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Yummy Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

Yummy Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs bring the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors right to your grill. Made with juicy boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, vibrant bell pepper, red onion, and sweet pineapple chunks, these kabobs are marinated in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, sesame oil, and olive oil. Whether you’re using wooden skewers on a charcoal grill or cooking indoors, this Hawaiian chicken kabobs recipe is the ultimate warm-weather meal.

Yummy Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs-intro
Yummy Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs-intro

Why You’ll Love Yummy Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

These pineapple chicken kabobs are the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and smoky. Quick to prep, easy to grill, and packed with tropical flavor, this Hawaiian chicken kabobs recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

  • Bold, Balanced Marinade: Made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and olive oil.
  • Juicy and Tender Every Time: Grilled chicken breast or thighs, perfectly cooked using an instant read thermometer.
  • Colorful and Fresh: Pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and red onion on wooden skewers bring bright flavor.
  • Fast and Versatile: Minimal prep and cook time—great for weeknights or cookouts.

Ingredients for Yummy Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

These pineapple chicken Kebabs come together with a flavorful marinade and vibrant, juicy kebab components. Each element of this Hawaiian chicken kabobs recipe is chosen for bold taste and perfect grill texture.

Marinade Ingredients

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided use), plus more for greasing the grill
  • 1/4 cup canned pineapple juice
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup ketchup

For the Kebabs

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

Use wooden skewers soaked in water if grilling over open flame, and keep an instant read thermometer handy to ensure your grilled chicken is perfectly cooked. Don’t forget to save some reserved marinade for brushing during grilling.

Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs-ingr
Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs-ingr

How to Make Yummy Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

This Hawaiian chicken Kebabs recipe delivers vibrant flavor in every bite. With just a bit of prep, you’ll have colorful, juicy skewers ready to hit the grill and steal the show. Here’s how to make them:

  1. Mix the Marinade
    In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
  2. Marinate the Chicken
    Place cubed boneless skinless chicken breast in a large zip-top bag. Pour in the marinade, reserving 1/2 cup for later. Seal and massage the bag to coat all the chicken. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  3. Prep the Skewers and Veggies
    Soak 10 wooden skewers in cold water for at least 1 hour. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and red onion. Toss to coat evenly, then season with a little salt and pepper.
  4. Assemble the Kebabs
    Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red onion, and bell pepper onto the wooden skewers, alternating as you go, until all ingredients are used.
  5. Preheat and Grill
    Heat the grill to medium (around 400°F) and grease the grates with olive oil. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 5 minutes. Brush with half the reserved marinade, flip, and brush with the rest.
  6. Finish Grilling
    Continue to grill for about 4 more minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F in the center (check with an instant read thermometer). Remove from heat and serve hot.

Perfectly charred and bursting with tropical flavor, these pineapple chicken kabobs are grilled chicken at its most festive.

Serve Yummy Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

These grilled pineapple chicken Kebabs are packed with flavor and color—ideal for casual meals or festive gatherings. Here are some easy and delicious ways to serve them:

  • With Coconut Rice or Jasmine Rice
    The sweet-savory flavors pair perfectly with a simple rice base to soak up extra reserved marinade.
  • Alongside Grilled Vegetables
    Serve with zucchini, corn, or eggplant drizzled in olive oil and lightly seasoned.
  • As a Plated Meal
    Remove the chicken skewers and serve the grilled chicken and pineapple chunks over greens or a grain bowl.
  • With a Side of Dipping Sauce
    Offer an extra drizzle of reserved marinade, or serve with a tangy sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
  • As Party Skewers
    Lay them out with affiliate links-style bamboo skewers for easy serving at gatherings or cookouts. Use an instant read thermometer to ensure they’re cooked to perfection.
Yummy Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs-step-
Yummy Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs-step-

Tips for Success

Master this Hawaiian chicken Kebabs recipe with these simple but essential tips for juicy, flavorful results every time:

  • Use Fresh Pineapple Juice
    For best flavor, choose fresh or high-quality canned pineapple juice when mixing your marinade ingredients.
  • Soak Wooden Skewers
    Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 1 hour before grilling to prevent burning.
  • Balance the Skewers
    Alternate pineapple chunks, bell pepper, red onion, and chicken evenly to ensure even grilling.
  • Reserve Marinade for Basting
    Always set aside a portion of the marinade before adding raw chicken. Brush it on during grilling for an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
  • Check Doneness Precisely
    Use an instant read thermometer to make sure your grilled chicken reaches 165°F for food safety and perfect texture.
  • Use Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness
    While boneless skinless chicken breast is lean, thighs stay more tender during grilling and hold flavor beautifully.

Following these tips ensures every batch of pineapple chicken kebabs turns out just right—colorful, juicy, and full of sweet-savory island flavor.

