Juicy Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe for Summer Fun

Tropical Hawaiian chicken skewers offer a vibrant culinary journey that upgrades ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Bursting with tangy and sweet flavors, these delectable skewers capture the essence of island-inspired cuisine.

Succulent meat marinades blend perfectly with fresh, colorful ingredients that dance across your palate.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of smoky, caramelized edges and juicy interior textures.

The recipe celebrates bold seasonings that complement the natural richness of tender chicken.

Aromatic spices and tropical fruits create a sensational harmony that elevates simple ingredients into a memorable dining adventure.

Prepare to transport your taste buds to a sun-soaked paradise with this mouthwatering meal.

Why Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Are Crowd-Pleasers

• Burst with Tropical Flavors: Experience a vibrant explosion of sweet, tangy, and savory tastes that transport you straight to a Hawaiian paradise with every single bite.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: Prepare these mouthwatering skewers in under an hour, making them perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Colorful and Nutritious Grilling Delight: Combine lean protein, fresh vegetables, and juicy pineapple for a balanced, visually stunning dish that's both healthy and incredibly satisfying.
• Versatile Cooking Method: Enjoy the flexibility of grilling these skewers outdoors or on a stovetop grill pan, ensuring you can whip up this tropical treat year-round, regardless of the weather.

Ingredients to Nail Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

• Chicken: Succulent protein base for the skewers, best when using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for even cooking and tender texture.

• Ketchup, Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides sweet and tangy flavor base for the marinade, helping to caramelize the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth of umami and saltiness to enhance overall dish flavor.
• Garlic, Ginger: Fresh aromatics that create a vibrant, zesty flavor profile and tenderize the meat.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the overall seasoning of the dish.

• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh tropical fruit that adds sweetness and natural acidity, complementing the chicken's savory profile.
• Red Bell Pepper: Provides crisp texture and vibrant color, offering a fresh vegetable element to the skewers.
• Onion: Adds a mild, sharp flavor and creates additional texture in the skewer.

• Bamboo or Metal Skewers: Essential for assembling and grilling the ingredients, with bamboo skewers requiring pre-soaking to prevent burning.

How to Grill Tropical Chicken Skewers Just Right

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Ketchup
• Sweet chili sauce
• Soy sauce
• Crushed garlic
• Minced ginger
• Salt

Mix ingredients until well combined and smooth.

Step 2: Prep Chicken for Marinating

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a large bowl. Pour 2/3 of the marinade over the chicken, saving the remaining 1/3 for glazing. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 24 hours to allow flavors to penetrate.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers

• Marinated chicken pieces
• Pineapple chunks
• Red bell pepper pieces
• Onion chunks

Carefully thread ingredients onto skewers, alternating for visual appeal.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat. Place skewers on cooking surface. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Brush reserved marinade over skewers while grilling for extra flavor and shine.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove skewers from heat. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Plate and serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Skewer Tips That Make a Difference

• Marinate Strategically: Let chicken soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize meat thoroughly.
• Prevent Wooden Skewer Burning: Soak bamboo skewers in boiling water for 10 minutes to prevent charring and potential splintering during grilling.
• Balance Vegetable Sizes: Cut pineapple, bell peppers, and onions into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent grilling results.
• Glaze with Precision: Apply reserved marinade sparingly during cooking to create a caramelized exterior without burning the chicken.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption and optimal juiciness.

Keeping Chicken Skewers Juicy After Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Carefully wrap skewers in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen skewers maintain quality for up to 2 months when stored correctly.
• Reheating: Warm skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Drizzle reserved marinade over skewers to restore moisture and enhance flavor before serving.

What Sides Work with Chicken Skewers

• Elevate Tropical Flavors with Coconut Rice: Prepare fluffy coconut rice as a perfect complement to the sweet and tangy chicken skewers, absorbing the marinade's delicious flavors.
• Pair with Crisp Tropical Cocktail: Mix a refreshing Hawaiian-inspired mojito using white rum, fresh pineapple juice, mint leaves, and a splash of coconut water to match the skewers' tropical profile.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Mint Salad: Create a light, zesty side salad with sliced cucumbers, fresh mint, and a light citrus vinaigrette to balance the rich, sweet chicken skewers and provide a cooling contrast.
• Serve with Tropical Fruit Salsa: Prepare a quick salsa using diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime to add brightness and complement the grilled skewers' sweet and savory notes.

Flavorful Variations of Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

• Coconut Curry Delight: Swap sweet chili sauce with coconut milk and add curry powder to the marinade for a creamy, spicy Caribbean-inspired flavor profile.
• Citrus Zest Version: Replace ketchup with fresh orange juice and lime zest, adding a bright, tangy dimension to the marinade that complements the tropical chicken.
• Spicy Mango Fusion: Incorporate pureed mango and a dash of sriracha sauce into the marinade, creating a sweet and fiery combination that elevates the original recipe's flavor complexity.
• Teriyaki Island Style: Substitute soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add sesame seeds, transforming the skewers into a Japanese-Hawaiian crossover with rich, umami notes.

Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers bring island-inspired flavors to your dinner table with juicy marinated chicken and sweet pineapple. Grilled to perfection, these skewers deliver a perfect balance of tangy and smoky notes you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 750 g (1½ pounds) chicken thighs, skinless, boneless
• 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cubed into 2–3 cm chunks
• 2 red bell peppers, seeded and cubed into 2–3 cm chunks
• 1 red onion, cubed into 2–3 cm chunks

Marinade Components:

• 1½ cups ketchup
• ¾ cup sweet chili sauce
• ⅓ cup soy sauce / tamari sauce

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons crushed garlic
• 2 teaspoons finely minced ginger
• 1–2 teaspoons salt

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together tangy ketchup, sweet chili sauce, umami-rich soy sauce, aromatic crushed garlic, zesty minced ginger, and a pinch of salt in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Slice chicken into uniform bite-sized morsels, placing them in a spacious bowl. Strategically divide the marinade, setting aside one-third for glazing and pouring the remaining two-thirds over the chicken pieces. Seal and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate, or up to 24 hours for maximum taste infusion.
3. Prepare skewers by submerging bamboo skewers in boiling water for 10 minutes to prevent burning (alternatively, utilize metal skewers). Methodically thread marinated chicken, juicy pineapple chunks, crisp red bell pepper segments, and sectioned onion onto the skewers, creating a colorful and balanced arrangement.
4. Heat grill or grill pan to medium temperature. Position skewers carefully, cooking for 10-15 minutes and rotating periodically to ensure even caramelization and complete chicken doneness. Brush reserved marinade during cooking to enhance flavor and create a glossy exterior.
5. Once chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and exhibits a golden-brown finish, remove skewers from heat. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring optimal tenderness before serving.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it soak in the sweet and tangy sauce for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper taste infusion.
• Soak wooden skewers in boiling water to prevent burning and ensure safe, even grilling without charred edges.
• Alternate chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onions when threading skewers to create a colorful, balanced bite with varied textures.
• Brush reserved marinade during cooking to develop a glossy, caramelized exterior and enhance the chicken’s moisture and flavor profile.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe consumption and juicy, perfectly cooked meat.
• Allowing skewers to rest after grilling helps redistribute juices, resulting in more tender and succulent chicken pieces.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg