Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Skewers: Easy Backyard BBQ Recipe [2025]

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Summer and skewers perfectly go hand-in-hand, which is why Hawaiian chicken skewers have become our go-to backyard BBQ recipe. These tropical-inspired treats come together incredibly fast once the marinating is done. In fact, you’ll only need about 15 minutes total cooking time to create this delicious meal.

What I love most about these grilled Hawaiian chicken skewers is their amazing versatility. While chicken is the star of these Hawaiian BBQ recipes, you can additionally swap in pork, seafood, or even beef if you prefer. Fresh pineapple specifically makes these Hawaiian chicken pineapple skewers shine, as it’s undoubtedly one of the best fruits to throw on the grill. Whether you’re cooking them for 7-10 minutes per side or assembling them ahead of time for an easy weeknight dinner, these Hawaiian BBQ chicken skewers are more than just a meal – they’re a delicious journey back to beautiful Hawaii.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

The foundation of delectable Hawaiian chicken skewers lies in selecting quality ingredients. Choosing the right components will elevate your BBQ game and help you create the perfect tropical-inspired meal that everyone will love.

Chicken: Breast vs. Thighs

When it comes to the star protein, you have two excellent options. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean base that absorbs marinade flavors beautifully. Alternatively, boneless skinless chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, making them equally popular for Hawaiian chicken skewers.

For best results, cut your chicken into uniform 1½-2 inch cubes so they cook evenly. Furthermore, remember that thighs typically require slightly longer cooking times than breasts, so it’s advisable to use separate skewers if mixing both cuts.

Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple

This ingredient creates significant debate among Hawaiian BBQ enthusiasts. Most sources recommend fresh pineapple for superior texture and flavor. One small to medium pineapple will yield enough chunks with some leftover for snacking.

However, there’s an interesting science consideration: fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that can break down meat fibers. Consequently, some recipes specifically recommend using canned pineapple juice in marinades because the canning process neutralizes this enzyme.

For the skewers themselves, fresh pineapple holds up better on the grill, but canned chunks work in a pinch if convenience is necessary.

Best BBQ sauces to use

The right sauce creates that signature Hawaiian flavor profile. A homemade marinade typically combines ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and sesame oil with garlic and ginger for authentic taste.

For store-bought options, Sweet Baby Ray’s Hawaiian Barbecue Sauce comes highly recommended. Other popular choices include Head Country, Kinders, or even King’s Hawaiian Original BBQ Sauce, which offers less sweetness than you might expect.

Optional vegetables to add

Colorful vegetables enhance both the visual appeal and flavor complexity of your Hawaiian chicken skewers. Bell peppers of varying colors and red onion are traditional additions.

Beyond these classics, consider these flavorful additions:

• Zucchini or yellow squash
• Cherry tomatoes
• Whole mushrooms
• Broccoli florets

Each vegetable should be cut into similarly sized 1½-inch pieces to ensure even cooking alongside your chicken and pineapple.

Remember to arrange similar ingredients together on the skewers since different foods cook at varying rates. This approach ensures everything reaches perfect doneness without compromising texture or flavor.

How to Marinate and Prep for Maximum Flavor

The magic of Hawaiian chicken skewers happens long before they hit the grill. Proper marination and preparation are what transform simple ingredients into a backyard BBQ masterpiece that bursts with tropical flavors.

How long to marinate the chicken

The ideal marination time for Hawaiian chicken skewers varies depending on your schedule and flavor preferences. Most recipes recommend marinating chicken for 1-4 hours to infuse optimal flavor. For weeknight meals, even a quick 1-hour soak will deliver noticeable taste enhancement.

For deeper flavor penetration, some recipes suggest extending marination to 2-4 hours or ideally overnight. Nevertheless, be cautious about over-marinating – the acid in your marinade will begin to break down the proteins after 24 hours, potentially resulting in mushy chicken. I’ve noticed that marinating for about 2 hours strikes the perfect balance between flavor and texture.

Tips for even cutting and skewering

Cutting your chicken into uniform pieces is essential for consistent cooking. Aim for 1½-inch cubes to keep the meat juicy during grilling. Smaller pieces cook too quickly and can easily dry out, whereas larger chunks might remain undercooked in the center.

When threading ingredients onto skewers, ensure pieces lightly touch without being packed too tightly together. Too much crowding increases cooking time, whereas too much space risks overcooking and dryness. For stability, consider using a double-skewer technique on wobbly pieces to prevent rotation during grilling.

Using metal vs. wooden skewers

Both options have distinct advantages. Metal skewers are durable, reusable, and environmentally friendly. Their flat surfaces prevent food from rotating while cooking, making them perfect for Hawaiian BBQ chicken skewers.

Wooden skewers, primarily bamboo, require 30-60 minutes of soaking before use to prevent burning. Although disposable, they’re more affordable and excellent for casual gatherings. Interestingly, some chefs prefer wooden skewers because they don’t conduct heat as quickly as metal ones, which can sometimes cook the inside of meat too rapidly.

First-timers should remember that metal skewers remain hot after cooking, making wooden ones safer for serving directly to guests, particularly children.

Grilling the Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

After marinating comes the exciting part—firing up the grill! Getting these Hawaiian chicken skewers perfectly cooked requires attention to temperature, timing, and technique. First and foremost, let’s break down the key elements to grilling success.

Ideal grill temperature and timing

For perfectly grilled Hawaiian chicken skewers, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which translates to approximately 375-400°F. This temperature creates those coveted grill marks without burning the outside before the inside cooks through.

Cook times vary based on the size of your chicken pieces:

• Small (½-inch pieces): 7-8 minutes total
• Medium (1-inch pieces): 10-15 minutes total
• Thick (2-inch pieces): 15-18 minutes total

Most Hawaiian chicken skewers recipes call for turning the skewers every 4-5 minutes to ensure even cooking on all sides. I’ve found that keeping the grill covered between flips helps maintain consistent heat throughout the cooking process.

How to baste during grilling

Basting is essential for adding flavor and preventing your Hawaiian BBQ chicken skewers from drying out. Brush the skewers with the reserved marinade as they cook—ideally after each flip.

For extra flavor, some chefs recommend creating a thickened glaze by adding 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the reserved marinade in a small saucepan, bringing it to a boil, and then brushing this over the skewers. This technique creates a beautiful caramelized finish on your Hawaiian chicken pineapple skewers.

Checking for doneness

Above all, chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe for consumption. An instant-read thermometer is the most reliable tool—simply insert it into the thickest part of a chicken piece.

In addition to temperature, look for these visual cues:

• Golden brown color with light char marks
• Clear (not pink) juices when pierced
• Firm texture when pressed with tongs

Once your Hawaiian chicken skewers reach the proper temperature, remove them from the grill and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more flavorful and juicy chicken.

Don’t worry if you lack an outdoor grill. Hawaiian chicken skewers can also be prepared indoors using a grill pan (10-15 minutes over medium-high heat) or in a 375°F oven (about 20 minutes, flipping halfway).

Serving, Storing, and Customizing Your Skewers

Hawaiian chicken skewers aren’t just delicious on their own—they’re a complete meal when paired with the right sides and can be customized endlessly to suit any preference or dietary need.

What to serve with Hawaiian chicken skewers

Coconut rice stands out as the perfect companion for Hawaiian chicken skewers, creating an authentic tropical experience. Plain white rice works wonderfully too, especially for soaking up any sauce that drips from your skewers.

For a balanced meal, consider these complementary sides:

• Pineapple fried rice or coconut jasmine rice
• Macaroni salad or coleslaw for a traditional Hawaiian plate
• Grilled vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus
• Fresh fruit salad to enhance the tropical theme

Essentially, anything with tropical flavors works beautifully. For adult gatherings, consider serving refreshing mango mojitos or passion fruit margaritas alongside your Hawaiian BBQ chicken skewers.

How to store and reheat leftovers

First thing to remember, refrigerate leftover skewers promptly in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, remove chicken from skewers (if desired) and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, use a skillet over medium heat. Microwave reheating works too but may affect texture.

Variations: pork, shrimp, or tofu

The Hawaiian marinade works beautifully with various proteins beyond chicken. Boneless pork makes excellent Hawaiian kabobs, accordingly creating a different yet equally delicious flavor profile.

Seafood enthusiasts might prefer Hawaiian shrimp kabobs, which cook faster than chicken versions. Meanwhile, vegetarians can enjoy Hawaiian grilled tofu skewers, which absorb the marinade remarkably well.

Kid-friendly and spicy versions

Getting children involved in meal preparation increases their interest in trying new foods. Let kids help thread skewers with three pieces each of pineapple, bell peppers, tomatoes, and chicken in any order they choose.

For spice lovers, customize your Hawaiian chicken pineapple skewers by adding sriracha to the marinade. Alternatively, offer a side of spicy dipping sauce for those who want an extra kick without altering the base recipe.

Conclusion

Hawaiian chicken skewers truly represent the perfect backyard BBQ recipe for any summer gathering. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored everything you need to create this tropical-inspired dish that transports your taste buds straight to the islands. Most importantly, these skewers offer incredible versatility – you can adjust the protein, vegetables, and even spice levels to suit your particular preferences.

After preparing these Hawaiian chicken skewers countless times for my family, I’ve found they never fail to impress guests while requiring minimal effort. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful vegetables creates a meal that’s equally beautiful and delicious. Additionally, the make-ahead nature of these skewers makes them perfect for both planned gatherings and busy weeknight dinners.

Remember that quality ingredients make all the difference. Fresh pineapple undoubtedly elevates the flavor profile, while the right BBQ sauce brings that authentic Hawaiian touch. Likewise, proper marination time allows the flavors to fully develop – though even a quick one-hour soak will yield tasty results.

Whether you’re grilling outdoors under the summer sun or preparing these indoors during cooler months, these Hawaiian chicken skewers deliver a taste of paradise regardless of the season. Paired with coconut rice or a fresh tropical salad, they transform an ordinary meal into something special. Therefore, fire up that grill, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this delicious tropical escape right in your own backyard!

FAQs

Q1. How long should I marinate the chicken for Hawaiian skewers? For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for 1-4 hours. A quick 1-hour soak works for weeknight meals, while 2-4 hours or overnight provides deeper flavor penetration. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.

Q2. What’s the ideal cooking time for chicken skewers on the grill? Cooking time depends on the size of your chicken pieces. For medium-sized (1-inch) pieces, grill for 10-15 minutes total, turning every 4-5 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Q3. Can I use other proteins instead of chicken for Hawaiian skewers? Absolutely! The Hawaiian marinade works well with various proteins. You can try pork for delicious Hawaiian kabobs, shrimp for a faster-cooking option, or even tofu for a vegetarian version that absorbs the marinade nicely.

Q4. What are some good side dishes to serve with Hawaiian chicken skewers? Coconut rice or plain white rice pairs perfectly with Hawaiian chicken skewers. Other great options include pineapple fried rice, macaroni salad, coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or a fresh fruit salad to enhance the tropical theme.

Q5. How can I make Hawaiian chicken skewers more kid-friendly? Get children involved in the preparation by letting them thread the skewers with pineapple, bell peppers, tomatoes, and chicken in any order they choose. This increases their interest in trying new foods. You can also adjust the spice level in the marinade to suit their taste preferences.