Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you! If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to spice up your summer barbecue, let me introduce you to my beloved Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs. This recipe is not just about the tasty marinade and colorful veggies; it’s all about the smiles it brings to faces when everyone digs in.
I first tasted these kabobs during a family gathering on a sunny Hawaiian beach (yes, dream come true!). It’s or a great way to gather everyone around great food, laughter, and sunshine. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and smoky barbecue sauce never fails to impress. Plus, can we talk about how gorgeous they look on the plate? Talk about a showstopper!
So without further ado, let’s dive into what makes these kabobs so special!
What’s in Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs?
Chicken Breast: You’ll need about 1.5 pounds of chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes. I prefer chicken breast for its leanness and how well it soaks up all the yummy marinade flavors.
Pineapple Chunks: Whether you go for fresh or canned, pineapple is a crucial star player here. It adds sweetness and tang, making every bite exciting.
Bell Pepper: Choose any color you like! Red, yellow, or green will do just fine. Cut them into 1-inch pieces—these will add a lovely crunch and vibrant color.
Red Onion: The sweetness of red onion complements the other ingredients perfectly. Just like the peppers, make sure to cut them into 1-inch pieces for that kabob aesthetic.
Barbecue Sauce: I often use Hawaiian barbecue sauce because it brings that sweet and tangy punch, but any good barbecue sauce will do!
Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce elevates the flavor profile. It enhances the umami taste, making your kabobs extra savory.
Honey: This little addition helps balance the flavors and adds a lovely glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil keeps the chicken moist while cooking. It’s my go-to for grilling!
Garlic Powder and Ground Black Pepper: These seasonings add depth and a bit of warmth to the overall dish.
Salt: Just a pinch to make sure all flavors pop!
Fresh Parsley: For garnish, because we all want our food to look as good as it tastes, right?
Wooden or Metal Skewers: These are essential for threading all your delicious kabob ingredients together. If you use wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water first so they don’t burn on the grill!
Is Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Good for You?
Absolutely! These kabobs offer a great balance of protein and veggies.
Chicken Breast: A fantastic source of lean protein, helping you stay full and satisfied.
Pineapple: This juicy fruit is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, plus it promotes digestion.
Bell Peppers: These colorful veggies are rich in vitamins A and C, which are great for your skin and immune system.
While kabobs can be a healthy meal option, it’s good to watch the marinade ingredients—especially sugar in barbecue sauce and honey. You can always opt for low-sugar or homemade versions to keep things lighter.
Ingredients
– 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– 1 bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (any color)
– 1/2 cup red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (Hawaiian or regular)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Wooden or metal skewers
– Serves: 4-6 people
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs?
1. In a large bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until everything is nicely blended – your future self will thank you for the aromatic goodness!
2. Toss the chicken cubes into the marinade, ensuring they’re all coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours if you want tons of flavor).
3. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat.
4. Now for the fun part: thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and red onion onto the skewers. Alternate and mix things up for a colorful and tasty presentation!
5. Pop those skewers on the grill and let them cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want the chicken to be cooked through and those beautiful grill marks to show up.
6. Don’t forget to brush on some additional barbecue sauce in the last few minutes of grilling for that extra layer of yum!
7. Once done, take them off the grill, sprinkle with chopped parsley for that fresh finish, and serve warm with your favorite sides—rice or a fresh salad would be perfect!
Fun Tips and Variations for Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
– For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight if you have the time.
– Feel free to add other colorful veggies like zucchini or mushrooms—after all, the more, the merrier!
– If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the chicken for shrimp or firm tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian option.
– Serve with a side of coconut rice for that Hawaiian vibe or a tangy coleslaw to complement the kabobs!
This Hawaiian Chicken Kabob recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. I promise you’ll be basking in the compliments, and your friends and family will be asking for seconds! So, grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and let the flavor adventure begin! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out—happy cooking!
