Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy piece of chicken, perfectly marinated with a sweet and tangy Hawaiian-inspired sauce, and then perfectly grilled. Now, pair that with chunks of caramelized pineapple and crisp bell peppers and onions. This is exactly what you get with these incredible Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are fairly common and should be easily found at your local supermarket. However, you might need to check for fresh pineapples if they are not readily available in your area. Also, the dish uses dark brown sugar which adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness to the dish. If you don't have it, you can substitute it with light brown sugar.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
Ketchup: This tomato-based condiment adds sweetness and tanginess to the marinade.
Dark brown sugar: It enhances the sweetness and gives a depth of flavor to the marinade.
Soy sauce: This gives a salty depth and umami flavor to the marinade.
Pineapple juice: Used in the marinade and it gives a tropical flavor to the chicken.
Olive oil: It's used to cook the chicken and vegetables, and it also helps to keep them from sticking to the grill.
Rice vinegar: Adds a bit of acidity to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Garlic: Gives a pungent, spicy kick to the marinade.
Ginger: Adds a spicy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the other flavors.
Sesame oil: Gives a nutty flavor to the marinade.
Chicken breast: The main protein of this dish. You can also use thigh meat if preferred.
Fresh pineapple: Adds a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs well with the chicken.
Green peppers: Gives a nice crunch and slight bitterness to contrast with the other flavors.
Red onion: Brings a bit of sharpness and color to the dish.
One reader, Evita Law says:
The Hawaiian chicken kebabs recipe was a hit at our family barbecue! The marinade was bursting with flavor, and the combination of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory peppers was a delightful tropical treat. It's now a staple in our summer grilling menu. Highly recommended!
Key Techniques for Crafting Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
How to prepare the marinade: Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl.
How to marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it, reserving a portion for later use. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 1 hour.
How to soak the skewer sticks: Soak 10 wooden skewer sticks in water for 1 hour before using to prevent burning during grilling.
How to preheat the grill: Preheat the grill over medium heat to 400 degrees F.
How to prepare the vegetables and pineapple: Drizzle olive oil over the red onion, bell pepper, and pineapple, and toss to coat.
How to assemble the kebabs: Thread the marinated chicken, red onion, bell pepper, and pineapple onto the skewers.
How to grill the kebabs: Brush the grill grates with olive oil and place the skewers on the grill. Grill for 5 minutes, then brush with the remaining marinade. Rotate and brush with the remaining marinade, then continue grilling until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
How to serve: Serve the Hawaiian chicken kebabs warm.
How To Make Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
Assembled with vibrant pineapple, red bell pepper, onions, and a well-marinated chicken, these Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are surely delicious after grilling!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Marinade:
- ⅓cupketchup
- ⅓cupdark brown sugar,packed
- ⅓cupsoy sauce,low-sodium
- ¼cuppineapple juice,(canned)
- 4tbspolive oil,divided, plus more for brushing the grill
- 1½tbsprice vinegar
- 4clovesgarlic,minced
- 1tbspginger,minced
- ½tspsesame oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
For Kebabs:
- 1¾lbchicken breast,boneless, skinless, chopped into 1¼-inch cubes
- 3cupsfresh pineapple,(about ¾ of 3 lbs pineapple) heaping, cubed
- 1½large green peppers,diced into 1¼-inch pieces
- 1large red onion,diced into 1¼-inch pieces
Instructions
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
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Stir in ¾ teaspoon of pepper and season with salt if desired.
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Place the chicken in a gallon-size resealable bag. Reserve ½ cup of the marinade in the refrigerator then pour the remaining marinade over the chicken.
-
Seal the bag and refrigerate for 1 hour (meanwhile, soak 10 wooden skewer sticks in water for 1 hour).
-
Preheat a grill over medium heat to 400 degrees F.
-
Meanwhile, drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the red onion, bell pepper, and pineapple, and toss.
-
Season red onion and bell pepper with salt and pepper, then thread the red onion, bell pepper, pineapple, and chicken onto the skewers until all of the chicken has been used.
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Brush the grill grates with olive oil, then place the skewers on the grill.
