Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

These Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are a perfect blend of savory grilled chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful bell peppers, creating a delicious balance of flavors that evoke the tropics. With every bite, you get a satisfying combination of tender chicken and a burst of pineapple sweetness, making it a refreshing and vibrant dish.

Ideal for summer barbecues or casual weeknight dinners, these kebabs bring the vibrant flavors of a tropical vacation to your table. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an extra touch of brightness and flavor.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup pineapple juice

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks

• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks

• 1 cup pineapple chunks

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ginger, salt, pepper, soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, and lime juice to create a marinade.

2. Place the chicken cubes in a large resealable plastic bag or bowl, pour the marinade over the chicken, and seal the bag. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

3. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken, red and yellow bell peppers, and pineapple chunks onto skewers, alternating between the ingredients.

4. Grill the kebabs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are lightly charred.

5. Remove the kebabs from the grill and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Versatile Meal for Any Occasion

One of the great things about Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs is their versatility. You can serve them as a stand-alone dish with a side of rice or salad, or even make them part of a larger spread for a party. They’re perfect for any summer occasion – from a casual weeknight dinner to a backyard BBQ. Since they are so easy to make, these kebabs are ideal for meal prep as well. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time, thread the ingredients onto the skewers, and grill them just before serving.

Not only are they quick and simple to prepare, but they are also customizable to your personal taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add some chili flakes or jalapeños to the skewers. On the other hand, if you want to add more sweetness, try adding more pineapple or a drizzle of extra honey on top before serving. You can also swap out the bell peppers for other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or onions. The possibilities are endless!

Why You Should Try Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

If you’ve never had Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs before, you’re in for a treat. They are an incredibly flavorful, balanced dish that provides a perfect combination of protein, vegetables, and fruit. The chicken is tender and juicy after marinating in the delicious soy sauce, honey, and pineapple juice mixture. When grilled, the caramelization from the honey gives it a slightly crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. Paired with charred pineapple and bell peppers, every bite offers a delightful explosion of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.

What’s more, this dish is packed with nutrients! The chicken provides a healthy dose of lean protein, while the pineapple is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Bell peppers are high in vitamin C, and the added fresh cilantro garnishes the kebabs with a burst of color and an extra layer of flavor. It’s a perfect dish for those looking for something that is both delicious and nutritious.

How to Perfect Your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

To get the most out of your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs, it’s all about proper preparation. Start by marinating the chicken for a minimum of two hours – the longer it sits, the more flavorful the chicken becomes. If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator to allow all the flavors to fully soak into the meat. Also, be sure to preheat the grill properly before placing the kebabs on it, ensuring the skewers cook evenly and get that beautiful sear on the outside.

If you prefer, you can also cook the kebabs on a grill pan or broil them in the oven, but grilling them over an open flame imparts that distinct smoky flavor that you can’t quite replicate in the oven. While grilling, be sure to turn the skewers frequently to avoid burning and to ensure the chicken cooks through evenly. It’s also important to make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Serving Suggestions for Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are incredibly versatile when it comes to sides and serving options. For a lighter meal, pair them with a simple green salad or a refreshing cucumber salad. The crispness of the vegetables complements the smoky, sweet flavors of the chicken kebabs perfectly. Alternatively, serve them with a side of coconut rice or quinoa to keep the tropical theme going. You can also enjoy them with roasted vegetables or grilled corn on the cob for a hearty, satisfying meal.

If you’re serving the kebabs at a party, consider offering a variety of dipping sauces to complement the dish. A tangy pineapple salsa or a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce would pair wonderfully with the kebabs. You could also serve a traditional dipping sauce such as ranch or tzatziki to cater to different tastes.

The Perfect BBQ Dish for Summer

There’s something special about grilling during the summer months. The warm weather, the sound of the sizzling grill, and the delicious aroma of food wafting through the air all make for a perfect outdoor dining experience. Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are an ideal choice for any BBQ because they’re quick to prepare, cook, and serve, while offering a burst of tropical flavors that everyone will enjoy.

These kebabs are a great way to impress your guests while keeping things simple. They’re also a crowd-pleaser, with the sweet and savory combination that appeals to a variety of palates. Whether you’re grilling for a small family dinner or hosting a large BBQ gathering, these kebabs are sure to be a hit.

Tips for Grilling the Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

• Don’t overcrowd the skewers: When threading the chicken, peppers, and pineapple onto the skewers, make sure not to crowd the ingredients. Giving them some space allows them to cook more evenly and develop that beautiful grilled char.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh, ripe pineapple and bell peppers add a lot more flavor to your kebabs. If possible, opt for fresh over canned pineapple to give the dish a more natural and vibrant taste.

• Grill with caution: Be mindful of the heat when grilling. If the flames are too high, the marinade on the chicken might burn before the chicken is fully cooked. Moderate the heat to ensure the chicken is cooked through while still getting that delicious grill mark.

• Experiment with marinades: The marinade for these kebabs is simple and delicious, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Add a splash of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce, a squeeze of lime juice for extra tang, or even some chopped ginger for a touch of heat.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs offer the perfect combination of savory grilled chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful vegetables, making them an ideal dish for your summer grilling sessions. The ease of preparation and versatility of the recipe make it a go-to for casual weeknight dinners, weekend BBQs, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Their unique tropical flavor is sure to impress, and they can be customized to suit your individual preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a party, these kebabs will bring a refreshing twist to your meal. So fire up the grill and enjoy these delicious Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs for a tropical treat everyone will love.