Hawaiian Chicken Grilled Skewers

There is nothing like the sizzle of Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs on a summer grill. Tender chicken soaks up a sweet and tangy marinade before cozying up with pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion. Everything caramelizes as it grills leaving you with a smoky tropical bite that tastes like pure sunshine. I keep these skewers in the dinner rotation whenever I get my hands on ripe pineapple or need an easy crowd pleaser for a backyard get together.

The first time I made these was after a beach trip and they immediately became the star of my summer menu. My family calls these sunset skewers and asks for them anytime the grill gets fired up.

Ingredients

• Barbecue sauce: brings sweetness and a smoky flavor try to select a brand with minimal added sugar

• Soy sauce: adds a deep umami note choose low sodium for a lighter touch

• Honey: creates sticky caramelization on the grill local honey adds a floral boost

• Sriracha: adds a gentle warm heat adjust according to your heat preference

• Sesame oil: gives a nutty hint always use toasted sesame oil if possible

• Fresh garlic: provides a punch of savory aroma mince finely for even flavor

• Fresh ginger: brightens and sharpens make sure to peel it before grating for a smooth paste

• Kosher salt: seasons all the layers use a flaked salt for easy measuring

• Black pepper: balances sweetness and lifts other flavors freshly ground is best

• Chicken breast: soaks up marinade and stays tender look for firm plump pieces

• Pineapple: offers bursts of juicy sweetness use ripe fruit with a fragrant aroma

• Red onion: lends gentle sharpness and pretty purple tones avoid old or mushy onions

• Bell peppers: add crunch and color the more colors the better for a cheerful skewer

• Grilling skewers: hold it all together wooden skewers need a soak to prevent burning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Soak the Skewers:

Immerse wooden skewers fully in a dense baking dish of cool water for at least one hour This helps keep them from burning to a crisp while the kebabs cook

Mix and Reserve the Marinade:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together your barbecue sauce soy sauce honey sriracha sesame oil garlic ginger salt and pepper until you see a smooth sauce Scoop out half a cup and pour it into a sealed container to use for brushing later

Marinate the Chicken:

Add cubed chicken breast directly into the main bowl with remaining marinade Toss gently until each piece is coated Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes up to two hours The longer you marinate the deeper the flavor

Assemble the Kebabs:

Build your skewers by alternating pieces of chicken pineapple bell pepper and onion Try to leave a little space between each item so heat circulates easily and things cook evenly

Heat and Oil the Grill:

Crank up your grill to medium heat about four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit Wipe down the grates with a little oil to keep the kebabs from sticking

Grill and Baste the Skewers:

Place your loaded skewers on the grill and brush the tops with some reserved marinade Grill for five minutes then flip and brush again Continue grilling for another five to ten minutes turning as needed until the chicken is just cooked through and everything has tasty char marks

Serve and Enjoy:

Rest the finished kebabs on a platter for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices Then dig in with friends and family

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Fresh pineapple is my absolute favorite ingredient here Nothing beats how it caramelizes on the heat to become tangy and syrupy Every summer we have a tradition of making a double batch for family barbecues and someone always sneaks pineapple chunks off the grill as soon as they are ready

Storage Tips

Leftover Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs should be cooled before covering and refrigerating They will keep well for up to three days I love to pull cold pieces off the skewers to toss into salads or wrap in flatbread for lunch Reheat gently in a skillet or low oven so the chicken stays juicy

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are low on chicken breast try boneless thighs for even more tenderness Pork or shrimp also hold up well to this marinade For an extra veggie packed option use zucchini or mushrooms in place of some bell peppers And if you want to skip sriracha try a dash of chili flakes or go mild with no heat

Serving Suggestions

Serve these kebabs over a bed of steamed rice coconut rice is delicious for a Hawaiian flair Squeeze some fresh lime over the top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro If you are feeding a crowd offer a simple green salad or grilled corn alongside These kebabs always steal the show at picnics and backyard parties

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Cultural Context

Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs take inspiration from the sweet and savory flavors popular in Hawaiian barbecue The pairing of pineapple and protein is a classic island combination blending native ingredients with Asian influenced sauces It is a mouthwatering way to bring a touch of aloha spirit to any grill night

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I ensure the chicken stays juicy on the grill?

Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes adds moisture and flavor, while grilling over medium heat prevents overcooking. Avoid crowding the skewers so heat circulates evenly.

→ Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pineapple chunks work well, but fresh pineapple gives a brighter, firmer texture and flavor.

→ What alternatives can be used instead of chicken?

Try pork tenderloin, shrimp, or tofu as substitutes, adjusting cooking times to suit the protein.

→ Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least an hour helps prevent them from burning on the grill.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Remove leftovers from the skewers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and gently reheat in the microwave or on a skillet.

→ Can this be cooked indoors if a grill is unavailable?

Yes, the skewers can be cooked on a grill pan or under a broiler, turning occasionally for even cooking.