Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
If you’re dreaming of vibrant flavors and a burst of sunshine on your plate, you’ve got to try this Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe. It’s a dazzling celebration of tender, juicy chicken perfectly marinated in a tangy-sweet pineapple and soy sauce blend, then grilled alongside colorful bell peppers, red onion, and juicy pineapple chunks. This recipe brings a slice of the islands right to your backyard grill, making every bite a tropical escape loaded with freshness and a hint of spice. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend barbecue, these skewers are sure to brighten up your meal and win over everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe is easy and rewarding. Each element plays a vital part in the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, from the succulent chicken to the crisp, colorful veggies and that irresistible marinade that ties it all together.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed: Choose fresh chicken breast for tender, juicy skewers that soak up every bit of marinade.
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, cubed: Adds sweetness and tropical brightness that complements the savory chicken beautifully.
- 1 red bell pepper, cubed: Offers a crunchy texture and a pop of vibrant red color.
- 1 green bell pepper, cubed: Balances the sweetness with a fresh, slightly grassy flavor and crisp bite.
- 1 red onion, cubed: Brings a mild sharpness and a subtle sweetness after grilling.
- Skewers (wooden or metal): Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning, or go metal for ease and reusability.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides that deep, salty umami that grounds the marinade.
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice: Enhances the tropical vibe and tenderizes the chicken naturally.
- 2 tbsp honey: Adds a rich, sticky sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps everything grill evenly.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch of flavor.
- 1 tsp ginger, grated: Brings a zesty, slightly peppery note to brighten the marinade.
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick for those who like a little heat.
How to Make Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional chili flakes in a bowl. This blend is the heart of your Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe, combining salty, sweet, and spicy notes that will infuse the chicken with vibrant, irresistible flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your cubed chicken breast into the marinade, making sure every piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though letting it soak for up to 2 hours will deepen the flavors and tenderize the meat even more.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Grab your skewers and start threading the marinated chicken along with pineapple cubes, red and green bell peppers, and red onion pieces. Alternate each ingredient to create a colorful, festive presentation that’s just as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has beautiful, slightly charred grill marks that add smoky depth.
Step 5: Serve
Once off the grill, serve your Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe hot, ideally accompanied by your favorite sides for a complete meal full of texture and flavor contrast.
How to Serve Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions over the skewers just before serving. A wedge of lime on the side invites everyone to add a zesty squeeze that amps up the tropical brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs brilliantly with fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the flavorful juices. A crisp green salad or grilled corn on the cob also complement the sweet and savory notes wonderfully, balancing out the meal with fresh, crunchy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, serve the skewers over a vibrant bed of mixed greens or alongside a refreshing mango salsa. You could also use small bamboo boats or platter liners with tropical prints for a festive presentation that makes your Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe feel like a mini luau.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the chicken and veggies together to maintain those mouthwatering flavor combinations.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the cooked skewers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the skewers on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat gently on the grill for a couple of minutes per side to refresh those charred flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender when grilled, which can add extra flavor and moisture to your Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, it’s a good idea to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers do not require soaking.
Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
You can marinate the chicken and chop your vegetables a few hours ahead, but it’s best to assemble and grill the skewers shortly before serving for optimal freshness and texture.
What can I substitute for pineapple juice in the marinade?
If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can use orange juice or a combination of orange juice and a splash of vinegar for a similar sweet and tangy effect.
Is this recipe spicy?
The chili flakes are optional and used sparingly, so the spiciness is very mild by default. You can adjust or omit them entirely based on your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, bright, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. It’s simple enough to whip up any night but special enough to impress your friends or family. Give it a try and watch how quickly this tropical delight becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes (including marination time of minimum 30 minutes)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful grilled dish combining tender marinated chicken chunks with juicy pineapple and colorful bell peppers. Perfect for a quick summer meal, these skewers feature a sweet and tangy marinade with a hint of spice, making them a delightful and easy-to-make recipe that brings a taste of the islands to your backyard grill.
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, cubed
- 1 green bell pepper, cubed
- 1 red onion, cubed
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for the best flavor absorption.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces alternately with pineapple chunks, red and green bell peppers, and red onion onto the skewers, creating an attractive and colorful mix.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the tropical Hawaiian chicken skewers hot, paired with your choice of rice, salad, or a favorite dipping sauce for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- For extra smoky flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke or grill over charcoal.
- You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thigh for juicier skewers.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
