Hawaiian-Style Chicken Kebabs

There’s something undeniably irresistible about the sweet and savory combination of juicy chicken paired with fresh pineapple and vibrant bell peppers. These Hawaiian-Style Chicken Kebabs bring the tropical flavors of the islands right to your backyard grill or kitchen. With a simple marinade featuring soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, the chicken cubes soak up a delightful blend of tastes that perfectly complement the fruity pineapple chunks. Whether you’re planning a weekend barbecue, a quick weeknight dinner, or a fun meal with friends, these kebabs are sure to impress with their colorful presentation and mouthwatering flavor. Plus, they’re made with straightforward ingredients and easy steps, making them an accessible recipe for cooks of all skill levels.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Hawaiian-Style Chicken Kebabs are the perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a hint of spice from the ginger and garlic powders. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser because it’s not only delicious but also visually stunning with those bright red and green bell peppers alongside golden pineapple chunks. The marinade helps keep the chicken tender and juicy, avoiding the dryness that can sometimes happen with grilled chicken breast.

What sets these kebabs apart is their versatility. You can grill them outdoors or broil them inside, and they come together in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy nights. If you love recipes that celebrate fresh flavors and colorful ingredients, this one will quickly become a favorite. Plus, if you’re looking for ideas to elevate your grilling game, you might also enjoy trying Grilled Chicken Kabobs for a slightly different twist on a classic.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into squares
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into squares
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium for a milder taste)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for best flavor
• Skewers (soaked in water if wooden, to prevent burning)

How To Make Hawaiian-Style Chicken Kebabs

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper. This simple marinade packs a punch of flavor and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken breast to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. While waiting, you can prep the vegetables and pineapple chunks.

Step 3: Assemble the Kebabs

Thread the marinated chicken cubes, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper squares, and green bell pepper squares onto the skewers. Alternate the ingredients for a colorful and balanced skewer. Make sure not to pack the pieces too tightly to allow even cooking.

Step 4: Grill the Kebabs

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes to ensure even charring and cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and be slightly caramelized on the edges.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them over steamed rice, alongside a fresh salad, or wrapped in warm pita bread for a delicious meal. These kebabs also pair wonderfully with grilled corn or a light cucumber salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not soaking wooden skewers before grilling, which can cause them to burn or break.
• Cutting chicken pieces unevenly, leading to inconsistent cooking times.
• Skipping the marinade or not marinating long enough, resulting in less flavorful and drier chicken.
• Overcrowding the skewers, which prevents even heat circulation and proper cooking.
• Grilling at too high heat, causing the outside to burn while the inside remains undercooked.

Dietary Options

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Lower Sugar: Substitute honey with a natural sugar-free sweetener like stevia or omit it entirely for a less sweet version.
• Oil-Free: Skip the olive oil or replace it with a small amount of pineapple juice to keep the marinade moist.
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh cubes and follow the same marinade and grilling instructions.

Seasonal Variations

• Summer: Add zucchini or yellow squash slices for extra freshness and color.
• Fall: Swap pineapple chunks for apple or pear pieces for a sweeter, autumnal twist.
• Winter: Incorporate chunks of sweet potato or butternut squash for heartier kebabs.
• Spring: Use asparagus tips or snap peas to brighten the dish.

Storage & Make-Ahead

You can prepare the marinade and chicken cubes up to 24 hours in advance, storing the marinated chicken in a sealed container in the refrigerator. For meal prep, assemble the kebabs and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours before cooking. Once cooked, leftover kebabs can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain moisture and flavor. This recipe also works well for batch cooking and freezing—just freeze the uncooked marinated chicken and vegetables separately and assemble kebabs fresh before grilling.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for these kebabs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just cut the thighs into similar 1-inch cubes for even cooking.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning or catching fire while cooking the kebabs.

Can I cook these kebabs indoors?

Yes, you can broil them in the oven or use a grill pan on the stovetop. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning and turn frequently to ensure even cooking.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and be opaque throughout with no pink inside. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method.

Conclusion

Hawaiian-Style Chicken Kebabs are a vibrant and flavorful way to enjoy a balanced meal packed with protein and fresh produce. The combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and crisp bell peppers, all enhanced by a savory-sweet marinade, makes these kebabs a definite crowd-pleaser. Whether grilled outdoors or cooked indoors, they’re simple to prepare and versatile enough to suit many dietary preferences and seasonal variations. Serve them up for a casual dinner, a festive gathering, or whenever you crave a taste of the islands. For a delicious twist on chicken dishes, check out the Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas and the Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken for more flavorful ideas. Enjoy the burst of tropical goodness with every bite!

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