Dinner

Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe

Name: Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar; 2 tsp sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, minced; 1 tsp honey; Kosher salt, to taste; 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces; 2 cups cubed pineapple; 2 green bell peppers, diced; 1 red onion, diced; White rice, for serving; 2 tsp cilantro, chopped

ByClara Bennett August 6, 2026August 6, 2026

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Introduction

Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken pieces marinated in a tangy, sweet sauce are grilled alongside fresh pineapple and colorful vegetables, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

A white plate with a thin black rim holds a serving of white rice, scattered lightly with green herb bits. On top of the rice lie two metal skewers with grilled pieces of orange-yellow marinated chicken and green bell pepper chunks, showing slight char marks. One skewer is whole while the other is being held by a woman's hand using a fork to lift a piece. The background features a white marbled texture surface. The image is bright with natural light highlighting the textures and colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 teaspoon honey
Kosher salt, to taste
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces
2 cups cubed pineapple
2 green bell peppers, diced
1 red onion, diced
White rice, for serving
2 teaspoons cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and honey until well combined. Season with kosher salt and crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Thread the chicken pieces, pineapple cubes, green bell peppers, and red onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients for an even mix. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and pour half of the marinade over them to soak.
Step 4: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Brush the tops with the reserved marinade. Cook for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Flip the skewers and brush the other side with marinade. Grill for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
Step 6: Serve the skewers hot over white rice, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

Tips & Variations

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
For extra smoky flavor, finish the skewers over charcoal if possible.
Swap pineapple with mango or peaches for a different twist on sweetness.
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.

Storage

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. It’s best to keep the skewers separate from the rice when storing to maintain texture.

How to Serve

A white plate with a thin dark rim holds a bed of fluffy white rice sprinkled with small green herbs. On top, there are two metal skewers of grilled kebabs placed diagonally; the kebabs have grilled chunks of orange-yellow chicken, green bell pepper pieces, and some darker grilled edges, creating a slightly charred texture. A woman's hand holding a silver fork is piercing the kebab on the lower skewer, showing a close-up of the glossy, cooked pieces. The dish is presented on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and can add more juiciness and flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Is it necessary to marinate the skewers before grilling?

Marinating helps infuse the chicken and vegetables with flavor and keeps the meat tender. Pouring marinade over the skewers before grilling adds moisture and taste, but you can also marinate the chicken pieces separately for at least 30 minutes beforehand for deeper flavor.