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Grill for 5 minutes, then brush along the tops with ¼ cup of the remaining marinade.
-
Rotate to the opposite side and brush the remaining ¼ cup of marinade on the opposite side.
-
Allow to grill for about 4 minutes longer, or until the chicken registers 165 degrees F in the center on an instant-read thermometer.
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Serve warm.
Recipe Notes
- If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in cold water for at least 1 hour before using so they won’t burn while cooking.
- For best results, don’t use canned pineapple in place of fresh. The flavor isn’t near as good and the canned cubes aren’t very large.
Nutrition
- Calories: 260.41kcal
- Fat: 13.18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.93g
- Trans Fat: 0.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.09g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.29g
- Carbohydrates: 18.09g
- Fiber: 1.66g
- Sugar: 13.18g
- Protein: 18.15g
- Cholesterol: 50.80mg
- Sodium: 593.34mg
- Calcium: 35.10mg
- Potassium: 383.15mg
- Iron: 1.17mg
- Vitamin A: 27.21µg
- Vitamin C: 45.91mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
When grilling kebabs, it's important to keep the pieces of chicken, pineapple, and peppers roughly the same size. This ensures even cooking and prevents smaller pieces from burning before larger ones are done. Additionally, soaking your wooden skewers in water before grilling can prevent them from catching fire on the grill.
Time-Saving Tips for Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Consider using pre-cut pineapple and pre-sliced onions and peppers to cut down on prep time.
Grill in batches: If you're making a large batch, grill the kebabs in batches to ensure even cooking and to prevent overcrowding on the grill.
Invest in a grill basket: Use a grill basket for the vegetables to grill them alongside the chicken kebabs, saving time and effort.
Organize your workspace: Before you start cooking, organize your ingredients and tools to streamline the cooking process and minimize time spent searching for items.
Substitute Ingredients For Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe
ketchup - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can provide a similar tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the marinade, although it may be slightly less sweet than ketchup.
dark brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can provide a similar depth of flavor and sweetness to the marinade, with a slightly nutty undertone.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that offers a similar savory and salty flavor, making it a suitable substitute in the marinade.
pineapple juice - Substitute with orange juice: Orange juice can provide a sweet and citrusy flavor to the marinade, similar to pineapple juice, and can complement the other ingredients well.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in the marinade.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a slightly sweet and fruity acidity to the marinade, similar to rice vinegar.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a concentrated garlic flavor to the marinade.
ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger, providing a warm and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil can provide a nutty flavor similar to sesame oil and can be used as a substitute in the marinade.
chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean alternative to chicken breast, offering a similar texture and mild flavor when grilled.
fresh pineapple - Substitute with canned pineapple chunks: Canned pineapple chunks can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh pineapple, providing the same sweet and tangy flavor to the kebabs.
green peppers - Substitute with red bell peppers: Red bell peppers can be used as a substitute for green peppers, offering a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the kebabs.
red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onion can be used as a substitute for red onion, providing a milder flavor and adding a pop of color to the kebabs.
How to Beautifully Present Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
Elevate the skewers: Arrange the grilled chicken kebabs on a large platter, ensuring they are neatly aligned and visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped cilantro or parsley over the kebabs to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Intersperse the vibrant grilled pineapple, bell peppers, and red onions strategically on the platter to create an eye-catching display.
Add a touch of elegance with a drizzle: Drizzle a small amount of sesame oil over the kebabs for a glossy finish and an added layer of flavor.
Serve with flair: Present the platter with confidence and finesse, showcasing the artful arrangement of the Hawaiian chicken kebabs to impress the culinary professionals.
Essential Tools for Making Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used for mixing ingredients together, marinating, or storing food.
Gallon-size resealable bag: A large plastic bag with a secure seal, used for marinating and storing food.
Wooden skewer sticks: Wooden sticks used for assembling kebabs and grilling.
Grill: A cooking appliance used for grilling food over an open flame or heat source.
Instant-read thermometer: A thermometer used to quickly measure the internal temperature of food items.
Food brush: A brush used for applying marinades, sauces, or oils onto food items.
Olive oil: A type of oil used for cooking, marinating, and dressing salads.
Drizzle: To pour a thin stream of liquid over food items.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting food items.
Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food items.
Grill grates: The metal grates on a grill used for cooking food over an open flame.
Storing and Freezing Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
- Allow the chicken kebabs to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the kebabs, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
- Frozen chicken kebabs can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat the kebabs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the kebabs on a baking sheet. Cover the sheet with foil to prevent the chicken and vegetables from drying out.
- Bake the kebabs for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them on the grill over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through and slightly crispy.
- Note: The texture of the vegetables and pineapple may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover hawaiian chicken kebabs on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Brush the kebabs with a little bit of olive oil or pineapple juice to help keep them moist. Cover the baking sheet with another piece of foil to prevent the kebabs from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the kebabs are heated through.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the kebabs on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the kebabs are heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can make the chicken tough and rubbery.
If you have a grill or grill pan, you can reheat the kebabs over medium-high heat. Brush the kebabs with a little bit of olive oil or pineapple juice to help keep them moist. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the kebabs are heated through and have nice grill marks.
For a tasty twist, try slicing the leftover chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onions from the kebabs and using them as toppings for a Hawaiian-style pizza. Simply spread some pizza sauce on a pre-baked pizza crust, add some shredded mozzarella cheese, and top with the sliced kebab ingredients. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Another delicious way to repurpose leftover Hawaiian chicken kebabs is to make a stir-fry. Slice the chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onions into bite-sized pieces. Heat some oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kebab ingredients and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until everything is heated through. Serve over rice or noodles for a quick and easy meal.
Fascinating Facts About Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
Hawaiian chicken kebabs are a popular dish in Hawaii, where they are often cooked over an open flame. The combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken creates a delicious and flavorful meal that is perfect for grilling outdoors.
Is Making Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs at Home Cost-Effective?
This Hawaiian chicken kebabs recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken breast, pineapple, and bell peppers, are reasonably priced and can be found in most grocery stores. The marinade uses common pantry items like ketchup and soy sauce, making it budget-friendly. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $20-25, making it an affordable and delicious option for a family meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Hawaiian chicken kebabs recipe is a delicious and colorful dish, but it does have some aspects that could be improved to make it healthier. The marinade contains a significant amount of sugar from the brown sugar and ketchup, which can add unnecessary calories and contribute to blood sugar spikes. Additionally, the recipe calls for a considerable amount of oil, which increases the overall fat content.
On the positive side, the recipe incorporates lean protein from the chicken breast and a variety of vegetables, including bell peppers and onions, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The pineapple adds a natural sweetness and contains enzymes that can aid in digestion.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the marinade or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Use a sugar-free or reduced-sugar ketchup to minimize added sugars
- Decrease the amount of oil used in the marinade and for brushing the vegetables
- Incorporate more non-starchy vegetables, such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content
- Serve the kebabs with a side of brown rice or quinoa for a wholesome, complex carbohydrate option
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, like thyme, rosemary, or cumin, to add flavor without relying on sugar or excessive salt
Editor's Opinion on Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
The Hawaiian chicken kebabs recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. The marinade, with its combination of ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice, creates a perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness. The addition of fresh pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion adds a refreshing and colorful touch to the dish. Grilling the kebabs enhances the smoky flavor and caramelizes the marinade, resulting in juicy and flavorful chicken. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a summer barbecue or a tropical-themed gathering, and it's sure to impress with its vibrant presentation and delicious taste.
Enhance Your Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
Why trust this Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Recipe:
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, featuring succulent chicken breast marinated in a flavorful blend of ketchup, dark brown sugar, and soy sauce. The addition of pineapple juice and fresh pineapple infuses a tropical sweetness, while the ginger and garlic add depth. Grilling the kebabs alongside vibrant bell peppers and red onions creates a harmonious medley of flavors. With a carefully curated marinade and precise grilling instructions, this recipe ensures tender, juicy, and irresistibly delicious Hawaiian chicken kebabs every time.
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