These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are a tasty and fun treat! Juicy chicken pieces are mixed with colorful vegetables and sweet pineapple, all grilled to perfection for a tropical flavor.
Grilling them always makes me feel like I’m on a beach vacation. Just imagine the smell! 🌴 I like to serve them with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using boneless skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness. If you only have chicken breasts, those will work too, but they might be less juicy. For a fun twist, try shrimp or tofu as a protein alternative!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds sweetness and a tropical taste. If you can’t get fresh, canned pineapple works, but make sure to drain it well. I sometimes use mango for a different fruity flavor.
Bell Peppers: The trio of bell peppers adds vibrant color and taste. If you’re missing one color, don’t worry! Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even mushrooms make great substitutes. They add variety and keep things interesting.
Marinade Ingredients: Soy sauce is key for flavor, but for a low-sodium option, try tamari or coconut aminos. Honey can replace brown sugar if you’re looking for a natural sweetener, giving a touch of floral flavor.
How Do You Get the Chicken Flavorful with Marinade?
Marinating is essential for flavor and tenderness. Mix your marinade well and make sure the chicken is fully coated. For the best results, aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This helps the flavors really soak in!
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper.
- Cut chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking and toss in the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate, allowing the chicken to absorb all those tasty flavors.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cubed
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into pieces
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into pieces
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Other:
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating time. You’ll need an additional 10-15 minutes for grilling. In total, plan for about 1 hour to make and enjoy your delicious Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Stir everything together well to create a yummy marinade that will add great flavor to the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade. Toss everything together so that the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you want even more flavor!
3. Prepare for Grilling:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, get your skewers ready. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Start threading the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with the red onion, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks as you go.
4. Grill the Kabobs:
Once the grill is hot, carefully place the skewers on it. Grill the kabobs for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through and to have beautiful grill marks on all sides.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a tasty touch. Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in My Kabobs?
Absolutely! You can customize your kabobs with your favorite vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Just make sure the cooking times are similar so everything cooks evenly on the grill!
What Can I Use Instead of Pineapple Juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice on hand, you can substitute it with orange juice for a citrusy twist, or use apple juice for a milder flavor. Just keep the quantity the same!
How Should I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be eaten cold, or you can reheat them gently in the microwave or on a grill pan to help restore their grilled flavor.
Can I Prepare the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance! Just be sure to keep it covered in the fridge. This will enhance the flavor, making your kabobs even tastier!
