There’s nothing quite like firing up the grill, gathering around with friends, and filling the air with laughter and delicious aromas. That’s exactly why these Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers have become one of my favorite ways to bring the spirit of an island getaway straight to my backyard. Imagine juicy chunks of chicken, colorful bell peppers, sweet pineapple, and red onion, all marinated in a tangy-sweet sauce with hints of ginger, soy, and honey. Every bite is vibrant, flavorful, and just plain fun. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a weekend celebration, this dish instantly transports everyone to a tropical paradise!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers so unbeatable is the fresh yet straightforward lineup of ingredients. Each one brings something unique—tenderness, sweetness, a pop of color, or a tangy punch—to every bite. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their ability to stay juicy and soak up all the marinade goodness.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: Fresh fruit caramelizes perfectly on the grill, adding that irresistible tropical sweetness.
- Red bell pepper: Adds crunch and a mild peppery flavor, plus a gorgeous splash of color.
- Yellow bell pepper: Balances the red pepper with milder sweetness and turns the skewers into a rainbow.
- Red onion: Roasts to soft perfection on the grill, supplying a subtle sharpness and plenty of color.
- Pineapple juice: Gives the marinade its zippy, fruity base and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Soy sauce: Delivers salty depth and umami, rounding out those sweet and tangy notes.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the marinade caramelize on the grill.
- Brown sugar: Brings in molasses-y flavor while helping everything achieve that beautiful glaze.
- Rice vinegar: Provides a balancing touch of acidity for a bright finish.
- Garlic: The essential aromatic for savory undertones.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a zingy freshness to every bite—don’t skip it!
- Sesame oil: Just a small amount for nutty, toasty fragrance.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick, these add gentle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
How to Make Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade
Start by whisking together all your marinade ingredients: pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you are feeling a little spicy. You’ll immediately notice how these flavors balance each other—bright, sweet, savory, and a hint of heat. This marinade is what gives these Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers their unmistakable tropical flair.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Once your marinade is ready, get your chicken cubes into a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour in half of the marinade, ensuring every piece of chicken is well coated, then reserve the rest for basting while grilling. Pop the chicken in the fridge for at least an hour (up to four hours if you have the time) so those flavors really have a chance to soak in. The result? Chicken that’s unbelievably juicy with a touch of sweetness in every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
While your chicken marinates, prep your veggies and pineapple. If you’re using wooden skewers, now’s the time to soak them in water to keep them from burning on the grill. When you’re ready, thread your marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion onto the skewers. Try to alternate the ingredients for ultimate color and flavor—even the act of assembling feels festive!
Step 4: Fire Up the Grill
Get your grill preheated to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Whether you’re grilling outside or using a stovetop grill pan, it’s all about getting those iconic char lines. Place your Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers on the grates and grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush the reserved marinade over the skewers in the last few minutes for extra flavor and a shiny, caramelized finish. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F internally, then get ready for the grand reveal.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once those skewers come off the grill, their sweet-smoky aroma is completely irresistible! Serve them piping hot, either right on their skewers or off on a platter, alongside steamed rice or a bright tropical salad. Every bite is juicy, tangy, and a little bit magical.
How to Serve Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers love a splash of freshness just before serving. Try a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley, a squeeze of fresh lime for zest, and maybe even a handful of thinly sliced green onions. These quick, colorful touches will not only make your platter pop but also add a final layer of lively flavor.
Side Dishes
These skewers shine with sides that complement their vibrant, tropical energy. Steamed jasmine or coconut rice works beautifully, as does a crisp mango slaw or a bright cucumber salad. If you want to bring all the island vibes, serve with a chilled fruit salad—think watermelon, papaya, and more juicy pineapple. Your table will feel like a mini vacation!
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn your Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers into the star of any party. For a festive touch, arrange the skewers over a bed of lettuce on a large platter and top with edible flowers or curls of lime zest. Alternatively, serve each skewer in a pineapple boat or with individual dipping bowls of extra marinade (boiled for safety). For casual gatherings, wrap each skewer in parchment with a wedge of lime for a portable, picnic-perfect treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers, just let them cool, then slide the meat and veggies off the skewers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll keep their great flavors and are even tasty cold for a quick lunch salad.
Freezing
Believe it or not, these skewers freeze like a dream. Simply remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers, spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually so they don’t clump, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep up to two months—perfect for meal prepping or spur-of-the-moment cravings for those tropical flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the defrosted chicken and veggies on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, just until heated through. For best results, avoid the microwave, as it can make the chicken tough and veggies a bit soggy—rewarming gently keeps everything juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I make Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and even assemble the skewers a day ahead, then grill just before serving. This makes entertaining or prepping weeknight dinners so much easier.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! These Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers can be made indoors using a grill pan or broiled in the oven on a foil-lined baking sheet. You’ll still get plenty of caramelization and flavor.
Can I substitute chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here—they’re even juicier and a little more forgiving if you’re worried about overcooking. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Are there any vegetarian alternatives?
Totally! Replace the chicken with cubes of extra-firm tofu or thick slices of halloumi cheese. Marinate and grill just as you would the chicken for a delicious, meatless twist.
How spicy are these skewers?
The base recipe is mild, but you can easily turn up the heat by adding more red pepper flakes to the marinade, or finish with a drizzle of sriracha. Customize to be as mellow or as fiery as you like!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a taste of the islands to your kitchen, there’s simply no better way than firing up a batch of Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers. They’re bright, juicy, bursting with sweet-savory flavors, and just the thing to make any meal feel extra special. So gather your ingredients, invite someone over, and let your grill work its magic—the tropics have never been closer!
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Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are a delicious and flavorful dish that captures the essence of island cuisine. Juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful bell peppers are marinated in a tangy-sweet marinade, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for a summer barbecue or luau party!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 small red onion (cut into wedges)
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken cubes in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour half the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for basting. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours).
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with reserved marinade during the last few minutes, until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice or a tropical salad.
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- For extra flavor, grill pineapple slices separately until caramelized and serve alongside.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
