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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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