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Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs - Recipes From Chef

Ah, Hawaiian chicken kebabs. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of tasting this dish, you’re in for a treat! With its vibrant colors, tropical flavors, and social appeal, it’s hard not to love this dish. As a food enthusiast and registered dietitian, I am constantly experimenting with flavors that evoke delight—this recipe is no different.
I stumbled upon Hawaiian chicken kebabs during a family BBQ where friends brought an array of dishes. Naturally, I felt compelled to create my version, using a mix of fresh ingredients that truly capture that Hawaiian spirit. The first bite? It was a burst of joy that transported me to sandy shores and swaying palm trees. It’s that quintessential combination of sweet, savory, and tangy all rolled into one.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch chunks.
  • 3-4 bell peppers: A colorful mix of red, yellow, and green cut into similarly sized pieces.
  • 1 large red onion: Cut into 1.5-inch wedges to balance sweetness with a slight bite.
  • 2 cups pineapple chunks: Fresh pineapple is preferred for a juicier texture.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice: Canned or freshly squeezed works!
  • 3 tablespoons honey: Or light brown sugar, for sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil: Brings nuttiness to the dish.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For delicious background notes.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and depth.
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: To enhance flavors.
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: For a little kick.
  • 1/4 cup cold water: Whisked into the marinade mix.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch: To help thicken the sauce and give it that glaze.
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil: Or extra sesame oil to brush on the grill.
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar optional
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh cilantro optional
  • Oil or cooking spray for grilling.

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
  1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, toasted sesame oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, pepper, cold water, and cornstarch. Whisk it all together until smooth. This is the magic potion that will infuse richness into the chicken!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
  1. Place the chicken chunks into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag (or cover the dish), then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—although I recommend a few hours for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Pineapple
  1. While the chicken is marinating, chop the bell peppers and onion into 1.5-inch pieces. If using fresh pineapple, cut it into chunks, similar in size to the chicken and veggies.
Step 4: Assemble the Kebabs
  1. Grab some skewers—if using wooden ones, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread a piece of chicken, followed by a bell pepper piece, then onion, and pineapple. Repeat this pattern until all ingredients are used, allowing a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Step 5: Heat the Grill
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 450°F. Brush the grates with a touch of oil or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Grill the Kebabs
  1. Place the assembled skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for chicken to be safe to eat.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
  1. Once done, remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and those refreshing side dishes we talked about earlier. Let the feasting begin!

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients, especially pineapple, enhance flavor beyond what canned options can offer.
  • Don’t Rush the Marinade: Allow sufficient marinating time. A longer soak leads to deeper flavor penetration.
  • Rotate on the Grill: Keep turning the skewers for even cooking. Nobody likes a dry piece!
  • Test for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked. Just because it looks good doesn’t mean it’s done!
  • Customize Freely: Fill your skewers however you like! Try adding shrimp, mushrooms, or even squash for extra variety.