Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

Bring a taste of Hawaii to your summer BBQ.

When I want an easy summer dinner that feels a little special, these Hawaiian chicken kabobs are always at the top of my list. Tender chunks of marinated chicken, sweet pineapple, colorful vegetables, and a sticky-sweet glaze come together to create the perfect balance of savory and tropical flavors. Whether I’m hosting a backyard cookout or looking for a healthy family dinner, these pineapple chicken skewers are always a hit.

Why I Love These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

There’s something about grilled chicken and pineapple that instantly feels like summer. The sweet pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill while the homemade Hawaiian-inspired marinade adds layers of flavor to every bite.

These grilled Hawaiian chicken kabobs are one of my favorite warm-weather meals because they’re easy to prep ahead, packed with protein, and loaded with fresh ingredients. Plus, they look gorgeous on the table and are fun for both kids and adults to eat.

Reasons to Love These Chicken Kabobs

• Sweet and savory tropical flavors in every colorful bite that are perfect for grilling season and summer gatherings.
• Easy to prepare ahead of time so you can relax more day of!
• High in protein and loaded with fresh vegetables, making it a healthier alternative to many traditional barbecue recipes.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers. Plus, they’re family-friendly and kid-approved!
• Pairs well with a variety of healthy side dishes and you can even customize them with your favorite vegetables (and fruits!)

Ingredients Needed

To make these Hawaiian chicken kabobs, you’ll need:

• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons dark molasses
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 cup cool water
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into large cubes
• 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 2 large green peppers, cut into large cubes
• 1 large red onion, cut into large cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato paste, molasses, honey, soy sauce, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, water, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Place the cubed chicken into an airtight container or large zip-top bag. Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade for later and pour the remaining sauce over the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to soak in.

Once marinated, begin assembling your chicken and pineapple skewers. Start with a piece of chicken, followed by pineapple, green pepper, and red onion. Continue repeating the pattern until each skewer is full, leaving a small amount of space at each end.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Drizzle the assembled skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes. Brush the tops with some of the reserved sauce, then carefully flip them over. Brush the other side with more sauce and continue grilling for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serve these grilled pineapple chicken kabobs hot alongside brown rice, quinoa, or your favorite summer side dishes.

Swaps and Additions

One of my favorite things about these Hawaiian chicken skewers is how easy they are to customize.

• Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer extra juicy kabobs.
• Use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for additional color and sweetness.
• Add zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for more vegetables.
• Substitute mango chunks for some of the pineapple to create even more tropical flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions before serving.
• Turn the recipe into Hawaiian barbecue chicken kabobs by adding a little barbecue sauce to the marinade.
• Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood variation.
• For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.

FAQ

Can I make Hawaiian chicken kabobs ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and assemble the skewers several hours before grilling. This makes them perfect for cookouts and entertaining.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Absolutely. Place the assembled chicken kabobs on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for about 18 to 22 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Fresh pineapple provides the best texture and caramelization, but canned pineapple chunks can work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well before assembling your pineapple chicken kabobs.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes. Freeze the chicken directly in the marinade before cooking. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and assemble your grilled chicken skewers as directed.

Sides to Serve with These Chicken Kabobs

These tropical chicken skewers pair beautifully with simple, fresh side dishes that complement their sweet and savory flavors. I love serving them with brown rice, coconut rice, quinoa, grilled vegetables, fresh fruit salad, pasta salad, or a crisp green salad. For summer cookouts, they’re also delicious alongside corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, or a refreshing cucumber salad. Try:

• Jamaican Style Black Beans with Coconut Cornbread Crust
• Fresh and Creamy Cucumber Salad
• Greek Roasted Potatoes (pictured above)
• Herby Baby Potato Salad
• Easy Riced Cauliflower

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy grilling recipe packed with flavor, these Hawaiian chicken kabobs are hard to beat. Between the juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, colorful vegetables, and irresistible homemade glaze, every bite tastes like summer. They’re simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for backyard barbecues, making them a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to all season long.

Similar Recipes

If you love these Hawaiian chicken kabobs, you’ll definitely want to explore more grilled kabob recipes. From steak and vegetable skewers to shrimp kabobs and Mediterranean-inspired chicken skewers, there are endless ways to enjoy meals on a stick. These easy grilling recipes are perfect for summer entertaining, meal prep, and adding variety to your weekly dinner rotation:

• Baked Coconut Shrimp
• Sheet Pan Chili Lime Salmon (pictured above)
• Low-Carb Coconut Lime Chicken Skewers
• Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken
• Chili Lime Chicken with Mango Rice

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