Dinner

Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe

Name: Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar; 2 tsp sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, minced; 1 tsp honey; Kosher salt, to taste; 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 cups cubed pineapple; 2 green bell peppers, diced; 1 red onion, diced; White rice; 2 tsp cilantro, chopped

ByMariam Harutyunyan August 9, 2026August 9, 2026

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Introduction

Hawaiian Chicken Skewers bring a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors to your grill. Juicy chicken pieces, fresh pineapple, and colorful vegetables are marinated in a tangy sauce, then grilled to perfection. This dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend barbecue.

A white plate with a thin dark rim holds two grilled skewers placed diagonally on a bed of fluffy white rice sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The skewers feature a repeating pattern of golden-brown grilled chicken pieces, bright green bell pepper chunks, and small charred bits, showing texture from grilling. A woman's hand is holding a silver fork piercing one piece of the skewer near the bottom right of the plate. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/3 cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced

1 teaspoon honey
Kosher salt, to taste
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups cubed pineapple
2 green bell peppers, diced

1 red onion, diced
White rice, for serving
2 teaspoons cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and honey until fully combined. Season the marinade with kosher salt and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the skewers by alternating pieces of chicken, pineapple, green bell pepper, and red onion. Arrange them on a baking sheet and pour half of the marinade over the skewers, allowing them to soak.

Step 4: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Brush the top side with the reserved marinade. Grill for 5 minutes, then flip and brush the other side with marinade as well.
Step 5: Continue grilling for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Serve the skewers hot over a bed of white rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken pieces for 1-2 hours before assembling the skewers.
Try substituting bell peppers with cherry tomatoes or zucchini for a different vegetable variety.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.

Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Storage

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the texture of the chicken and vegetables.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with a thin black rim, placed on a white marbled surface. On the plate, there is a bed of white rice with small green herb pieces scattered on top. Two metal skewers rest on the rice, each loaded with grilled chunks of orange and brown marinated chicken and bright green bell pepper pieces. The chicken pieces have a grilled texture with some charred spots. A woman's hand is holding a fork, spearing one piece of chicken from the skewer. The scene is bright and clear, highlighting the textures and colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier during grilling. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into a piece to check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.