Easy Homemade Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

Sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor, these Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are perfect for grilling season. Tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and colorful bell peppers come together in a delicious marinade for a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ 1 hour marinating)

• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Difficulty: Easy

• Servings: 4

• Cuisine: Hawaiian-inspired

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Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

• ¼ cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)

• 2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Kebabs:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes

• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 red onion, cut into chunks

• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)

Optional Garnish:

• Sesame seeds

• Chopped green onions

• Extra pineapple slices for serving

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.

2. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade in a separate bowl for basting later.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the chicken cubes in a large resealable bag or bowl.

2. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.

3. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Assemble the Kebabs

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).

2. Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients.

3. Discard the used marinade (do not reuse for food safety).

Step 4: Grill the Kebabs

1. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

2. Place the kebabs on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side (10-12 minutes total), turning occasionally.

3. Brush with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking.

4. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove kebabs from the grill and let them rest for 2-3 minutes.

2. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

3. Serve with extra pineapple slices, rice, or a fresh salad.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 2 Kebabs)

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient sizes and brands.

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Tips & Variations

✅ Oven Option: If not grilling, bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway.
✅ Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with extra-firm tofu or chickpeas.
✅ Spicy Twist: Add 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
✅ Meal Prep: Skewers can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before grilling.

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Final Thoughts

These Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are a crowd-pleaser, balancing sweet and savory flavors with a touch of smokiness from the grill. Perfect for summer BBQs, weeknight dinners, or meal prep—this recipe is quick, healthy, and delicious!