Easy & Flavorful Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs: Your Go-To Grilling Recipe
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are an absolute showstopper for any gathering, especially when the weather calls for outdoor cooking. Imagine succulent, juicy chicken breasts, marinated in a vibrant, sweet, and savory Hawaiian-inspired sauce, then grilled to perfection alongside colorful bell peppers, crisp red onion, and chunks of sweet, caramelized pineapple. These kebobs are not just a feast for the eyes but also incredibly simple to prepare, making them an undisputed crowd-pleaser that brings a taste of the tropics right to your backyard party!
Grill Up a Taste of Paradise with Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
There’s nothing quite like the sizzle of a grill and the aroma of a delicious meal wafting through the air during grilling season. It’s undeniably my favorite time of year. As soon as the weather warms up, my thoughts turn to outdoor entertaining and dishes that are both impressive and effortless. That’s where these Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs truly shine. They’re a quintessential summer meal, incredibly satisfying, and designed to impress a crowd without the fuss. This recipe is a definite keeper, perfect for every backyard barbecue and al fresco dinner!
The secret to unbelievably tender and flavorful grilled chicken often lies in a good marinade. Marinating chicken is a simple yet powerful technique that infuses the meat with incredible taste while also tenderizing it, ensuring every bite is succulent. Our Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs feature a delightful Asian-inspired marinade that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes. It’s a harmonious blend of tropical pineapple juice, umami-rich soy sauce, aromatic ginger and garlic, a touch of golden honey, bright rice vinegar, fragrant toasted sesame oil, and a hint of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. Once the chicken has soaked up all these amazing flavors, it’s threaded onto skewers with crisp bell peppers, sweet red onion, and juicy, sweet pineapple, then grilled to absolute perfection. If you love the combination of savory chicken and tropical fruit, these kabobs are about to become your new obsession!
Why You’ll Love These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
- Explosion of Flavor: The marinade is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy, creating an unforgettable taste.
- Visually Stunning: The colorful combination of chicken, peppers, onion, and pineapple makes for a vibrant and appealing dish.
- Effortlessly Entertaining: Kabobs are easy to prepare in advance, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and fruit, it’s a delicious and nutritious meal.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different vegetables or even other proteins.
- Grill Master Status: Perfect for showing off your grilling skills, or for beginners to gain confidence with a guaranteed delicious outcome.
For today’s mouth-watering Hawaiian chicken kabob recipe, I opted for Just BARE Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. If you’re a regular reader here at A Cedar Spoon, you’ll know my preference for Just BARE Chicken, and for good reason! When it comes to preparing kabobs, having chicken that’s already trimmed significantly streamlines the prep work. In the warmer months, any shortcut that gives me more time to enjoy the sunshine and company of friends and family is a huge win, and Just BARE delivers on that convenience.
Beyond the ease of preparation, I deeply appreciate Just BARE’s commitment to quality. Their products are raised without antibiotics, added hormones, or artificial ingredients, and their chickens are fed a wholesome diet of vegetables and grains. This dedication to natural, responsible farming means I can serve these delicious chicken kabobs to my family and friends all summer long with complete confidence and peace of mind.
If you’re as enthusiastic about backyard entertaining as I am, be sure to keep an eye out for my upcoming “10 Tips for Fun-filled, Stress-free Backyard Entertaining” feature on Just BARE’s blog, The Good Plate. One of my top and most beloved tips that I’ll be sharing is, of course, to make kabobs! They are not only incredibly delicious and satisfying, but their convenience is unmatched. The beauty of kabobs is that much of the preparation can be done the night before. This easy make-ahead strategy means that when your guests arrive, all you have to do is throw these vibrant Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs on the grill, allowing you to relax and enjoy the party.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
Crafting the perfect Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs starts with selecting high-quality, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible:
- CHICKEN: For these kabobs, I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into uniform 1½-inch pieces. This size and thickness are ideal for cooking evenly and thoroughly on the grill, ensuring tender and juicy results. While chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor, breast meat absorbs the marinade beautifully and cooks quickly.
- FRESH VEGETABLES: The visual appeal of these kabobs is boosted by a vibrant, rainbow assortment of vegetables. I typically use green, orange, and red bell peppers, along with red onion, all cut into matching 1½-inch pieces for even cooking and aesthetic consistency. Don’t hesitate to personalize your skewers! Other fantastic vegetables that grill well include zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, and even mushrooms, adding more variety and nutrients.
- FRUIT: The star fruit on these skewers is undeniably the pineapple. Its natural sweetness is the perfect counterpoint to the savory chicken and the tangy elements of the Hawaiian-style sauce. When grilled, pineapple caramelizes slightly, enhancing its flavor and adding a wonderful texture that’s absolutely irresistible. Fresh pineapple, cut into pieces that match the chicken, is best for that vibrant, juicy bite.
