Why Make This Recipe
Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. This vibrant dish is great for grilling on warm days and brings a taste of the tropics to your backyard. It’s also quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. With bright colors and delicious combinations of fresh ingredients, these kebabs are sure to please everyone at the table.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup canned pineapple juice
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus more for brushing grill
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 3/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes
- 3 cups fresh pineapple, cubed (about 3/4 of a 3-pound pineapple)
- 1 1/2 large green bell peppers, chopped into 1 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, chopped into 1 1/4-inch pieces
Directions:
-
Prepare Marinade
Whisk together ketchup, dark brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a medium bowl. Season with 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and salt as preferred. -
Marinate Chicken
Transfer chicken pieces to a gallon-sized resealable bag. Set aside 1/2 cup of marinade in the refrigerator. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to infuse. -
Prepare Skewers and Vegetables
While the chicken marinates, soak 10 wooden skewers in cold water for 1 hour. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over the red onion, green bell pepper, and pineapple, tossing to coat. Season onion and bell pepper with salt and freshly ground black pepper. -
Assemble Kebabs
Thread red onion, bell pepper, pineapple, and marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, alternating ingredients until all chicken is used. -
Grill Kebabs
Preheat the grill to medium heat, approximately 400°F. Brush grill grates with olive oil. Arrange skewers on the grill and cook for 5 minutes. Brush tops with 1/4 cup of reserved marinade, rotate skewers, and brush the other side with the remaining 1/4 cup marinade. -
Finish Cooking and Serve
Continue grilling for about 4 more minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature at the center. Remove kebabs from the grill and serve warm.
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs
Serve the kebabs hot straight off the grill. They pair nicely with a side of rice or a crisp green salad. For extra flavor, you can offer additional barbecue sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
How to Store Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a grill for best results.
Tips to Make Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Soaking the skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- You can swap out vegetables for your favorites, like zucchini or bell peppers in different colors.
Variation
Feel free to add shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. You can also switch the fruit to mango or peaches for a unique twist on flavor.
FAQs
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
What can I serve with the kebabs?
Rice, quinoa, or a simple salad with a citrus dressing pairs well with the kebabs.
Can I cook these kebabs in the oven?
Yes, you can bake them in an oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A vibrant blend of sweet and savory flavors, these Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs are perfect for grilling and bring a taste of the tropics to your backyard.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup canned pineapple juice
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus more for brushing grill
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 3/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes
- 3 cups fresh pineapple, cubed (about 3/4 of a 3-pound pineapple)
- 1 1/2 large green bell peppers, chopped into 1 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, chopped into 1 1/4-inch pieces
Instructions
- Whisk together ketchup, dark brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a medium bowl. Season with black pepper and salt as preferred.
- Transfer chicken pieces to a gallon-sized resealable bag. Set aside 1/2 cup of marinade in the refrigerator. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Soak 10 wooden skewers in cold water for 1 hour. Drizzle olive oil over the red onion, green bell pepper, and pineapple, tossing to coat. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Thread red onion, bell pepper, pineapple, and marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, alternating ingredients.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat (approximately 400°F). Brush grill grates with olive oil. Grill kebabs for 5 minutes, brush with reserved marinade, rotate, and brush the other side.
- Continue grilling for about 4 more minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Remove from grill and serve warm.
Notes
Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size and soak skewers to prevent burning. Feel free to swap out vegetables or add different proteins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg