Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

If you’re looking for a dish that packs a punch of flavor while being incredibly easy to prepare, look no further than Hawaiian Chicken Skewers! These juicy, tropical-infused delights bring a taste of paradise right to your backyard. Imagine biting into tender chicken marinated in a delightful blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and tangy ginger, bursting with the bright flavors of the islands. What’s even better? They grill up in just about 30 minutes, making them the perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings.

Fun fact: Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are often enjoyed at luaus, where families come together to celebrate and feast on delicious food. This dish’s vibrant flavors echo the island spirit of unity and laughter, making it a must-try for anyone wanting to spice up their meal routine. If you’ve enjoyed other skewered miracles like Chicken Satay or even a simple barbecue chicken, these Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are sure to excite your taste buds and enhance your culinary repertoire. So grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s not just a meal—it’s an experience!

What are Hawaiian Chicken Skewers, you ask?

Well, they’re like a delightful vacation for your taste buds! Picture succulent cubes of chicken, marinated in a tropical bath of sweet and savory goodness, all lovingly threaded onto skewers. But why “Hawaiian,” you might wonder? Rumor has it, the islands’ strong connection with fresh fruits like pineapple and coconut inspired this name. And let’s not forget that classic saying: “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” With these skewers, you’re bound to win over everyone at the dinner table. Ready to impress? Let’s get grilling!

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

There are three standout reasons that make Hawaiian Chicken Skewers a keeper in your recipe book! First up, the highlight of this dish is undoubtedly its explosion of flavors. The sweet and tangy marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary, making each bite a mini-vacation for your senses. Secondly, think about the cost savings! By whipping these skewers up at home, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality experience without breaking the bank. Lastly, the vibrant toppings—such as grilled pineapple and bell peppers—add a beautiful splash of color and a variety of textures that perfectly complement the tender chicken.

If you’ve previously enjoyed dishes like BBQ Chicken Kabobs, you’ll love how easy it is to switch it up with these Hawaiian wonders. So, don your chef hat and get ready to wow!

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Quick Overview

Ready for a quick and tasty meal? Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are a breeze to make! With their simple preparation and speedy cooking time, they take only about 30 minutes from start to finish. The result? Juicy chicken pieces glazed in a sweet marinade that can’t be beat.

Key Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
• Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and brown sugar. This marinade is the start of your flavorful journey!
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure all the chicken is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
3. Prep the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
4. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with chunks of bell pepper, red onion, and fresh pineapple. Get creative and colorfully arrange the skewers!
5. Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat. You want those skewers to sizzle!
6. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
7. Serve Up & Enjoy: Once grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately. Enjoy your Hawaiian getaway on a plate!

What to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Skewers With

To create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers with coconut rice, a fresh green salad, or even some grilled vegetables. A tropical fruit salad can also complement the dish beautifully! And for drinks? A refreshing iced tea or tropical punch would be the perfect match!

Top Tips for Perfecting Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

• Marinate Longer: For even more flavorful chicken, consider marinating it overnight. This allows all those delicious flavors to penetrate the meat.
• Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier bite or experiment with adding shrimp or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Skewering Technique: If you’re having trouble, try layering ingredients in a way that they cook evenly; avoid overcrowding the skewers for easier flipping on the grill.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers (though we doubt you will!), store the skewers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to warm them through without drying them out. If you wish to freeze them, wrap the cooled skewers tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags. They can last in the freezer for up to three months, ready and waiting for your next grilled feast!

Now that you know how to create these scrumptious Hawaiian Chicken Skewers, it’s time to get cooking! Grab your ingredients, gather your friends or family, and take a culinary trip to the islands right from your backyard. Enjoy!

Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Juicy, tropical-infused chicken skewers marinated in a delightful blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger, perfect for grilling and serving at gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Grilling, Main Course

Cuisine: Hawaiian, Tropical

Calories: 290

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Marinade

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), cut into chunks
• 1 red onion cut into chunks
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
• As needed skewers (soaked in water if wooden) Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and brown sugar to prepare the marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of bell pepper, red onion, and fresh pineapple.

Grilling

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
3. Once grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinade the chicken overnight. For a juicier bite, use chicken thighs. You can also substitute with shrimp or firm tofu for a vegetarian option.