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Flavorful Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe with Easy Grilled Pineapple Twist

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These Hawaiian chicken kabobs combine juicy marinated chicken thighs with caramelized grilled pineapple for a sweet, savory, and smoky flavor perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks or rings
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika (optional)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a medium bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  2. Add the cubed chicken thighs to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Peel, core, and cut the pineapple into chunks or 1-inch rings. Toss lightly with honey and chili powder or smoked paprika if using.
  4. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  5. Thread the chicken and pineapple alternately onto the skewers, about 4-5 pieces of chicken and 3-4 pineapple chunks per skewer, leaving space for even cooking.
  6. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Brush grates or pan with oil to prevent sticking.
  7. Grill the kabobs for 15-20 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes to get grill marks and cook chicken through. Watch for flare-ups from sugars.
  8. Check doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F) or cut a piece to ensure no pink remains.
  9. Remove kabobs from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions.
  10. Serve hot with coconut rice or a green salad.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Turn kabobs frequently to avoid flare-ups and burning sugars. Use chicken thighs for juiciness; if using breasts, watch closely to avoid drying out. Marinate at least 1 hour for best flavor. Serve with coconut rice or green salad. Leftovers keep up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently in skillet or oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian chicken kabobs, grilled pineapple, chicken skewers, summer BBQ, easy chicken recipe, tropical chicken, grilled chicken, pineapple kabobs

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/flavorful-hawaiian-chicken-kabobs-recipe-with-easy-grilled-pineapple-twist/