Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

Hawaiian chicken kabobs are a perfect summer meal that combines tender, marinated chicken with colorful bell peppers, juicy pineapple chunks, and onions, all grilled to perfection. The sweet and tangy marinade made with soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and spices adds layers of flavor that will make this dish a family favorite. Whether you are planning a backyard barbecue, a summer picnic, or a quick weeknight dinner, these kabobs are easy to prepare, full of tropical flavor, and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 orange bell pepper, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red onion, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup pineapple chunks

For the Marinade

• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup pineapple juice
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sriracha

Instructions

1. In a small bowl or freezer bag, combine all marinade ingredients. Reserve ½ cup of the mixture for the vegetables.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the remaining marinade, coat well, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
4. In a large bowl, toss the bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and onion with 3 tablespoons of the reserved marinade.
5. Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables alternately onto skewers.
6. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 12 to 16 minutes, turning frequently. Brush with the remaining marinade while cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve the kabobs hot straight off the grill with a side of steamed rice, coconut rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete tropical-inspired meal.
• These kabobs also pair beautifully with grilled corn or a light cucumber salad.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place skewers in a skillet over medium heat or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
• For meal prep, you can marinate the chicken overnight and keep the vegetables chopped and ready to assemble the next day.

Variations

1. Spicy Hawaiian Kabobs – Add extra sriracha, chili flakes, or even diced jalapeños to the marinade for a fiery kick.
2. Honey Garlic Hawaiian Kabobs – Replace brown sugar with honey and double the garlic for a sweet-savory twist.
3. Teriyaki Kabobs – Swap the marinade for homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce to bring a Japanese-inspired flavor.
4. Shrimp Hawaiian Kabobs – Use shrimp instead of chicken, marinate for only 15–20 minutes, and grill for 5–7 minutes.
5. Beef Hawaiian Kabobs – Substitute chicken with cubed sirloin or flank steak for a hearty alternative.
6. Vegetarian Kabobs – Skip the meat and use mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, and extra pineapple for a veggie-packed option.
7. Gluten-Free Kabobs – Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free marinade.
8. Citrus Kabobs – Add a splash of orange juice or lime juice to the marinade for a zesty citrus burst.
9. BBQ Hawaiian Kabobs – Brush kabobs with barbecue sauce while grilling for smoky flavor.
10. Oven-Baked Kabobs – If grilling isn’t an option, bake kabobs at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
   Yes, canned pineapple chunks work well, but use pineapple juice from the can for extra flavor.
2. Do I have to soak wooden skewers?
   Yes, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
3. Can I bake these instead of grilling?
   Yes, bake at 425°F for about 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.
4. How long should I marinate the chicken?
   At least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours is best for maximum flavor.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prep the chicken and veggies, then assemble skewers a few hours before grilling.
6. What sides pair best with Hawaiian chicken kabobs?
   Rice, quinoa, grilled vegetables, or tropical fruit salad are perfect pairings.
7. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
   Yes, freeze chicken in the marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.
8. How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
   Check with a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F.
9. Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
   Yes, thighs are juicier and add more flavor.
10. How do I prevent kabobs from sticking to the grill?
    Oil the grill grates lightly before placing the skewers on.

Hawaiian chicken kabobs are a simple yet impressive recipe that brings together savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in one dish. With just a few fresh ingredients, a flavorful marinade, and a hot grill, you can create a summer favorite that everyone will love. Easy to prepare, versatile with variations, and perfect for gatherings, this recipe is a must-try for your next cookout.

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