Name: Grilled Hawaiian-Style Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 cup barbecue sauce; 1/4 cup pineapple juice; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil; 1 Tbsp minced garlic; 1 tsp honey mustard; 3/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces; 1 medium red onion, cut into 1 inch pieces; 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces; 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces; 1/2 medium-sized fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1 inch pieces; Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 69 reviews

If you’re craving something bright, flavorful, and just downright fun to eat, this Grilled Hawaiian-Style Chicken Skewers Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender chicken pieces soaked in a tangy, tropical marinade brimming with pineapple juice and sweet brown sugar, threaded with colorful peppers, onions, and juicy pineapple chunks, all grilled to smoky perfection. It’s the kind of dish that instantly transports your taste buds to a sunny island getaway, making every bite a delicious celebration of vibrant flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weekend cookout or looking to impress friends at your next summer gathering, these skewers have got you covered with their perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of heat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with raw chicken pieces sits near the top center on a white marbled surface. To the right are two green onions lying flat. Several small white bowls hold different sauces and ingredients: a dark brown BBQ sauce, light brown sesame oil, a small amount of garlic paste, and honey mustard. A small glass bowl contains brown sugar. In the center bottom, a wooden board displays chopped vibrant bell peppers in green and red colors, purple red onion pieces, and bright yellow pineapple chunks all arranged in separate sections. Around the board on the surface are small wooden spoons with red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in neat piles. A glass of light yellow pineapple juice sits in the lower left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, approachable ingredients that come together to create layers of amazing taste and aroma. Each item plays a vital role: the marinade infuses the chicken with boldness, while the fresh veggies and pineapple add crispness and natural sweetness.

1 cup barbecue sauce: The smoky base that gives the marinade its signature backyard flavor.
1/4 cup pineapple juice: Adds a tropical tang that tenderizes and brightens the chicken.
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings rich sweetness and a touch of caramelized depth.
1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil: Infuses a subtle nuttiness that complements the Hawaiian vibe perfectly.
1 Tbsp minced garlic: Offers that punch of aromatic freshness that wakes up every taste bud.
1 tsp honey mustard: Adds just the right hint of tang and spice complexity.
3/4 tsp red pepper flakes: Delivers a gentle kick of heat to balance the sweetness.
1/2 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds warmth and subtle earthiness.
1/2 tsp onion powder: Brings an extra layer of savory depth to the marinade.
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean, tender protein base, cut into 1-inch pieces for perfect grilling.
1 medium red onion: Chopped into chunks for sweet, caramelized bites when grilled.
1 green bell pepper: Adds fresh, crunchy texture and vibrant color.
1 red bell pepper: Offers sweetness and enhances the colorful visual appeal.
1/2 medium fresh pineapple: Peeled, cored, and cubed for juicy tropical bursts throughout.
Sliced green onions (optional): Perfect for a fresh, bright garnish to finish.

How to Make Grilled Hawaiian-Style Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, honey mustard, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and onion powder in a large mixing bowl. This blend is where all the Hawaiian-style magic begins, offering a sweet-spicy-savory punch that will soak into every tender piece of chicken. Be sure to save about 2/3 cup of this sauce separately; it will become your basting brush to build layers of glaze as you grill.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces directly into the marinade and toss well to ensure every morsel is generously coated. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for up to one hour. This step lets those vibrant island flavors really sink into the meat, making your skewers tender and bursting with taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

If bamboo skewers are your choice, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Metal skewers can be used without soaking. While waiting, chop your red onion, green and red bell peppers, and pineapple into 1-inch chunks, the perfect size for threading and quick grilling.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Alternate threading the marinated chicken pieces with colorful bell peppers, red onions, and juicy pineapple chunks onto each skewer. You’ll usually end up with about six 12-inch skewers from this recipe – a perfect number to feed a small crowd. Discard any leftover marinade once all skewers are assembled to avoid contamination.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for roughly 375°F. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Lay the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning once halfway through. As they cook, generously brush the reserved marinade over both sides of the skewers. This step builds up a lacquered, caramelized glaze that locks in juiciness and flavor. When the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the veggies have beautiful grill marks and a bit of char, your skewers are ready!

How to Serve Grilled Hawaiian-Style Chicken Skewers Recipe

The image shows several grilled skewers neatly placed on a wooden board. Each skewer has layers starting with a chunk of yellow pineapple, followed by bright green bell pepper, juicy grilled light brown chicken pieces with slight char marks, red bell pepper slices, and purple onion pieces. The ingredients repeat in a colorful pattern along the wooden skewers. There are small green garnishes sprinkled over the skewers, adding a fresh touch. On the side, a transparent bowl contains extra yellow pineapple chunks. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface with a few green onion stalks partly visible near the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions adds a fresh, slightly peppery crunch that brightens the whole dish and contrasts beautifully with the smoky, sweet skewers. Feel free to toss on some chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime if summer vibes strike your fancy!

Side Dishes

These skewers pair effortlessly with light, refreshing sides like coconut rice, a crisp cucumber salad, or even a simple green leafy salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette. For a truly tropical feast, serve alongside grilled corn on the cob or pineapple fried rice for complementary sweetness and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the skewers family-style on a large platter dotted with extra pineapple chunks and vibrant bell pepper slices. You can also slide the grilled chicken and veggies off the skewers to make colorful rice bowls topped with the glaze and a handful of fresh herbs. For a fun twist, try wrapping the grilled chicken chunks in warm tortillas for island-style tacos with a drizzle of spicy mayo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover skewers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will stay juicy, and the grilled veggies will retain their flavor. Just make sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked skewers in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. If you prefer to freeze cooked skewers, wrap them tightly in foil and freeze similarly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on a grill or in a grill pan for best results, brushing with a little reserved marinade or BBQ sauce to revive that glossy, saucy finish. Alternatively, warm them in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil to avoid drying out, allowing about 10 minutes to heat through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Grilled Hawaiian-Style Chicken Skewers Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and tend to stay juicy and tender. Just cut them into similar-size pieces and adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs might take a bit longer.

Is it necessary to soak bamboo skewers before grilling?

Yes, soaking bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes helps prevent them from catching fire or burning on the grill, especially with longer cooking times like these skewers require.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Definitely. You can use a grill pan, oven, or air fryer, following the specific instructions. Just be sure to watch for char and cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

How spicy is this Grilled Hawaiian-Style Chicken Skewers Recipe?

The recipe is mildly spicy from the red pepper flakes, but the sweetness and tang of the marinade balance it beautifully. You can easily adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste preference.

Can I prepare the marinade a day in advance?

Yes, making the marinade ahead of time allows the flavors to meld even better. Just keep it refrigerated and add the chicken when you’re ready to marinate.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about skewers sizzling on the grill, especially when they’re bursting with the tropical flavors of this delicious Grilled Hawaiian-Style Chicken Skewers Recipe. I can’t wait for you to try it – the combination of sweet pineapple, vibrant peppers, and perfectly marinated chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or adapting for indoor cooking, these skewers bring sunshine and smiles to every table. So fire up that grill and dig in!

Grilled Hawaiian-Style Chicken Skewers Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need