Dinner

Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe

Name: Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar; 2 tsp sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, minced; 1 tsp honey; Kosher salt, to taste; 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 cups cubed pineapple; 2 green bell peppers, diced; 1 red onion, diced; White rice; 2 tsp cilantro, chopped

ByElena Hart August 11, 2026August 11, 2026

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Introduction

Hawaiian Chicken Skewers bring a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, ideal for a fun and colorful meal. Marinated with a tangy blend of barbecue sauce and soy, these grilled skewers are perfect for summer gatherings or an easy weeknight dinner.

The image shows two grilled skewers with chunks of orange and brown meat and green bell peppers, placed on a bed of white rice on a white plate with a dark rim, all set on a white marbled surface. The skewers have 5-6 pieces of meat and vegetables each, with a slightly charred texture and glistening sauce on top. There are small bits of green herbs scattered over the rice and skewers. A silver fork held by a woman's hand is pressing down on a piece of skewer near the edge of the plate. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the colors and textures of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/3 cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced

1 teaspoon honey
Kosher salt, to taste
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces
2 cups cubed pineapple
2 green bell peppers, diced

1 red onion, diced
White rice, for serving
2 teaspoons cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat to prepare for cooking the skewers.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and honey until well combined. Season the mixture with kosher salt and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the skewers by alternating pieces of chicken, pineapple, green bell peppers, and red onion. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet and pour half of the marinade over them to soak in some flavor.

Step 4: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and brush the exposed sides with the reserved marinade. Cook for five minutes before flipping.
Step 5: Flip the skewers and brush the other side with marinade. Cook for an additional five minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and slightly charred.
Step 6: Serve the Hawaiian Chicken Skewers hot over white rice and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken pieces for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight before assembling the skewers.
Try adding chunks of mango or cherry tomatoes for a sweet and tangy twist.
If you don’t have a grill, these skewers can be cooked under the broiler or on a grill pan indoors.

Use bamboo skewers soaked in water for 20 minutes beforehand to prevent burning during grilling.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken moist. It’s best served fresh but can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature in salads.