Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe: Sweet, Savory, and Perfect for Grilling

Looking for a tropical twist on your next backyard barbecue? This Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs recipe brings island-inspired flavor to your grill with juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful bell peppers. Marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, these kabobs are easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re cooking for a summer cookout, a family dinner, or just craving something fresh and vibrant, Hawaiian chicken skewers are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky.

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time
Healthy and Balanced: Lean protein, fresh fruits, and vegetables
Customizable: Use your favorite veggies or adjust the sweetness of the marinade
Perfect for Grilling Season: A colorful and flavorful dish that shines on the grill

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs:

For the Kabobs:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
1 red bell pepper (cut into chunks)
1 yellow bell pepper (cut into chunks)
1 green bell pepper (cut into chunks)
1 red onion (cut into wedges)
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
Wooden or metal skewers (soaked if wooden)

For the Marinade:

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil

Instructions

1. Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Adjust sweetness or saltiness to your taste.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken cubes in a large resealable plastic bag or bowl. Pour in half to two-thirds of the marinade, reserving the rest for basting. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.

3. Prepare the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion onto skewers, alternating each ingredient for color and balance.

4. Grill the Kabobs

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for 10–15 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes and basting with the reserved marinade until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Hawaiian chicken kabobs hot off the grill, garnished with sesame seeds or fresh cilantro if desired. Pair with rice, coconut rice, or a crisp summer salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Kabobs

Soak wooden skewers: Soak for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Cut ingredients evenly: Uniform size ensures even cooking.
Don’t over-marinate: Too long in acidic marinade can make chicken mushy.
Grill-safe marinade: Only use reserved marinade that hasn’t touched raw chicken for basting.

Make It Your Own

Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
Add zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for more veggie variety.
Spice it up with a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes in the marinade.

Conclusion

These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and bring a taste of the tropics to your plate. Whether you’re grilling for a weeknight dinner or a summer party, this recipe is sure to impress.

Try it today and bring island vibes to your next meal!

Free & Easy Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipes