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 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, cooked, as needed; 2 teaspoons cilantro, chopped for garnish

ByMaya Arden August 9, 2026August 9, 2026

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Introduction

These Hawaiian Chicken Skewers bring together sweet pineapple and savory grilled chicken with a tangy, flavorful marinade. Perfect for a summer cookout or a quick weeknight dinner, they are vibrant, juicy, and easy to prepare.

Two skewers of grilled food lie on a white plate with a black rim, resting on a white marbled surface. Each skewer has layers of bright orange grilled chicken pieces with charred spots, green bell pepper chunks, and some darker browned pieces possibly mushrooms or meat, all threaded in an alternating pattern. The plate holds a serving of fluffy white rice scattered lightly with green herb bits. A silver fork held by a woman's hand is piercing a piece of chicken on one skewer, lifting it slightly. The overall scene shows a close-up of the food with natural light highlighting the textures and colors. 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, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the 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: Thread the skewers by alternating pieces of chicken, pineapple, green bell pepper, and red onion. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet and pour half of the marinade over them, coating evenly.

Step 4: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Brush the exposed sides with the reserved marinade. Grill for five minutes, then flip the skewers and brush the other side with marinade.
Step 5: Continue cooking for another five minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink inside.
Step 6: Serve the skewers hot over a bed of white rice, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

Tips & Variations

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
Add bell peppers of different colors for a more vibrant presentation.

For a spicy kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the marinade.

Storage

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving to retain moisture. For best flavor and texture, consume leftovers within this time frame.