Amazing Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs 1

Oh my goodness, is there anything better than that first grill out of the season? It just screams summer to me! My absolute favorite way to kick things off is with these amazing Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs. They’re just pure sunshine on a skewer, you know? You get that juicy, tender chicken with these bursts of sweet, caramelized pineapple, plus some colorful veggies all mingled together. My family devours these every single time. I remember making a similar version years ago when we were camping, and my kids were practically fighting over whose skewer had the most pineapple. They’re just that good!

Why You’ll Love These Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

Trust me, these kebabs are a total winner for SO many reasons:

• Super Easy: Honestly, they come together so fast. The marinade is a simple whisk-and-go, and threading everything onto the skewers is a fun activity.
• Incredible Flavor: That sweet and savory combo? Heaven! The marinade makes the chicken so tender, and grilling the pineapple brings out its natural sweetness.
• Perfect for Parties: Grilling is already a social activity, and kebabs are just made for sharing. They look fantastic on the plate too!
• So Versatile: Don’t love bell peppers? Swap ’em out! Want to add zucchini? Go for it! These are super forgiving.

Ingredients for Delicious Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

Okay, so what do you need to make these tropical taste bud ticklers? It’s pretty straightforward, and you probably have a lot of this stuff already! Here’s the lineup:

• Chicken: 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. I like thighs because they stay so juicy on the grill, but chicken breast works too if that’s your jam! Cut ‘em into nice 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly.
• Pineapple: 1.5 cups of pineapple chunks. Fresh is amazing because it holds up really well on the grill, but don’t stress if you only have canned chunks on hand – just drain them really well.
• Veggies: We need some color and crunch here! Grab 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper, sliced into those same 1-inch pieces, and about 1 medium red onion, also cut into chunks. They get so sweet and tender when grilled.
• The Marinade Magic: This is where the flavor explosion happens! You’ll need 1/2 cup of soy sauce (this is the savory base), 1/4 cup of pineapple juice (to amp up that tropical vibe), 2 tablespoons of honey (for a touch of sweetness and caramelization), 1 tablespoon of olive oil (just a little binder), 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger (this really wakes things up!), 1 clove of minced garlic (because, garlic!), and a pinch of black pepper.

Essential Equipment for Making Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

Alright, to whip up these tropical delights, you don’t need a whole fancy kitchen setup. Just a few trusty tools will do the trick! You’ll definitely want some mixing bowls for our marinade and to toss the chicken. Then, of course, you need skewers – if you’re using wooden ones, don’t forget to soak them, trust me on this! And to get these beauties perfectly grilled with those lovely char marks, a good pair of grill tongs is your best friend. That’s pretty much it!

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

Alright, let’s get these Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs made! It’s a total breeze, and the results are just *chef’s kiss*. Think of it like making a simpler version of my dreamy marry me chicken but on skewers and with tropical vibes!

Preparing the Marinade for Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

First things first, we gotta whip up that amazing marinade. Grab a good-sized bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, that lovely pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, that little bit of grated ginger and minced garlic, plus the black pepper. Give it a good swirl until everything is happy and combined. This is what’s gonna make our chicken so juicy and flavorful – kind of like how the marinade in my coconut lime chicken recipe works wonders!

Marinating the Chicken for Flavorful Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

Now, take your chicken pieces and toss them right into that beautiful marinade. Make sure every little chunk is coated. Cover that bowl up and pop it in the fridge. You need at least 30 minutes for the magic to start working its flavor charm, but honestly, up to 4 hours? Even better! Just don’t go much longer than that, or the acidity can start to change the chicken’s texture too much.

Assembling Your Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

Time to make them pretty! If you’re using wooden skewers, please, please soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. It stops them from turning into little charcoal sticks on the grill. Once they’re ready, just start threading everything onto the skewers. I like to alternate the chicken, pineapple chunks, those colorful bell peppers, and the red onion. It makes them look so festive and also helps everything cook a bit more evenly. Don’t pack them too tight, though – give them a little breathing room!

Grilling Your Delicious Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

Get your grill nice and hot, aim for medium-high heat. Once it’s ready, lay those beautiful kebabs down. You’ll want to grill them for about 10 to 15 minutes total. Just turn them every few minutes so they get nicely browned and cooked all around. You’re looking for that chicken to be cooked through and the veggies to be tender but with a little bit of a bite – you know, tender-crisp. It’s going to smell absolutely amazing!

Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs Every Time

You know, even with the best recipe, a few little tricks can really take these Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs from good to absolutely *wow*! It’s all about those tiny details that make a big difference. I’ve learned a lot over the years, like how a little extra marinating love can really boost the flavor, almost like how my BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats get that amazing tender bite. And don’t even get me started on grilling – there’s a sweet spot for temperature that makes everything cook perfectly without burning. Plus, knowing your ingredients inside out can save you from a grilling disaster!

Ingredient Substitutions for Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

While I adore the classic combo, I know not everyone has the exact same ingredients hanging around, or maybe you’re wanting to switch things up! For the chicken, if you’re not a thigh person, go right ahead and use chicken breast. Just keep an eye on it when you grill, as it can dry out a little faster. If you can’t find fresh pineapple, the canned stuff works just fine, but make sure to drain it really well so your marinade doesn’t get too watery. And for the veggies? Feel free to swap bell peppers for zucchini, or maybe add some chunks of sweet onion or cherry tomatoes if you have them. They all grill up beautifully and add a lovely touch, just like in my garlic butter chicken bites!

Serving Suggestions for Your Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

Okay, so you’ve got these gorgeous Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs hot off the grill, and now you’re thinking, “What else goes with this island feast?” Loads of things! For a super fresh contrast, you absolutely have to try my Pineapple Cucumber Salad. It’s so light and refreshing, it’s the perfect partner. And if you want something a bit more hearty, a scoop of fluffy Greek Lemon Rice is also fantastic. Honestly, though, even just a simple side of grilled corn on the cob or some extra grilled veggies works wonderfully!

Storing and Reheating Leftover Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

So, you made extra delicious Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs? Lucky you! Leftovers are a thing of beauty and make for an even easier meal later. Once they’ve cooled down a bit, just pop those leftover kebabs into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep nicely for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure they’re properly sealed to keep them fresh. You don’t want them getting weird fridge smells, right?

Now, when you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is pretty simple. My favorite way is actually back on the grill over medium-low heat for just a few minutes, turning them once or twice. It brings back some of that lovely smoky char. If you don’t have a grill handy, a quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a warm oven or toaster oven works too! Just give them a gentle warm-up so the chicken stays nice and juicy and the pineapple doesn’t turn to mush. Enjoy round two!

Frequently Asked Questions about Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

Got questions about making these tropical skewers? I’ve got answers! People always ask me about making them ahead or what the secret is to that perfect grill char. Let’s dive in!

Can I make Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs ahead of time?

Oh, absolutely! You can totally prep a lot of this in advance, which makes grilling day a breeze. Go ahead and cut up all your chicken and veggies. You can even mix up the marinade and let the chicken marinate in it for up to 4 hours (or even overnight if you’re careful!) in the fridge. Just keep the marinated chicken and the chopped veggies separate. Then, right before you’re ready to grill, thread everything onto the soaked skewers. It really cuts down on the last-minute fuss!

What is the best way to grill Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs?

The key to that amazing flavor and perfect cook is a nice hot grill! Preheat it to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle immediately, but not so hot that everything burns before the chicken cooks through. I like to place the kebabs over direct heat and turn them every few minutes to get those lovely char marks and ensure even cooking. It usually takes about 10-15 minutes total. Just make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through – no pink!

Can I bake Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs instead of grilling?

You sure can! If the grill isn’t cooperating or you just don’t have one, the oven is a great option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (it helps with cleanup, trust me!). Arrange the assembled kebabs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. You might even want to pop them under the broiler for the last minute or two to get a nice little char, just like on the grill!

Nutritional Information for Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs

So, what are we looking at health-wise with these delicious Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs? Well, it’s always a good idea to remember that this info is just an estimate, you know? It totally depends on the exact brands you use and even how much marinade sticks to everything! But generally, serving up about two kebabs per person gives you around 250 calories. You’re also looking at about 20g of protein, 25g of carbs, and 8g of fat. It’s a pretty balanced meal that’s packed with flavor and feels super satisfying!

Share Your Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs Creation!

I just LOVE hearing from you guys! Have you made these Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs yet? Did you tweak them? Did your family gobble them up? Please, please, PLEASE leave a comment below and let me know all about it! If you snapped some pics, tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your amazing creations. Your feedback and photos totally make my day and inspire everyone else to get grilling!

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