Name: Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup ketchup; 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar; 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup canned pineapple juice; 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus more for brushing grill; 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 3/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes; 3 cups fresh pineapple, cubed (about 3/4 of a 3-pound pineapple); 1 1/2 large green bell peppers, chopped into 1 1/4-inch pieces; 1 large red onion, chopped into 1 1/4-inch pieces

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 30 reviews

Looking to bring a taste of the islands to your backyard? These Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers are a vibrant, sweet-and-savory celebration of color and flavor that instantly transports you to a tropical paradise. Juicy chicken is marinated in a tangy pineapple-soy glaze, then skewered alongside golden pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and onions before hitting the grill for irresistible caramelization. Whether you’re serving these at a summer cookout or just craving an escape from the ordinary, you’ll adore how the layers of flavor meld in this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe for Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers.

Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is chosen to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Every component serves a special role, so it’s worth splurging on fresh produce and good chicken for the best results!

Ketchup: Brings tang and a touch of sweetness to the marinade, serving as a delicious base for the glaze.
Dark Brown Sugar: Adds deep, molasses-rich sweetness that balances the savory notes.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Lends umami and saltiness, letting you control the seasoning.
Canned Pineapple Juice: The key to tropical tang—don’t skip it, as it tenderizes the chicken and infuses flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps everything caramelize beautifully and keeps the skewers from drying out.
Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and a welcome acidic pop to the marinade.
Garlic (minced): Provides aromatic backbone and savory depth.
Fresh Ginger (minced): A punch of zingy freshness that’s signature in Hawaiian-inspired dishes.
Sesame Oil: A few drops bring warmth and nuttiness—just enough to be noticed without overpowering.
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for rounding out flavors, so season to your taste.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean and meaty, perfect for soaking up the bold marinade.
Fresh Pineapple (cubed): Use fresh for maximum sweetness and juiciness—every bite is a juicy pop!
Green Bell Peppers (chopped): Their grassy crunch adds color and contrast to sweet pineapple and savory chicken.
Red Onion (chopped): When grilled, it turns soft and just a bit sweet, tying all the flavors together.
Wooden Skewers: Soak these to avoid burning—don’t skip this step for safe and easy grilling!

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade

Start your journey by whisking together ketchup, dark brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, two tablespoons of olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a medium bowl. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (about 3/4 teaspoon pepper works beautifully here). This mixture is more than just a marinade—it’s the magic that unites every skewer with irresistible sweet, savory, and tangy flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken and Prep Skewers

Place the chicken cubes in a large resealable bag. Before pouring the marinade in, be sure to reserve half a cup in the fridge for basting later—that’s key for maximum caramelization on the grill. Pour the rest over your chicken, seal the bag, and massage everything to coat evenly. Refrigerate for one hour to let flavors settle in, and don’t forget to soak about 10 wooden skewers in cold water to prevent charring when grilling.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies and Fruit

While the chicken absorbs all that delicious marinade, drizzle your remaining olive oil over the cubed pineapple, chopped green bell pepper, and red onion. Toss them well, ensuring every bit is glossy and ready to be grilled. A light sprinkle of salt and pepper on the veggies brings out their natural flavor and keeps the whole skewer seasoned from end to end.

Step 4: Thread Your Skewers

Alternate cubes of marinated chicken, sweet pineapple, crisp bell pepper, and colorful red onion onto each soaked skewer. The goal here is an even rainbow—you want every bite to have a little bit of everything! Continue threading until all the chicken is used up. Visual appeal is half the fun of these Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers.

Step 5: Fire Up the Grill and Cook

Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 400°F or 200°C). Give the grates a good brush of olive oil to keep those skewers from sticking. Lay the skewers across the grill and cook for about five minutes. Brush the tops with a quarter cup of your reserved marinade, rotate, and baste the other side with the remaining marinade. Let everything grill for about four minutes longer, or until the chicken hits that safe and juicy 165°F (75°C) mark in the center. Pull them off the heat and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Garnishes

Sprinkle your skewers with sliced green onions or fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of fresh color and flavor. Add a few sesame seeds for a bit of crunch, or even an extra drizzle of reserved pineapple juice for an extra tropical finish. These little touches make your Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers look and taste even more special!

Side Dishes

These skewers shine alongside a scoop of fluffy coconut rice, a fresh cucumber salad, or even classic potato salad. If you want to keep things on-theme, try serving them with grilled corn or a simple Hawaiian-style macaroni salad. The bright, sweet-savory flavors play well with most summer side dishes, so feel free to get creative.

Creative Ways to Present

For a memorable party platter, lay your cooked skewers over a bed of lettuce on a large tray, interspersed with extra pineapple wedges and scattered bell pepper slices. Mini-skewers (using short sticks) make for fantastic appetizer bites at a barbecue. Or, serve your Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers family-style in a shallow bowl with plenty of lime wedges for that extra zestful squeeze!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra skewers, simply remove the chicken and veggies from the sticks and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making them a tasty grab-and-go protein for salads or wraps.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers for longer storage. Just remove them from the skewers and flash-freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of pineapple juice or water to keep things moist. You can also microwave them gently in short bursts, though this may soften the veggies slightly. Avoid overcooking to preserve the juicy texture and vibrant colors that make Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers so appealing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more flavorful. Just be sure to trim any excess fat and cut into similar-sized pieces for even grilling. The marinade works equally well on both cuts.

Can I grill these inside if I don’t have an outdoor grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan or even a broiler. Preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat and brush it with oil before adding the skewers. Rotate them for even char and brush with reserved marinade as directed.

Is it okay to use canned pineapple if I don’t have fresh?

You can use canned pineapple in a pinch, but fresh pineapple delivers a firmer, juicier texture and brighter flavor. If using canned, opt for chunks packed in juice (not syrup), and drain them well before threading onto skewers.

How far ahead can I marinate the chicken?

The chicken benefits from at least one hour in the marinade, but you can marinate it for up to eight hours if you want to prepare in advance. Any longer might cause the texture to change due to the pineapple juice’s acidity.

What should I do if my wooden skewers keep burning?

Soaking the skewers in cold water for a full hour is key. If grilling for an extended period or using very high heat, try wrapping the exposed ends in foil for added protection. This keeps your Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers looking picture-perfect and easy to handle.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try these Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers as I am to share them with you! They’re a joyful, flavorful recipe perfect for sharing at backyard barbecues or family dinners. Give them a spot at your next gathering and watch everyone fall in love with the beautiful combination of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and those gorgeous grill marks. Happy cooking!