Can I bake Hawaiian chicken pineapple kebabs instead of grilling them?

Yes, you can bake these kebabs if you don’t have a grill. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a well-greased baking sheet. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning the kebabs occasionally to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them to prevent drying out, as baking may cook faster than grilling depending on your oven.

What side dishes go well with Hawaiian chicken pineapple kebabs?

Hawaiian chicken pineapple kebabs pair well with a variety of sides. Popular options include steamed white or brown rice, coconut rice for a tropical touch, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, try serving with quinoa or a light pasta salad to complement the sweet and savory flavors of the kebabs.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for these kebabs?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to be juicier than chicken breasts. However, they may require a slightly longer cooking time and a lower grill temperature to prevent burning. Keep an eye on the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C) to ensure doneness and food safety.

How long can I marinate chicken for Hawaiian pineapple kebabs?

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. You can also marinate it overnight in the refrigerator for a stronger taste. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acidity in the marinade can start to break down the chicken’s texture, making it mushy.

Can I prepare these pineapple chicken kebabs ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken and assemble the kebabs a few hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to grill the kebabs fresh before serving. Cooking them in advance and reheating can result in dry, tough chicken and soggy vegetables. Avoid freezing assembled kebabs, as this can negatively affect texture.

Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs Recipe With Tangy Glaze

Name: Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kebabs
Prep time: 1 h 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup ketchup; 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup pineapple juice; 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided (plus extra for brushing the grill); 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 4 cloves garlic, minced (4 teaspoons); 1 tablespoon ginger; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 3/4 pounds chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes; 3 cups fresh pineapple, cubed (approximately 3/4 of a 3-pound pineapple); 1 1/2 large green bell peppers, diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces; 1 large red onion, diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces

Description

🍍 Enjoy the tropical flavors of Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs, featuring sweet pineapple and a tangy marinade.
🔥 These kebabs offer a perfect balance of juicy chicken and vibrant veggies, ideal for grilling enthusiasts and summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1/3 cup ketchup

1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup pineapple juice

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided (plus extra for brushing the grill)

1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar

4 cloves garlic, minced (4 teaspoons)

1 tablespoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 3/4 pounds chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes

3 cups fresh pineapple, cubed (approximately 3/4 of a 3-pound pineapple)

1 1/2 large green bell peppers, diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces

1 large red onion, diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces

Instructions

1-Getting started: Getting started with these Hawaiian chicken pineapple kebabs is as fun as eating them, and the steps are simple enough for anyone to follow. Begin by mixing up the marinade to let those flavors soak in and make the chicken extra tender. You’ll be threading skewers and grilling in no time, creating a meal that’s sure to impress.

2-Whisk all the marinade ingredients together in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. This sets the base for that tangy glaze everyone loves. Next, place the chicken cubes in a resealable bag, pour in most of the marinade, and let it chill in the fridge for about an hour while you soak your wooden skewers in water.

3-Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 400°F. Toss the onion, bell peppers, and pineapple with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, then season them lightly. Now, thread the marinated chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion onto the skewers, alternating for a colorful mix.

4-Once everything’s ready, brush the grill with olive oil and lay the skewers on it. Cook for 5 minutes, baste with some reserved marinade, flip, and baste again for another 4 minutes until the chicken hits 165°F inside. Let them rest a bit before serving warm it’s that easy!

Notes

💦 Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 1 hour to prevent burning while grilling.
🍍 Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and optimal chunk size.
🍗 Baste the kebabs with reserved marinade during grilling to keep chicken juicy and flavorful.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 skewer
Calories: 262 kcal
Sugar: 17 g
Sodium: 443 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 21 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: Hawaiian chicken kebabs, sweet pineapple chicken, tangy glaze kebabs, grilled chicken skewers