Name: Easy Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes; 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (about 1-inch cubes); 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup pineapple juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish; 8 wooden or metal skewers

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Easy Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe because it brings the taste of a tropical vacation right to your backyard grill. The sweet and savory combination of pineapple and soy sauce creates a glaze that is simply irresistible, and the entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes. This Easy Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or summer cookouts, and it always impresses guests with its vibrant colors and incredible flavor.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (about 1-inch cubes)
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup pineapple juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
8 wooden or metal skewers

Directions

To begin, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using them, to prevent burning on the grill. While the skewers soak, prepare the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. This sweet and savory marinade is the heart of this Easy Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe.

Place the cubed chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a bowl and pour about half of the marinade over the chicken. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting later. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400 degrees F) or preheat your oven broiler if cooking indoors.

Thread the marinated chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, and bell pepper pieces onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients for a colorful presentation. You should get about 8 skewers. Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking. The chicken should be cooked through and have nice char marks. This Easy Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe is best when the chicken is juicy and the pineapple is caramelized.

Servings and Timing

This Easy Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe yields 4 servings, with each serving being about 2 skewers. The total time from start to finish is approximately 30 minutes, including 15 minutes of active prep time and 15 minutes of cook time. The marinating time is an additional 15 minutes to 2 hours, but you can skip it in a pinch.

Variations

For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a diced jalapeno to the marinade. You can also substitute chicken breasts for the thighs, though be careful not to overcook them as they dry out faster. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for extra-firm tofu or large mushroom caps. This Easy Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe is also delicious with added chunks of red onion or zucchini. For a different flavor profile, try using a teriyaki sauce base instead of the soy sauce and honey combination.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Easy Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the skewers on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350 degree F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or leftover marinade to keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken tough and the pineapple rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple for this Easy Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe?

Yes, you can use canned pineapple chunks in juice, but fresh pineapple is recommended for the best texture and caramelization. If using canned, drain them well before threading onto the skewers.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking. Also, do not move the skewers for the first 2 to 3 minutes of cooking; they will naturally release from the grates once seared. This tip is crucial for any Easy Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe.

Can I make this Easy Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe in the oven?

Absolutely. Preheat your oven broiler and place the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred. Basting with the reserved marinade halfway through adds extra flavor.

What side dishes go well with these skewers?

This Easy Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, a fresh mango salad, or grilled vegetables. For a complete meal, try serving it alongside our Easy Teriyaki Rice Recipe or a simple Refreshing Cucumber Salad Recipe.

Is this Easy Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe gluten-free?

The recipe as written is not gluten-free because of the soy sauce. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

I truly believe this Easy Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of the best ways to enjoy grilled chicken during the summer. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory soy, and tender chicken is simply magical. I hope you give this Easy Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe a try and make it a staple in your home. For more about the history of grilling, check out this Wikipedia article on grilling. And to learn more about the star ingredient, read about pineapple on Wikipedia. Happy cooking!