Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs: Your Ticket to a Tropical BBQ Paradise!

Oh, friends, get ready to transport your taste buds straight to a sun-drenched beach with these incredible Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs! There’s just something magical about the sweet and savory dance of perfectly grilled chicken, juicy pineapple, and vibrant veggies. Every bite is a burst of sunshine, making it the ultimate dish for summer cookouts, backyard BBQs, or whenever you’re dreaming of an island escape.

This recipe for Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs isn’t just easy to make; it’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The secret? A sensational marinade that doubles as a glaze, infusing the chicken with irresistible notes of soy, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar, perfectly complemented by the tangy sweetness of pineapple. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, especially when the grill adds that beautiful smoky char. You’ll understand why this Pineapple Chicken combo is legendary!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [December 2025]

 

What Makes These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs So Special?

Beyond their undeniable deliciousness, these kabobs are a joy to make and even more joyful to eat! They’re:

• Effortlessly Flavorful: The marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing every piece of chicken and vegetable with that signature sweet and tangy Hawaiian flair.
• Visually Stunning: Skewers are always a crowd-pleaser, and the vibrant colors of the bell peppers, red onion, and golden pineapple make for a gorgeous presentation.
• Perfect for Grilling: The high heat of the grill caramelizes the sugars in the marinade and pineapple, creating incredible depth of flavor and texture.
• Customizable: Easily swap veggies or even proteins to suit your family’s preferences.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Marinate the chicken ahead of time, and you’re halfway to a fantastic dinner!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 2 tbsp juice) or 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks

For the Marinade/Glaze:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening glaze later)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Grill or grill pan
• Skewers (wooden, soaked for 30 minutes, or metal)
• Small saucepan (for glaze)
• Basting brush

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, reserved pineapple juice, and sriracha (if using). This glorious mixture will be the soul of your Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs!
2. Marinate the Chicken: Pour about 3/4 of the marinade into a separate bowl with the cubed chicken. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor absorption. Set aside the remaining 1/4 marinade – this will become your luscious basting glaze.
3. Chop Veggies & Pineapple: While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vibrant vegetables and juicy pineapple. Cut the bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple into roughly 1-inch pieces, ensuring they are similar in size for even cooking.
4. Preheat Grill & Prep Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill.
5. Assemble Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple alternately onto your skewers. Get creative with your color patterns!
6. Thicken the Glaze: In a small saucepan, bring the reserved marinade to a gentle simmer over medium heat. In a separate tiny bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering marinade. Continue to whisk for 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This beautiful glaze will take your Pineapple Chicken to the next level!
7. Grill Kabobs: Carefully place the assembled kabobs on the preheated grill. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks on all sides. During the last 5 minutes of grilling, generously baste the kabobs with your thickened Hawaiian glaze. Cook until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C) and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
8. Serve Hot: Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Dive into your tropical masterpiece!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Creative Twists

• Spicy Kick: Add an extra teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for more heat.
• Other Proteins: This marinade works wonders with shrimp, pork tenderloin, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Veggie Swap: Try zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even mushrooms for different textures and flavors.
• Broiler/Oven Option: Don’t have a grill? You can bake these kabobs at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, or broil for 8-12 minutes, turning frequently, until cooked through and nicely charred.
• Smoky Flavor: Add a dash of liquid smoke to the marinade for an extra BBQ kick.

What to Serve With Your Kabobs

• Fluffy coconut rice or classic white rice
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Coleslaw or a creamy macaroni salad
• A refreshing fruit salad

Reader Reviews

Here’s what our amazing community is saying about these kabobs:

Chef_Grillz (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): “Absolutely phenomenal! The marinade is a game-changer. My family devoured these. It felt like a vacation on a plate. Will be making these all summer long!”

SunshineBakes (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): “So easy and incredibly delicious. The pineapple gets perfectly caramelized, and the chicken is so tender. My new go-to for entertaining!”

FoodieFanatic77 (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): “Fantastic recipe! I added some extra ginger and a tiny bit of sesame oil to the marinade for an extra depth of flavor. Even my picky eater loved them!”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I prepare the kabobs ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours and chop all your vegetables a day in advance. Assemble the skewers just before grilling for the freshest results.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent wooden skewers from burning?
A: Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) before threading your ingredients. This saturates the wood, making it less prone to catching fire on the grill.

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works wonderfully. Just ensure it’s ripe and cut into 1-inch chunks. If using fresh, you might want to add 2 tbsp of orange juice to the marinade for the ‘reserved pineapple juice’ component.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: The safest way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a chicken piece; it should read 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also be opaque throughout.

Embrace the Aloha Spirit!

These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. They bring the vibrant flavors and laid-back vibe of the islands right to your table, making every dinner feel like a celebration. Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe for Pineapple Chicken is a guaranteed hit that will have your friends and family coming back for seconds (and thirds!). So fire up that grill, soak up the sunshine, and let the good times roll with these incredible Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs!

Recipe Note: Always ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.