- HAWAIIAN-STYLE MARINADE: This is where the magic happens! Our incredibly tasty Hawaiian-style marinade serves a dual purpose: tenderizing the chicken and infusing both the chicken and vegetables with a burst of tropical flavor. It’s a carefully crafted blend that includes:
- Pineapple Juice: Provides the essential tropical sweetness and acidity.
- Soy Sauce: Adds depth and savory umami notes.
- Honey: Contributes a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Rice Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a gentle tang.
- Fresh Garlic & Ginger: Essential aromatics that create a warm, zesty foundation.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances the caramelization and sweetness.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Offers a nutty, distinctive aroma and flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper: An optional addition for those who enjoy a subtle hint of spice.
This combination ensures every bite is packed with complex and satisfying flavors.
Tips for Grilling Perfect Kabobs
To ensure your Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs turn out perfectly every time, keep these grilling tips in mind:
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes (or ideally, an hour) before threading. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers are a great reusable alternative.
- Uniform Cuts: Cut all your chicken, vegetables, and pineapple into similar 1½-inch pieces. This ensures everything cooks evenly at the same rate.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave a small space between each piece on the skewer. This allows the heat to circulate, ensuring proper cooking and browning on all sides. Overcrowded skewers steam rather than grill.
- Optimal Marinating Time: Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate, but no longer than 6-8 hours, especially with acidic marinades like this one, to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.
- Preheat Your Grill: Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill prevents sticking and helps create those beautiful char marks.
- Brush with Oil: Lightly brush your grill grates with olive oil before placing the skewers to prevent sticking.
- Internal Temperature: Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Reserve Marinade: Remember to set aside half of the fresh marinade before adding the raw chicken. This reserved portion can be used for basting while grilling, adding extra flavor without cross-contamination.
Serving Suggestions for Your Hawaiian Feast
These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to round out your tropical feast:
- Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even coconut rice to soak up all the delicious marinade.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber salad provides a crisp contrast.
- Grilled Vegetables: Besides the veggies on the skewers, consider grilling extra corn on the cob, asparagus, or sweet potatoes.
- Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch.
- Quinoa: For a healthier option, serve with a side of quinoa, perhaps mixed with some fresh herbs.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Enhance the tropical theme with a vibrant fruit salad featuring mango, kiwi, and berries.
Making Ahead & Storage Tips
These kabobs are fantastic for meal prep or stress-free entertaining, thanks to their make-ahead potential:
- Marinate in Advance: The chicken can be marinated for up to 6-8 hours in the refrigerator. This allows ample time for flavor development.
- Assemble Ahead: You can thread the chicken, vegetables, and pineapple onto the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. This is a huge time-saver on party day!
- Storage: Leftover cooked Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for a quicker option. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken.
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Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
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Ingredients
- 14 oz Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast , cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces
- 1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces
- 1/2 orange bell pepper, cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces
- 3/4 pineapple , cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces
- 6 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1-1/2 Tablespoons ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper , {optional for spice}
- Salt and pepper to taste
- cilantro, Freshly chopped
Instructions
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In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil and crushed red pepper until well combined. Taste the marinade and add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference of sweetness or spice.
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Pour half of the prepared marinade into a large Ziploc bag or a shallow dish and set the other half aside in an airtight container in the fridge to be used for basting. Add the chicken pieces to the Ziploc bag with the marinade, close the bag securely, and gently massage the chicken to ensure it’s thoroughly coated. Place the chicken in the fridge to marinate for a minimum of two hours, or up to six hours for maximum flavor.
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While the chicken marinates, if you are using wooden skewers, soak 10 of them in cold water for at least an hour to prevent burning on the grill. Once the chicken is marinated, begin threading the chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients to create colorful and appealing kabobs. Aim for roughly 5-6 pieces per skewer, ensuring a little space between each piece for even cooking. Drizzle the assembled skewers lightly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil before grilling.
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, thoroughly brush the grill grates with the remaining olive oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the skewers on the hot grill. Grill for approximately 6 minutes on each side, turning occasionally. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the refrigerated, unused marinade over the chicken skewers before you turn them over for extra flavor and glaze. Continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured by a meat thermometer.
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Once cooked, remove the Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs from the grill. Serve them warm, optionally with an extra drizzle of honey for added sweetness and a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro for a bright, herbaceous finish. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Feel free to use whatever color bell pepper you like; a mix adds great visual appeal.
- Other delightful vegetables you could incorporate include zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added variety and texture.
- Protein Variations: While chicken is classic, this marinade also works wonderfully with shrimp, pork loin, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper in the marinade. For a milder flavor, omit it entirely.
- Broiling Option: If grilling isn’t an option, you can broil the kabobs in your oven. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 8-10 minutes, turning every few minutes, until cooked through and slightly charred.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Thank you to Just BARE Chicken for generously sponsoring today’s post. As always, all opinions expressed here are 100% my own and reflect my genuine appreciation for their products.