Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Get ready to fire up the grill and bring those tropical vibes straight to your plate! Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers are sweet, savory, and bursting with juicy flavor in every bite. Imagine tender chunks of marinated chicken, caramelized pineapple, and colorful veggies all grilled to perfection on a stick. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a summer party even if you’re just making dinner on a Tuesday night. The smoky char, the sticky glaze, the explosion of flavors… trust me, this one’s a game-changer. You’ll be dreaming of island breezes with every skewer.

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: These skewers are perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or even prepped ahead for lunchboxes.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients that are easy to find and easy on the wallet.

Quick and Easy: A little marinating, a little skewering, and a quick grill session that’s it!

Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or switch up the marinade to suit your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Here’s the magic of these skewers it’s all about that sweet-savory harmony. Let’s break it down:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender, juicy, and perfect for soaking up the tropical marinade.

Pineapple Chunks: Sweet, juicy, and caramelize beautifully on the grill. Fresh pineapple is amazing, but canned works too!

Red Bell Peppers: Adds vibrant color and a slight crunch.

Red Onion: Brings a bit of bite and turns beautifully sweet when grilled.

Soy Sauce: The salty backbone of the marinade that balances the sweetness.

Pineapple Juice: Infuses everything with bright, fruity flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.

Honey: Adds natural sweetness and creates a sticky glaze on the grill.

Garlic and Ginger: Aromatic, punchy, and totally essential for depth of flavor.

Sesame Oil (Optional): A drizzle adds that nutty richness that elevates the entire dish.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear those skewers and create that irresistible char.

Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for max flavor).

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Soak wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers are fine too, of course!

Assemble the Dish: Thread marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating for a pretty presentation and even cooking.

Cook to Perfection: Place skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred. Brush with extra marinade during the last few minutes for extra flavor.

Finishing Touches: Once off the grill, let the skewers rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or sesame seeds if desired.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm off the skewer or slide everything onto a plate with your favorite sides. It’s tropical paradise in every bite!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~300
(Note: These are approximate values and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes (including marinating time)

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve over coconut rice or jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious juice.
• Add a side of grilled corn or a tropical fruit salad for a fresh, colorful plate.
• For a low-carb option, pair with cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad.
• Make a skewer platter and serve with dipping sauces like sweet chili, sriracha mayo, or teriyaki.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Cut chicken and veggies into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Don’t over-marinate the pineapple juice is acidic and can make the chicken mushy if left too long.
• Pat the chicken dry before grilling to get a better sear.
• Flip skewers with tongs instead of forks to keep the juices in.
• Leftovers are great chopped into salads or tucked into wraps.
• You can broil these in the oven if you don’t have a grill.
• Add a splash of lime juice before serving to brighten the flavor.
• Keep extra marinade aside (before adding raw chicken) to use as a glaze.
• Fresh pineapple gives the best texture, but canned works in a pinch.
• If using metal skewers, be careful they get super hot on the grill.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes! Just make sure it’s in juice, not syrup, and drain it well before grilling.

2. What cut of chicken is best?
Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and flavorful, but breasts work great too if you prefer leaner meat.

3. Can I make this without a grill?
Absolutely. Use a grill pan on the stove or broil the skewers in your oven.

4. How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour, but no more than 24 pineapple juice can start breaking down the meat too much.

5. Are wooden or metal skewers better?
Both work! Wooden ones need to be soaked first so they don’t burn.

6. Can I add other veggies?
Totally! Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms would be delicious additions.

7. Is this dish spicy?
Not at all! But you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade if you want some heat.

8. Can I prep these in advance?
Yes assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to grill.

9. How do I know when the chicken is done?
It should reach an internal temp of 165°F and be golden on the outside.

10. Can I make a big batch for a party?
Definitely. Just grill in batches or use a large baking sheet under the broiler.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers are the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and smoky easy to prep, fun to eat, and full of sunshine flavor. Whether you’re grilling out with friends, spicing up your weeknight dinner, or just craving something juicy and tropical, these skewers deliver every single time. So grab those skewers, fire up the grill, and let’s get cooking paradise is only a few bites away!

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