Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers are a tropical-inspired dish that’s bursting with sweet and savory flavors. Marinated chicken is grilled to perfection alongside juicy pineapple chunks and colorful bell peppers, creating a vibrant and flavorful meal. Ideal for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or festive gatherings, these skewers bring a taste of the islands to your plate with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tropical Flavors: Combines savory grilled chicken with the sweetness of pineapple.
- Perfect for Grilling: Great for summer barbecues or indoor grill pans.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple marinade and quick assembly.
- Colorful Presentation: Visually appealing with vibrant ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice)
- Red bell pepper
- Yellow bell pepper
- Red onion
- Soy sauce
- Pineapple juice
- Brown sugar
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated (optional)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
Directions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and place in a zip-top bag or bowl with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using, to prevent burning.
- Chop the bell peppers and red onion into 1-inch pieces.
- Assemble the skewers by alternating pieces of marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onion.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
- Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve hot with rice or a fresh salad.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes (excluding marination)
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Teriyaki Style: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use the same marinade.
- Fruit Swap: Use mango or peaches in place of pineapple for a twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, canned pineapple in juice (not syrup) works well. Drain before using.
What cut of chicken is best?
Boneless chicken thighs are juicier, but chicken breasts are leaner and work just as well.
Can I make these in the oven?
Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Do I have to marinate the chicken?
Marinating is recommended for flavor, but even a quick 30-minute soak makes a difference.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and show no pink inside.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the skewers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What other vegetables can I add?
Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms also grill well on skewers.
Are these suitable for meal prep?
Yes, store with cooked rice or veggies in containers for a complete meal.
Can I freeze the uncooked skewers?
Yes, you can freeze them assembled. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
What dipping sauces go well?
Sweet chili sauce, teriyaki glaze, or garlic-yogurt sauce pair beautifully.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers are a flavorful, fun, and festive dish that brings a touch of island charm to your table. With their vibrant colors and sweet-savory balance, they’re sure to be a hit at any meal. Easy to prepare and perfect for the grill, these skewers offer a delicious escape from the ordinary.
PrintHawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers
Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers are sweet and savory grilled skewers made with marinated chicken, juicy pineapple, and colorful veggies, offering a vibrant tropical-inspired meal perfect for barbecues or weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 red onion
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes and place in a zip-top bag or bowl with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Chop bell peppers and red onion into 1-inch pieces.
- Assemble skewers by alternating chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion pieces.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve hot with rice or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy version.
- Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a sweeter glaze.
- Try tofu or tempeh for a vegan alternative using the same marinade.
- Swap pineapple with mango or peaches for a fruity twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or skillet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg