect presentation.

Variations

The beauty of the Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe is just how easy it is to personalize. You can totally cater to dietary needs or whatever’s in your fridge—just follow your tastebuds!

• Swap the Protein: Try this recipe with shrimp, pork tenderloin, or even tofu for a veggie-forward meal.
• Go Veggie Heavy: Double up on the peppers, toss in zucchini or mushrooms, and make a completely vegetarian version that’s still brimming with flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a spoonful of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a fiery twist.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or simply reduce the honey if you prefer things less sweet.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Thicken the Marinade

Start by whisking together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, sesame oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then whisk cold water with cornstarch and slowly pour it into the sauce, stirring well. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens up—it should coat the back of a spoon. This forms that delicious, sticky-sweet sauce that makes the kabobs sing!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces into a large zip-top bag or a bowl, pour in half your thickened marinade, and toss everything to coat well. Pop it into the refrigerator for at least one hour (up to four if you have extra time). This soak infuses every morsel with tropical goodness, keeping it juicy and full of flavor.

Step 3: Soak Your Skewers & Prep the Veggies

If you’re using wooden skewers, let them soak in water for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, chop your bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple into 1½-inch chunks so they’ll grill at the same rate as your chicken. A quick brush of olive oil on your veggies will help them char up nicely and keep them from sticking.

Step 4: Assemble and Grill Your Kabobs

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Thread the chicken, peppers, onion, and pineapple onto your skewers, alternating to get a good mix of flavor and color on each one. Oil the grill grates well, then place the kabobs on the grill. Cook for 15–20 minutes, turning every 4–5 minutes and basting with the reserved marinade until the chicken is cooked through and everything is beautifully caramelized.

Step 5: Oven Broiler Option

No grill? No worries! Just arrange your skewers on a lined baking sheet and pop them under a preheated broiler. Turn and baste every 5 minutes. They’ll be ready in about the same amount of time and taste just as fabulous.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle your kabobs generously with sesame seeds, a handful of sliced green onions, or a shower of fresh cilantro for that restaurant-worthy finish. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving brightens up those tropical flavors even more!

Side Dishes

These kabobs are wonderful served over fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up every drop of marinade. Pair them with a simple cucumber salad, grilled corn, or even a light macaroni salad for a truly festive meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve mini kabobs as appetizers, or arrange the skewers “rainbow style” on a big platter for a vibrant centerpiece. You can even de-skewer everything and toss leftovers into a leafy salad or wrap for lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, slide everything off the skewers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for tomorrow’s lunch or a fuss-free dinner.

Freezing

Cooked Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe freeze beautifully! Place cooled pieces (off the skewers) in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep for 2–3 months and make a fantastic meal prep option.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat kabobs gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or pop them in a covered skillet with a splash of water or pineapple juice. The microwave works too—just cover to prevent drying out!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, give this Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe a go! It’s a guaranteed mood-booster for sunny backyard gatherings or a weeknight escape to island flavors—so fire up your grill and treat yourself to a bite of aloha.

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