Juicy Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe for Summer Fun

Vibrant grilled Hawaiian chicken kabobs burst with tropical flavors that convert ordinary weeknight dinners into exciting culinary adventures.

Marinating meat in sweet and tangy ingredients creates an incredible depth of taste that surprises and delights.

Succulent protein chunks absorb complex flavor profiles that dance between zesty and mellow sensations.

Colorful vegetable accompaniments complement the rich marinade, adding brightness and nutritional balance to each skewered bite.

Fresh ingredients elevate this dish from simple grilling technique to a memorable dining experience that feels like a mini vacation.

Summer gatherings become more memorable when you serve these delectable skewers that spark conversation and satisfy hungry guests.

The combination of juicy proteins and caramelized edges promises a meal that feels both familiar and unexpectedly remarkable.

What Makes Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs So Satisfying

• Flavor Explosion: Dive into a mouthwatering blend of sweet pineapple teriyaki sauce and savory grilled chicken that dances with tropical Hawaiian-inspired taste.
• Colorful Grill Delight: Create visually stunning kabobs packed with vibrant bell peppers, juicy pineapple chunks, and tender chicken pieces that make every bite exciting.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare these kabobs in under an hour, with simple marinating and grilling techniques that deliver restaurant-quality results without complicated cooking skills.
• Versatile Summer Feast: Perfect for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or casual gatherings where everyone can enjoy a fresh, light meal that feels like a mini vacation.

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Ingredient Checklist

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs marinade well, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.

• Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce: Provides sweet and tangy flavor, homemade sauce with depth of flavor.

• Bell Pepper, Onion: Colorful and flavorful additions that add texture and caramelization when grilled.
• Pineapple: Tropical fruit that adds sweetness and complements the chicken's flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps vegetables cook evenly and prevents sticking to the grill.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of ingredients.

• Wooden Skewers: Essential for assembling and grilling kabobs, prevents burning when soaked in water.

How to Grill Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Just Right

Step 1: Create Zesty Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce

Blend together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice in a mixing bowl. Separate the sauce into two portions- one for marinating and one for basting.

Step 2: Prepare Wooden Skewers

Submerge wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. This protective step ensures your skewers won’t catch fire on the hot grill.

Step 3: Marinate Tender Chicken

Place chicken pieces in a large container and pour half of the prepared sauce over them. Allow chicken to soak up flavors for 30-45 minutes in the refrigerator.

Step 4: Prepare Colorful Vegetable Medley

• Bell peppers
• Red onions
• Fresh pineapple chunks

Toss vegetables with olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 5: Assemble Vibrant Kabobs

• Marinated chicken
• Pineapple chunks
• Bell peppers
• Red onion

Leave small gaps between ingredients for even cooking.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Preheat grill to high temperature around 400-450°F. Grill kabobs for 6-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally. Brush with reserved sauce during cooking to enhance flavor and create a beautiful glaze. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove kabobs from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Serve hot with additional sauce on the side for dipping.

Secrets for Juicier Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

• Maximize Marinating Time: Let chicken soak in the pineapple teriyaki sauce for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense flavor.
• Prevent Skewer Burning: Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to avoid charring and potential fire risks.
• Ensure Even Cooking: Space ingredients slightly apart on skewers to guarantee uniform heat distribution and prevent overcrowding.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, ensuring safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Brush reserved sauce during grilling to create caramelized edges and enhance the Hawaiian-style taste profile.

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Storage and Reheat Tips

• Refrigerate: Transfer kabobs to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat: Warm kabobs gently in the microwave or oven to prevent drying out. For microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture. In the oven, cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Freeze: Wrap individual kabobs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

What Matches Well with Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

• Pair with Tropical Cocktail Splash: Mix a refreshing Hawaiian Mai Tai or passion fruit mojito that complements the sweet and tangy pineapple teriyaki flavors, enhancing the tropical essence of the kabobs.
• Serve with Coconut Rice Harmony: Prepare light, fluffy coconut rice as a perfect side dish that absorbs the kabob's marinade and provides a creamy, smooth texture to balance the grilled ingredients.
• Match with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with bright citrus notes that cuts through the richness of the grilled chicken and echoes the zesty pineapple undertones in the dish.
• Complete with Mango Slaw Accompaniment: Create a light, crunchy mango slaw with cilantro and lime that adds fresh, vibrant contrast to the smoky grilled kabobs and provides a cool, tangy complement.

Recipe Twists for Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

• Tropical Coconut Fusion: Replace half the marinade with coconut milk for a creamy, rich flavor that enhances the Hawaiian-style kabobs with extra tropical sweetness.
• Spicy Island Fire: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a bold, zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe into a heat-lovers' dream.
• Citrus Herb Infusion: Mix fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro into the marinade, creating a bright, fresh profile that complements the grilled chicken and pineapple perfectly.
• Smoky Jalapeño Version: Incorporate diced jalapeños between chicken and pineapple chunks, introducing a subtle heat and smoky undertone that elevates the kabob experience.

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 46 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Hawaiian chicken kabobs bring tropical paradise to your grill, blending sweet pineapple and savory marinade. Zesty flavors dance between tender chicken pieces, creating an irresistible summer meal perfect for backyard gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Marinade Ingredients:

• ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce

Additional Ingredients for Kabobs:

• 1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant pineapple teriyaki sauce by whisking together key flavor components, carefully setting aside half for later glazing and reserving the remaining portion for marinating the chicken.
2. Prepare wooden skewers by immersing them in cool water for a half-hour to prevent charring during grilling, ensuring optimal cooking conditions.
3. Season bell peppers and onions with a light drizzle of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors and create a robust vegetable profile.
4. Assemble the kabobs with artistic precision, interlacing tender chicken chunks, colorful bell peppers, sweet pineapple segments, and crisp onion pieces in an elegant, alternating pattern, maintaining slight gaps between ingredients for uniform heat distribution.
5. Position the kabobs on a scorching hot grill, cooking approximately 6-8 minutes per side until the chicken reaches perfect doneness, periodically brushing with the pre-reserved pineapple teriyaki sauce to develop a glossy, caramelized exterior that locks in succulent flavors.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by soaking in homemade pineapple teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Protect wooden skewers from burning by submerging them in water for 30 minutes prior to threading ingredients.
• Create beautiful, even cooking by alternating chicken, bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks with small gaps between each piece.
• Achieve perfect doneness by grilling kabobs on high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring chicken is thoroughly cooked.
• Enhance taste and moisture by generously brushing reserved teriyaki sauce during grilling process.
• Elevate presentation by selecting colorful bell peppers and fresh pineapple for vibrant, appetizing kabobs.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg