If you’ve been searching for a vibrant and mouthwatering dish to brighten up your dinner routine, look no further than this Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe. Bursting with sweet pineapple, tender chicken, and colorful veggies, every bite brings a perfect balance of juicy, savory, and tangy flavors. It’s an incredibly simple recipe, yet so full of fresh character that it quickly becomes a weeknight favorite or a star at any summer gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients couldn’t be simpler, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering the distinct tropical taste, succulent texture, and appealing colors that make this Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe so irresistible.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast, 1 1/2 lbs: Provides lean, tender protein that soaks up the flavorful marinade beautifully.
- Pineapple chunks, 1 (20 ounce) can: Adds natural sweetness and juiciness that pairs perfectly with savory chicken.
- Red bell peppers, 2: Bring a subtle crunch and vibrant red hue that brightens the skewers.
- Medium red onion, 1: Offers a mild sharpness and depth of flavor, balancing the sweetness from the pineapple.
- Aminos or soy sauce, 1/4 cup: Infuses the dish with umami richness; use aminos for a gluten-free option.
- 100% pineapple juice, 1/4 cup: Enhances the fruity tang while tenderizing the chicken.
- Honey, 1 tablespoon: Adds a gentle sweetness that caramelizes nicely during cooking.
- Ground ginger, 1 teaspoon: Provides a warm, zesty kick that elevates the tropical flavor profile.
- Minced garlic, 2 cloves: Delivers an aromatic punch boosting overall taste complexity.
- Sesame oil, 2 teaspoons: Contributes subtle nuttiness and depth to the marinade.
- Kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing natural ingredients.
- Cornstarch or tapioca flour, 1 teaspoon: Used at the end to thicken the remaining marinade into a glossy glaze.
- Fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons, finely chopped: Sprinkles fresh green notes for a lovely finishing touch.
- Wooden skewers, 12-15: The perfect vessel to hold all of the delicious ingredients together for grilling or air frying.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Begin by whisking together aminos or soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, ground ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and kosher salt in a bowl to create a bright and flavorful marinade. Toss in your cubed chicken breasts and allow them to soak up all those vibrant flavors for at least one hour. This step is where your chicken becomes tender and infused with the tropical goodness that defines this Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe.
Step 2: Soak the Wooden Skewers
While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in warm water for about 30 minutes. This simple trick prevents the skewers from burning during cooking, keeping your kabobs looking great and tasting perfect.
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Now for the fun part! Thread pieces of marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red onion slices, and red bell pepper strips onto each skewer. Alternate ingredients to create a colorful and flavorful pattern. This layering isn’t just for looks—it ensures each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and fresh elements.
Step 4: Cook the Kabobs
Heat your air fryer to 400°F and carefully place the kabobs inside. Cook them for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through so they brown evenly. The chicken will become juicy and perfectly cooked, and the pineapple and veggies will soften just right, making this Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe a quick and convenient meal option without sacrificing any flavor.
Step 5: Make the Glaze and Finish
While the kabobs cook, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch or tapioca flour and cook until the sauce thickens into a beautiful glossy glaze. Once the kabobs are done, brush this glaze generously over them for an extra layer of sticky-sweet delight that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a wonderful garnish, adding a pop of green color and a hint of herbal brightness that cuts through the sweetness. Consider sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds on top as well for a little crunch and an extra nutty aroma. These simple touches elevate the presentation and flavor with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
Serve your Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs alongside fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up every bit of the delicious glaze. A crisp green salad with a light citrus vinaigrette or some grilled corn on the cob complements the tropical flavors beautifully, rounding out the meal with fresh textures and bright accents.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, try arranging your kabobs on a large platter lined with banana leaves or fresh lettuce for an island-inspired presentation. You can also serve them as a fun appetizer by cutting the kabobs into smaller portions and providing dipping sauces like a spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy mango salsa. The Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe is versatile and sure to impress no matter how you plate it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any kabobs leftover, cool them to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
To freeze, remove the kabobs from the skewers, place the pieces in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. This is a great way to prepare ahead of time or save leftovers without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen kabob pieces gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through. Avoid high heat to keep the chicken juicy and prevent the pineapple from becoming mushy. Re-brushing with a bit of the thickened marinade glaze before serving helps revive the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works wonderfully and adds a natural sweetness and juiciness, though canned pineapple is a convenient choice since it’s already cut and packed in juice, which enhances the marinade as well.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can grill these kabobs on the barbecue or cook them under the broiler in your oven. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning and turn frequently for even cooking.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative, offering extra juiciness and richer flavor. They will cook similarly, though may require a minute or two longer to reach perfect doneness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be easily made gluten-free by using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Just be sure your other ingredients like the cornstarch are free from gluten contamination.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply multiply the ingredients and use multiple skewers. This Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe scales up easily and makes a fantastic dish for parties and family gatherings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful and satisfying about Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe that makes them an instant favorite in my kitchen. The combination of sweet pineapple, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon find it’s your go-to for quick, flavorful meals that bring a little sunshine to your table any time of year.
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Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are a delicious and colorful dish featuring tender marinated chicken, sweet pineapple chunks, and vibrant bell peppers cooked to perfection in an air fryer. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of pineapple juice, soy aminos, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, then grilled on skewers for a quick and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup aminos (or soy sauce if you aren’t 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 and Fruit
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks
- 2 red bell peppers
- 1 medium red onion
Additional
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 12–15 wooden skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the aminos (or soy sauce), pineapple juice, honey, ground ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, kosher salt, and the cornstarch or tapioca flour. This will create a flavorful marinade with a slight thickening agent.
- Marinate the chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Ensure all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- Soak the skewers: Place the wooden skewers in warm water and let them soak for about 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Assemble the kabobs: Cut the red bell peppers and the red onion into chunks similar in size to the chicken pieces. Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, onion, and bell peppers alternately onto the soaked skewers, creating colorful and balanced kabobs.
- Air fry the kabobs: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Place the assembled kabobs in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning the kabobs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Prepare the glaze: While the kabobs cook, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. This glaze will add additional flavor after cooking.
- Brush and serve: Once the kabobs are cooked through and have a nice caramelized exterior, remove them from the air fryer. Brush the thickened marinade glaze over each kabob, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately for a flavorful and vibrant meal.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers is essential to prevent them from burning in the air fryer.
- Use soy aminos for a gluten-free option; regular soy sauce can be substituted if gluten is not a concern.
- Adjust cooking time in the air fryer based on the size of chicken pieces to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- For added smoky flavor, these kabobs can also be grilled on a barbecue or stovetop grill pan.
- The glaze is thickened with cornstarch or tapioca flour to help it stick to the kabobs and enhance the flavor.
