These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are tender, juicy, incredibly delicious, and savory with the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess from the pineapple marinade.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve got the perfect summer recipe for you: Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs. These kabobs are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, and they’re always a hit at barbecues. Here’s why I love this recipe:
- Easy to Make: The marinade for this recipe is super easy to put together, and the kabobs can be prepped ahead of time, making it the perfect recipe for grilling out with friends and family.
- Flavor Combo: The combination of the smoky grilled chicken with the sweet pineapple and tangy BBQ sauce is out of this world.
- Versatile: This recipe is super versatile. You can use your favorite BBQ sauce, and you can easily customize the veggies to your liking.
- Crowds Love It: These kabobs are always a hit at parties. The flavors are familiar yet unique, making them a crowd-pleaser.
- Great for Meal Prep: These kabobs are a great option for meal prep. You can easily make a large batch and have lunches or dinners for the week!
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breast – We are using 3.5 lbs. of chicken breast, which is the star of this recipe. We season it with sea salt, smokehouse maple seasoning, and black ground pepper to give it a delicious smoky-sweet flavor.
- BBQ Sauce and Pineapple Juice – Our marinade is a mixture of 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and ½ cup of freshly squeezed pineapple juice. This adds a tangy, sweet flavor to the chicken and helps to keep it juicy and tender.
- Fresh Pineapple – We use 1 large fresh pineapple to add a tropical, sweet flavor to our kabobs. Using a pineapple corer makes it easy to prepare the pineapple for skewering.
- Fresh Mushrooms – 2 lbs. of fresh mushrooms add a meaty texture and earthy flavor to our kabobs. They pair wonderfully with the other ingredients.
- Stainless Steel Kabob Needles – We use these to skewer our ingredients, making it easy to grill them to perfection. The long, flat shape of the needles helps to keep our ingredients from spinning around as we flip the kabobs on the grill.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some of our favorite variations and substitution ideas:
- Meat: While we use chicken breast for this recipe, feel free to substitute it with boneless chicken thighs or even pork. You can also use tofu or your favorite meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Seasonings: The smokehouse maple seasoning gives the chicken a delicious smoky flavor, but you can substitute it with your favorite grilling spices or even a homemade dry rub.
- Vegetables: The beauty of kabobs is that you can mix and match your favorite vegetables. Try cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or even chunks of sweet potato.
- Pineapple: If you don't have access to fresh pineapple, canned pineapple chunks will work just as well.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
Step 1
Cut off both ends of the pineapple and use a pineapple core to remove the core. Save some of the pineapple juice for the marinade.
Step 2
Season the chicken cubes with spices and add BBQ sauce along with the saved pineapple juice for the marinade. Let it sit for at least 2 hours.
Step 3
Cut pineapple into large pieces. Cut the onion and red pepper into similar-sized squares. Rinse the mushrooms and add all the vegetables to the marinated chicken.
Step 4
Thread the chicken, pineapple, and vegetables onto metal or wooden skewers (soak wooden skewers in water before threading).
Step 5
Preheat the grill to 350 F and place the skewers on it. Grill the kabobs for 8-10 minutes, then turn them over and grill for another 6-8 minutes.
Step 6
Remove from the grill and serve with your favorite side dish. Enjoy!
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Serving Suggestions
Vegetables
- Grilled or roasted vegetables are a great addition to Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs. Bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions all pair well with the flavors of the marinade and the chicken.
- You can grill the vegetables on separate skewers or in a grill basket for a complete meal cooked on the grill.
Rice and Grains
- Rice is a classic side dish for Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs. Try serving them with steamed white rice or brown rice for a simple and satisfying meal.
- If you’re looking for a heartier grain, quinoa or couscous are both great options. They can be prepared in advance and served at room temperature, making them perfect for a cookout or picnic.
Salads
- A fresh, crunchy salad can provide a nice contrast to the smoky, grilled flavors of the kabobs. We recommend a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy cole
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breast for this recipe. It's easy to cube and has a mild flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. You could also use chicken thighs if you prefer a slightly richer flavor.
You can marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours maximum in the fridge. Marinating for longer will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more, giving you a juicier, more flavorful result.
First, cut off both ends of the pineapple. Then, insert a pineapple corer into the top end of the pineapple and twist the handle to core it. Remove the handle and slide off the cut-out circles of the center piece. You can also use a sharp knife to slice off the skin and eyes of the pineapple, and then cut it into chunks.
Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop if you don't have access to an outdoor grill. Simply preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the kabobs for the same amount of time as you would on an outdoor grill.
How to Store Leftovers
- Storing: After enjoying these delicious Hawaiian chicken kabobs, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezing: If you'd like to save your Hawaiian chicken kabobs for later, they can be frozen. Simply place the cooled kabobs in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months.
- Thaw: When you're ready to enjoy your frozen kabobs, let them thaw in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the kabobs on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook as the chicken can become dry.
Recipe
Recipe Card
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients
- 3.5 lbs. chicken breast
- ½ tbsp. sea salt
- 1 tsp. smokehouse maple seasoning
- ¼ tsp. black ground pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup freshly squeezed pineapple juice
- 1 large pineapple
- 2 lbs. fresh mushrooms
- 1 red pepper
- 1 large red onion
- Stainless Steel Kabob Needles and Pineapple Corer
Instructions
- Cut off both ends of the pineapple and use a pineapple core to remove the core. Save some of the pineapple juice for the marinade.
- Season the chicken cubes with spices and add BBQ sauce along with the saved pineapple juice for the marinade. Let it sit for at least 2 hours.
- Cut pineapple into large pieces. Cut the onion and red pepper into similar-sized squares. Rinse the mushrooms and add all the vegetables to the marinated chicken.
- Thread the chicken, pineapple, and vegetables onto skewers.
- Preheat the grill to 350 F and place the skewers on it. Grill the kabobs for 8-10 minutes, then turn them over and grill for another 6-8 minutes.
- Remove from the grill and serve with your favorite side dish. Enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or up to 6 hours, for maximum flavor.
- When grilling the kabobs, make sure to turn them regularly for even cooking and to prevent them from burning.
- Serve your Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs with a side of mashed potatoes or white rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Monica says
Looks so delish! Thank you for the recipe!
www.valyastasteofhome.com says
They are truly delicious, thank you for stopping by and commenting 🙂