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Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe

4.5 from 56 reviews

These Hawaiian Chicken Skewers combine tender, juicy chicken with sweet pineapple and colorful bell peppers, all marinated in a flavorful blend of barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and ginger. Grilled to perfection, they offer a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a summertime meal served alongside fluffy white rice.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade

  • 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

Main Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups cubed pineapple
  • 2 green bell peppers, diced
  • 1 red onion, diced

To Serve

  • White rice
  • 2 tsp cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat to ensure even cooking and searing of the chicken skewers.
  2. Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and honey until fully combined. Season the marinade with kosher salt and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
  3. Assemble Skewers: Thread the chicken pieces, pineapple cubes, green bell peppers, and red onion alternately onto skewers. Place the assembled skewers on a baking sheet and pour half of the marinade over them to coat thoroughly.
  4. Grill Skewers – First Side: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Brush the tops with the reserved marinade. Cook for 5 minutes undisturbed, allowing the chicken to sear and develop grill marks.
  5. Grill Skewers – Second Side: Flip the skewers over carefully and brush the now-cooked side with the remaining marinade. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot, accompanied by white rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a juicier option.
  • Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
  • For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
  • These skewers can also be cooked under a broiler if a grill is not available, turning halfway through cooking.

Keywords: Hawaiian chicken skewers, grilled chicken, pineapple skewers, barbecue chicken, summer recipes, easy grilling recipes