Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Skewers with Coconut Rice
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Nothing says summer is here like the sizzle of grilled dinners and tropical fruits, and this recipe has them both! Fire up the grill and get ready to delight in these Hawaiian chicken skewers: tender charred chicken, tropical pineapple, crisp and colorful bell peppers, and savory onion meet on a stick! Glaze it with a healthier teriyaki sauce and you've got yourself a winning summer dinner!
Chicken tastes better on sticks. Let these chicken satay skewers prove it to you!
You don't have to hop on a plane to experience the flavors of Hawaiiājust fire up your grill! These grilled pineapple chicken kabobs bring a taste of the tropics right to your backyard with juicy pineapple, tender grilled chicken, and a sweet sauce. These Hawaiian chicken skewers are perfect for a summer BBQ, entertaining guests, or a quick weeknight dinner.
These skewers are made from delicious ingredients, but when those ingredients come together and develop caramelized char marks, they become an incredible summer favorite. Pineapple works so well with meats as the natural sugars in the fruit caramelize, adding complexity and complementing the savory chicken.
Is this an authentic Hawaiian recipe?
We called this recipe Hawaiian as it reminds us of some of the wonderful flavors of Hawaii ā pineapple, juicy grilled chicken, and a sweet sauce. While it's not authentic, it is delicious and will have you dreaming of warm Hawaiian evenings.
Ingredients notes
If it's true that you eat with your stomach, these are going to be a feast for sight and stomach! These grilled Hawaiian chicken skewers are bursting with eye-popping color ā gather an array of bright, summery ingredients to make a delicious rainbow on a stick. This is what you need:
- Hawaiian chicken: Skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts), red pepper, green pepper, red onion, and pineapple.
- Teriyaki sauce: Honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic cloves, cornstarch, and water.
How to make Hawaiian chicken skewers
These Hawaiian chicken kebabs are as simple as they are colorful ā and they take a total time of less than half an hour to whip up! This is how it's done:
- Teriyaki sauce: Add all of the sauce ingredients, except the cornstarch, to a small saucepan over high heat, bringing it to a boil. Mix the cornstarch with cold water, then throw it into the pot, letting it bubble until the sauce thickens.
- Marinade and chop: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces then pop them in a bowl with some teriyaki sauce to marinade while you get to chopping the veggies.
- Thread and grill: Thread everything onto your skewers and grill for 10 minutes until charred. Baste the rest of the teriyaki sauce over top and enjoy!
Tips for making Hawaiian chicken skewers
These Hawaiiwan chicken skewers are simple to make: just marinade, chop, thread, and grill! While it's straightforward, here are a few hot tips to keep in mind:
- Uniform cooking: When cutting your pineapple, veggies, and chicken, try to cut everything to a similar size to the chicken for uniform cooking. You'll want to aim for around 1 to 1 Ā½-inch cubes.
- Space it out: Keep around a quarter inch between items on the skewer to allow the heat space to distribute, cooking everything evenly.
- Distance makes the heart grow fonder: Keep that pineapple away from your chicken until it's time to hit the grill! Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which breaks down proteins. This is why your lip sometimes tingles when you enjoy a fresh pineapple! Don't throw the pineapple in to marinade with the chicken as it may start spreading its tingles to the chicken.
- Soak your skewers: If you're using bamboo or wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning once they hit the grill grate.
What to serve with Hawaiian chicken skewers
These hawaiian chicken skewers are a little meal on a stick: you've got protein, veggies, and a little sweet note!Ā You're going to want to make extra of that delicious teriyaki sauce to drizzle over a side of steaming coconut rice or pineapple fried rice, which make perfect beds for your Hawaiian chicken kabobs.
For a grill out feast, make some Hawaiian hot dogs, too! While the grill is on, whip up a grilled potato salad or honey corn on the cob to serve beside your skewers.
Keep the tropical vibes going with a pineapple margarita or Hawaiian banana bread!
Recipe FAQs
Where can I find skewers?
Many supermarkets sell bamboo skewers, or you can find someĀ stainless steel skewersĀ online. If using bamboo skewers, we suggest soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before adding the chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Can I make chicken skewers Hawaiian-style if I don't have a grill?
Sure! Our preferred method of cooking is the grill, but you could use aĀ grill pan, skillet, air fryer, or broil it in the oven. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
How do I store leftover Hawaiian chicken skewers?
Store your leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also take the leftovers off the skewers and use them in other recipes such as a stir fry or Hawaiian-inspired chicken tacos.
Can I use canned pineapple for these grilled Hawaiian chicken kebabs?
Fresh pineapple will bring a much fresher and vibrant flavor! In a pinch, canned pineapple can work, but the final result will differ in texture and taste.
How do you thread chicken on skewers?
First, prepare the chicken by cutting boneless and skinless chicken thighs into even-sized pieces ā you'll want to chop the veggies and pineapple chunks to a similar size for uniform cooking, around 1 to 1 Ā½ inches wide. Let the chicken meld with the marinade. If you're using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water first to prevent burning on the grill. Take a piece of chicken and push the skewer through the center of it, pushing until it reaches the bottom of the skewer, leaving a small space for the eater to hold the skewer.
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce
- Ā¼ cup EACH: honey and soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated or minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
- 6 boneless chicken thighs (can sub 3 chicken breasts)
- 1 red pepper (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 green pepper (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 red onion (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- Ā½ pineapple (peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes)
Instructions
- Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic to a small pot over high heat and bring it to a boil. Mix the cornstarch with the cold water in a small cup and add it to the pot. Once the sauce thickens remove it from the heat.Ā¼ cup EACH: honey and soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon grated or minced ginger, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water
- Cut the chicken thighs into 3-4 pieces each and put them in a bowl. Pour Ā¼ cup of the teriyaki sauce over the top and mix well. Let the chicken marinate while you chop the veggies.6 boneless chicken thighs
- Preheat your BBQ to medium-high and oil the grill. Thread the chicken and veggies onto skewers.
- Grill them for 10 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through cooking. Serve the skewers with the teriyaki sauce drizzled over the top.1 red pepper, 1 green pepper, 1 red onion, Ā½ pineapple
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our grilled recipes!