If you’re craving a burst of sunshine on your plate, this Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe is your ticket to flavor paradise. Imagine tender chicken cubes lovingly soaked in a sweet and tangy marinade, threaded alongside vibrant pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and onions, all grilled to perfection. This dish brings the bright, tropical vibes right to your backyard or kitchen, making every bite a perfect balance of smoky, juicy, and refreshingly sweet. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, these skewers are as fun to make as they are delicious to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe is wonderfully simple because the ingredients are straightforward but each plays an essential role. They combine to create a harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that will make your taste buds sing.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed: The juicy base that absorbs all those tropical marinade flavors perfectly.
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, cubed: Adds natural sweetness and a signature tropical zing.
- 1 red bell pepper, cubed: Brings crunch and a pop of vibrant red color.
- 1 green bell pepper, cubed: Offers a fresh, grassy contrast and eye-catching green hues.
- 1 red onion, cubed: Adds a mild sharpness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Skewers (wooden or metal): Essential for threading all the delicious pieces together for easy grilling.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Deep umami notes that form the marinade’s savory backbone.
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice: Enhances sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken.
- 2 tbsp honey: Adds a gentle caramelized sweetness that balances savory flavors.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Ensures the marinade coats the chicken while adding richness.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Gives a fragrant punch that complements the tropical profile.
- 1 tsp ginger, grated: Brings warm, spicy notes for depth.
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional): For those who like a hint of heat to keep things exciting.
How to Make Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes if you like that little extra kick. This marinade beautifully balances sweet, savory, and spicy elements creating a flavorful bath that will infuse the chicken and elevate the whole dish.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your cubed chicken to the marinade bowl, giving each piece a good toss to make sure it’s drenched in all that delicious goodness. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—though if you have time, let it marinate up to 2 hours to maximize the flavor soak-in and juiciness.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Now for the fun part! Alternate threading the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red and green bell peppers, and red onion pieces onto your skewers. This not only creates a gorgeous rainbow of colors but also ensures every bite is an exciting medley of taste and texture.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill, turning occasionally, so each side gets a perfect sear. Grill for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the chicken’s internal temperature hits 165°F, confirming that juicy tenderness and safety in one.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once grilled to perfection, serve your Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe hot off the grill. These skewers are wonderful on their own or paired with sides that complement their vibrant flavor profile.
How to Serve Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions over the skewers for a fresh herbal lift. Adding a wedge of lime on the side gives your guests the option to squeeze on some zest that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve these skewers with coconut rice, which pairs beautifully with the tropical theme by adding creamy, mildly sweet undertones. A crisp green salad or a light mango salsa would also add refreshing contrasts that keep the dish feeling bright and light.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual dinners, arrange the skewers on a large platter lined with banana leaves to keep things festive and island-inspired. You can also serve the chicken off the skewers chopped over a bed of quinoa or salad for a more relaxed, family-style sharing dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to remove the chicken and vegetables from the skewers first for easier storage and reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken and vegetable pieces separately (off the skewers) in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to avoid drying out the chicken. A quick toss on the grill also works wonderfully to bring back that grilled char and smoky aroma.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is a classic choice, you can swap it for chicken thighs for more juiciness, shrimp for a seafood twist, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Do I have to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning and ensures safe cooking of your skewers.
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
You can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Just wait to grill them until right before serving to keep the veggies crisp and chicken fresh.
Is the chili flakes ingredient mandatory?
Nope! The chili flakes are completely optional. They add a nice subtle heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice, but you can leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.
What should I serve with Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe for a complete meal?
Pair the skewers with coconut rice, a fresh green salad, or grilled corn on the cob. These sides keep the meal balanced, colorful, and delightfully tropical.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about making and sharing the Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe that it quickly becomes a go-to favorite for good reason. It’s simple, vibrant, and packed with layers of flavor that delight every sense. I encourage you to fire up the grill, invite some friends, and enjoy a meal that feels like a mini vacation on a skewer.
Print
Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful grilled dish combining juicy marinated chicken breast with sweet pineapple, colorful bell peppers, and red onion. This easy-to-make recipe features a tangy marinade of soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, garlic, and ginger, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers bring a taste of the tropics to your plate in just under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, cubed
- 1 green bell pepper, cubed
- 1 red onion, cubed
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken, fresh pineapple, red and green bell peppers, and red onion alternately onto the skewers to create a colorful and appetizing presentation.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve the skewers hot, accompanied by your choice of sides like rice, a fresh salad, or a favorite dipping sauce to complete the tropical meal experience.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for breast if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Ensure that the grill is well-oiled and preheated to prevent sticking and achieve best grill marks.
- Leftover skewers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently before serving.
