If you’re craving a burst of tropical flavor wrapped in tender, juicy chicken, this Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need. These skewers marry the sweet tang of pineapple with the savory depth of soy sauce and zingy lime, all grilled to perfection for a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Quick to prepare and bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, this recipe brings a little island sunshine to your table any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to achieving the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory in your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the juicy chicken to the fresh pineapple, producing a symphony of tastes and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option): Adds a salty, umami base that enhances all the flavors.
- ¼ cup pineapple juice: Brings natural sweetness and a subtle tropical tang.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey): Balances the tang and saltiness with rich sweetness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the marinade cling.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds a gentle acidity to brighten the dish.
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice: Delivers fresh citrus notes that wake up the palate.
- 1 tsp garlic, minced: Infuses savory aroma and depth.
- 1 tsp ginger, minced: Provides warmth and gentle spice.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a touch of heat if you like a bit of a kick.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes: The tender protein star of the show.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into chunks: Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks: Offers a bright contrast and crunch.
- 1 medium red onion, cut into chunks: Brings mild sharpness and texture.
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks: The juicy tropical highlight in every bite.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Wooden skewers must be soaked for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, olive oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. This aromatic blend creates the perfect marinade that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with layers of flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the cubed chicken in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and gently massage to coat every piece evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight, to let all the flavors soak in deeply.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes alternately with red and yellow bell peppers, red onion chunks, and fresh pineapple onto skewers. This not only creates a stunning visual but also ensures a wonderful balance of flavors in every bite.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Lightly oil your grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The vegetables should develop a slight char for that irresistible smoky flavor.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. This step ensures every bite is succulent and bursting with that classic Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe flavor you’re after.
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Top your skewers with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions to add a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor. For extra zest, a squeeze of lime just before serving can brighten the dish beautifully and elevate all the tropical notes.
Side Dishes
Serve your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers alongside fluffy coconut rice or steamed jasmine rice to soak up all the delicious juices. Pairing them with a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables makes for a well-rounded, colorful meal that’s as healthy as it is tasty.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the skewers over a bed of grilled pineapple slices or wrapped in warm lettuce leaves for a light, fresh twist. You can also build a Hawaiian-inspired platter with sides like mac salad or sweet potato fries, making your meal party-ready in no time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay delicious for up to three days and are perfect for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these skewers for longer, remove the chicken pieces from the skewers and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer bag after freezing solid, and they can last up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or thawed skewers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for best texture, as grilling brings out those signature smoky notes that make this Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving when grilling, and they absorb marinade flavors beautifully, making your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe even more succulent.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning and helps maintain their integrity during cooking.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill, no problem! You can broil the skewers in your oven or cook them on a grill pan indoors. Both methods will give you lovely charred flavors close to outdoor grilling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply swap soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep all the flavor while making the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
For more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a touch of sriracha to your marinade. This will give your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe an exciting spicy kick without overpowering the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe enough if you want an easy, vibrant dish that brings tropical vibes straight to your grill. The perfect marriage of juicy chicken, fresh pineapple, and colorful veggies grilled with a fantastic marinade will keep you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Delight in the tropical flavors of these Hawaiian Chicken Skewers, featuring tender marinated chicken cubes grilled alongside vibrant bell peppers, red onion, and juicy pineapple chunks. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal, these skewers combine savory, sweet, and tangy notes with a hint of spice for an irresistible taste of the islands.
Ingredients
Marinade
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (freshly squeezed or from a can)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Skewers
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 medium red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, olive oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. This blend will infuse your chicken with sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken cubes in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and gently massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, turning occasionally to ensure thorough marination.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken and vegetables from sticking during cooking.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple chunks onto the skewers, alternating ingredients for a colorful and well-balanced presentation.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the vegetables should be tender with slight char marks.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices. Serve immediately with additional fresh pineapple on the side, alongside rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free variation.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor but 2 hours is sufficient if short on time.
- Make sure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safely cooked.
- For added smoky flavor, consider using a charcoal grill or adding wood chips.