Equipment Needed

To make this Hawaiian chicken Kebabs recipe smooth and efficient, gather these essential tools:

  • Wooden Skewers
    Soak in water before use to prevent burning on the grill.
  • Mixing Bowls
    One for combining marinade ingredients like soy sauce, pineapple juice, sesame oil, and brown sugar, and another for tossing vegetables.
  • Zip-Top Bag or Marinating Dish
    For coating and chilling the boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs.
  • Cutting Board & Sharp Knife
    Ideal for chopping pineapple chunks, red onion, and bell pepper into even pieces.
  • Grill or Grill Pan
    Use a gas or charcoal grill to cook your chicken skewers evenly.
  • Tongs
    For turning skewers safely without disturbing the char.
  • Basting Brush
    To apply reserved marinade while grilling.
  • Instant Read Thermometer
    Ensures your grilled chicken is cooked perfectly to 165°F inside.
  • Serving Platter
    To present your pineapple chicken kabobs hot off the grill.

These basic tools make grilling easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable—bringing out the full flavor of your pineapple and chicken skewers.

Variations – Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

This Hawaiian chicken Kebabs recipe is easy to adapt based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try these tasty twists to keep things fresh and flavorful:

  • Swap Chicken Cuts
    Use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breast for extra moisture and richer flavor. They’re forgiving on the grill and stay juicy longer.
  • Spicy-Sweet Marinade
    Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade ingredients for a sweet and spicy contrast with the pineapple juice and brown sugar.
  • Tropical Veggie Mix
    Substitute or add colorful veggies like yellow squash or cherry tomatoes with bell pepper and red onion for added texture and variety.
  • Oven-Baked Option
    No grill? Thread your skewers and bake at 425°F on a foil-lined baking sheet brushed with olive oil. Turn once and baste with reserved marinade halfway through cooking.
  • Glazed Skewer Finish
    Brush finished chicken skewers with a reduction of reserved marinade (boiled to thicken) for a sticky, caramelized glaze packed with soy sauce and sesame oil flavor.

These simple variations make it easy to enjoy pineapple chicken kabobs all season long, whether you’re grilling for a crowd or enjoying a weeknight dinner.

Serving Suggestions

These grilled pineapple chicken Kebabs are bursting with bold flavor and pair well with a variety of sides and styles. Here’s how to serve them for the best experience:

  • With Coconut Rice or Jasmine Rice
    A bed of fragrant rice complements the soy sauce and brown sugar in the marinade, soaking up every drop of reserved marinade drizzled on top.
  • Alongside Grilled Vegetables
    Grill zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant brushed with olive oil for a complete Hawaiian chicken kabobs recipe experience.
  • In a Tropical Bowl
    Serve over greens or grain bowls with avocado, red onion, and a lime wedge for a fresh, colorful twist.
  • With Sweet and Spicy Slaw
    A crunchy cabbage slaw with pineapple juice, sesame oil, and a hint of heat makes the perfect cooling contrast.
  • As Skewers for a Party Platter
    Serve straight on the wooden skewers for easy grabbing—ideal for gatherings and BBQ buffets, using affiliate links-style presentation boards.

These pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and chicken skewers bring bright flavor and flexibility to any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the Kebabs ahead of time?
Yes. You can marinate the boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the wooden skewers and store them covered in the fridge until ready to grill.

2. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Just drain well and pat dry before skewering. Canned pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup) still pair beautifully with the brown sugar and soy sauce in the marinade.

3. What if I don’t have a grill?
Use a grill pan or broil in the oven on a foil-lined baking sheet brushed with olive oil. Flip halfway and use an instant read thermometer to reach 165°F internal temp.

4. Is it safe to reuse the marinade?
Only if boiled first. Reserved marinade should be set aside before adding raw chicken. If you need more for basting, heat any used marinade to a rolling boil for 1 minute before use.

Final Thoughts – Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

These Yummy Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs are the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory. Whether you use boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, the marinade ingredients—pineapple juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar—create mouthwatering results every time. With vibrant bell pepper, red onion, and juicy pineapple chunks threaded onto wooden skewers, this Hawaiian chicken kabobs recipe brings the taste of the tropics right to your backyard grill.

Don’t forget to use an instant read thermometer to ensure your grilled chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature, and save that reserved marinade for a flavorful basting finish.

More Bibodo Recipes to Try

Check out these five delicious Bibodo recipes—each one bringing something special to the table, from cheesy bites to sweet treats:

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  • Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich
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  • Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
    A hearty pasta dish featuring succulent chicken cooked in rich “cowboy butter” sauce, then tossed with linguine. It’s a savory, crowd-pleasing meal for busy weeknights or dinner parties.
  • Cherry Bakewell Flapjack Recipe
    British-inspired flapjacks baked with oats, almond flavor, and cherry jam. Inspired by classic Bakewell treats, these bars are perfect for tea time or a grab-and-go snack.

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