If you’re craving a burst of tropical flavors combined with tender, juicy chicken, you’ve got to try this Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser filled with vibrant red peppers, sweet pineapple chunks, and a marinated chicken breast that soaks up every bit of a perfectly balanced blend of ginger, garlic, and honey. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or a sunny weekend cookout, this dish brings bright island vibes right to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role. From the tender chicken to the natural sweetness of pineapple and the zing of red pepper and onion, every component makes the flavor pop. Plus, the marinade blends it all together with depth and a hint of caramelized goodness.
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast: Choose fresh chicken breasts for tender, juicy meat that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks: Adds the essential tropical sweetness and juiciness, creating amazing contrast to the savory chicken.
- 2 red bell peppers: Packed with color and a mild sweetness, these give the kabobs a satisfying crunch and vibrance.
- 1 medium red onion: Brings a slightly sharp and sweet flavor that caramelizes nicely when grilled.
- 1/4 cup aminos (or soy sauce): Provides a salty, umami depth that enhances every bite—use tamari or soy sauce if you don’t need gluten-free.
- 1/4 cup 100% pineapple juice: Intensifies the tropical goodness and helps tenderize the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds subtle sweetness and aids in creating a beautiful glaze on the kabobs.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Injects a warm, spicy kick that compliments the pineapple and garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must for aromatic depth and savory flavor.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Brings a nutty richness to the marinade for that classic Hawaiian flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances and elevates all the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch or tapioca flour: Reserved until the end to thicken the marinade sauce into a luscious glaze.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note for garnish and brightness.
- 12-15 wooden skewers: Make sure to soak them in water before threading to prevent burning.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Start by whisking together aminos, pineapple juice, honey, ground ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and kosher salt in a bowl. This vibrant marinade is bursting with flavor and tenderness magic. Toss your chicken breasts into this mixture and let them soak up all the deliciousness for at least one hour—trust me, the longer the better for that deep flavor infusion.
Step 2: Soak the Wooden Skewers
To avoid any scorching or burning when cooking, soak your wooden skewers in warm water for about 30 minutes. This simple step means you get perfect kabobs without smoke or splinters stealing the show.
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
It’s time for the colorful fun! Cut your marinated chicken into bite-sized pieces along with pineapple chunks, red bell pepper slices, and wedge the red onion. Alternate threading each ingredient onto the soaked skewers. The vibrant reds, golden pineapple, and purple onion together make the dish as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Step 4: Cook the Kabobs
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the kabobs inside and cook them for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through. This cooking method locks in the juiciness while giving the chicken a beautiful caramelized exterior, and the vegetables soften just right but remain delightfully crisp.
Step 5: Thicken the Marinade and Glaze
While your kabobs cook, pour the remaining marinade into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch or tapioca flour and continue cooking until the sauce thickens into a syrupy glaze. Once the kabobs are done, brush them with this luscious glaze for an irresistible finish.
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a peppery green contrast that highlights the tropical sweetness and spices of the kabobs. For an extra pop, you can even scatter some toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten those flavors further.
Side Dishes
These kabobs pair wonderfully with fluffy coconut rice or a crisp green salad to balance out the sweetness and savory notes. Grilled corn on the cob or roasted sweet potatoes also make amazing companions, reinforcing the island-inspired feast vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe family-style on a brightly colored platter surrounded by pineapple wedges and lime slices. For a casual party, place kabobs in a tall glass or mug for guests to grab easily. You could even serve the kabobs over a bed of chilled quinoa or mixed greens for a light, fresh twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got some kabobs left over? No worries! Simply remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay perfectly flavorful for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to keep these Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe gems around longer, freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables separately in freezer bags. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit wrapped in foil or use an air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that grilled char and juiciness without drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned for the Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple adds an even brighter, juicier flavor. Just be sure to cut it into firm chunks so it holds up well on the skewers during cooking.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I grill these kabobs instead?
For sure! Grilling on medium-high heat works wonderfully and adds a smoky char that complements the sweet and tangy marinade perfectly. Just turn the kabobs occasionally until cooked through.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At minimum, one hour is ideal to let the flavors penetrate the chicken. For an even more intense taste, marinate up to 4 hours in the fridge, but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
Can I make these kabobs gluten free?
Yes! Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten free without sacrificing that rich, savory depth in the marinade.
Is it necessary to soak the wooden skewers?
It’s highly recommended. Soaking prevents the skewers from burning during cooking and also helps keep the kabobs intact and looking beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Ready to bring some sunshine to your dinner table? This Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe is a joyful medley of flavor, color, and simplicity that makes every bite feel like a mini tropical vacation. Grab those ingredients, gather your friends or family, and enjoy the irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and savory goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more.
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Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are a delicious blend of sweet pineapple and savory marinated chicken, grilled to perfection in an air fryer. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, they feature tender chicken breasts, colorful red bell peppers, and red onions, all brushed with a tangy pineapple-ginger glaze.
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup aminos (or soy sauce if not gluten free)
- 1/4 cup 100% pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch or tapioca flour (reserved until the end)
Vegetables & Fruit
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks
- 2 red bell peppers
- 1 medium red onion
Others
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 12–15 wooden skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the aminos (or soy sauce), 100% pineapple juice, honey, ground ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and kosher salt to create the marinade. This mixture will infuse the chicken with a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them into the marinade. Make sure the chicken is fully coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to absorb all the flavors.
- Soak the Skewers: To prevent the wooden skewers from burning during cooking, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes before assembling the kabobs.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken pieces alternately with pineapple chunks, sliced red bell peppers, and chunks of red onion onto the soaked wooden skewers. Aim to balance the ingredients evenly on each skewer.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while assembling the kabobs. This ensures even cooking from the moment you start.
- Cook the Kabobs: Place the assembled kabobs in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice char.
- Thicken the Marinade: While the kabobs cook, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Whisk in the cornstarch or tapioca flour and heat over medium heat until the sauce thickens into a glaze.
- Brush and Serve: Once the kabobs are cooked through and juicy, remove them from the air fryer and brush them generously with the thickened marinade glaze. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- Ensure wooden skewers are soaked well to avoid burning in the air fryer.
- Use gluten-free soy aminos to keep this recipe gluten free.
- Adjust honey quantity to control sweetness according to preference.
- Turning the kabobs halfway through cooking ensures even browning and cooking.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Serve with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
