Description
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Kebabs feature juicy grilled chicken pieces paired with sweet pineapple, vibrant bell peppers, and red onion, all coated in a smoky-sweet homemade BBQ sauce. Perfect for summer cookouts, these flavorful skewers bring a tropical twist to backyard dinners and family gatherings with their easy grilling process and balanced sweet-savory profile.
Ingredients
For the Kebabs:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch pieces
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 small red onion, cut into chunks
- 8 wooden or metal skewers
For the Hawaiian BBQ Sauce:
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Prepare BBQ Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
- Reserve Sauce: Set aside about ¼ cup of the sauce for basting during grilling and for serving.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the remaining sauce in the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Allow to marinate for 20–30 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Assemble Kebabs: Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red and yellow bell pepper pieces, and red onion chunks alternately onto the skewers for a colorful presentation.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill Kebabs: Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 10–14 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking on all sides.
- Baste with Sauce: During the last 2–3 minutes of grilling, brush the kebabs generously with the reserved BBQ sauce to intensify flavor and create a glaze.
- Check Doneness: Continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and vegetables develop a light char.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices and flavor.
Notes
- Fresh pineapple offers the best flavor and texture, but canned pineapple chunks can be used as an alternative.
- Never reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken unless it is boiled thoroughly to eliminate bacteria.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful kebab option.
- Serve these kebabs with coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh tropical salad for a complete meal.
- Add sliced jalapeños to the skewers or sauce for a spicy Hawaiian BBQ variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Grilling, Summer Recipes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired, American
