Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
This Hawaiian Chicken Skewers recipe is a perfect dish for family gatherings, summer barbecues, or any occasion that calls for a burst of flavor. The combination of tender chicken marinated in a tangy soy and orange marmalade blend makes these skewers irresistible. With vibrant vegetables and sweet pineapple, they are not just delicious but also visually stunning. Easy to prepare and quick to cook, these skewers will surely become a staple in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Marinade: The soy and orange marmalade create an irresistible sweet and savory taste.
- Quick to Prepare: Marinating the chicken takes only 2-4 hours, making this dish easy for busy days.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or fruits to make it your own.
- Perfect for Grilling: Ideal for outdoor cooking, bringing a taste of Hawaii right to your backyard.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the fun of eating food on skewers, making mealtime enjoyable.

Tools and Preparation
To make Hawaiian Chicken Skewers, you need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Gallon freezer bag
- Mixing bowl
- Skewers (12)
- Brush for oil
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Provides high heat for perfect charring and flavor.
- Gallon freezer bag: Ideal for marinating the chicken evenly without mess.
- Mixing bowl: Useful for combining marinade ingredients effortlessly.
- Brush for oil: Ensures even coating on the grill, preventing sticking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 3 skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons orange marmalade
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 skewers, (if wooden, soak in water for 20 minutes)
- 1 purple onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a gallon freezer bag, add the chicken breasts.
- In a small bowl, mix the chicken broth, orange marmalade, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder.
- Pour the marinade into the freezer bag with the chicken. Seal and marinate in the fridge for 2-4 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill and Skewers
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with onion, red bell pepper, and pineapple.
- If using wooden skewers, ensure they have soaked in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling.
Step 3: Grill the Skewers
- Lightly brush the grill with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook them while turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).
- Once done, sprinkle with cilantro before serving.
Serve these delightful Hawaiian Chicken Skewers with rice or noodles if desired! Enjoy your flavorful meal!
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to complement their vibrant flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With Rice
- Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory chicken skewers, balancing the flavors.
- Coconut Rice: For an extra tropical twist, serve the skewers over coconut rice, enhancing the Hawaiian theme.
Salad
- Tropical Fruit Salad: A mix of mango, kiwi, and berries adds freshness and a burst of color to your plate.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a crisp contrast to the warm skewers.
Dipping Sauces
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce offers a spicy-sweet kick that complements the marinade beautifully.
- Peanut Sauce: A creamy peanut sauce adds richness and depth, making it a flavorful addition.
Bread Options
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread can be a great side for soaking up any extra marinade or juices.
- Tortillas: Serve with soft tortillas for a fun twist; let guests make their own wraps with the skewers and toppings.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
To ensure your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers turn out perfectly every time, consider these essential tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and produce will enhance the flavor and texture of your skewers.
- Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Preheat Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat for even cooking and nice grill marks.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave some space between pieces on the skewer to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Pairing side dishes with Hawaiian Chicken Skewers can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and texture, balancing the sweetness of the skewers.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini or asparagus drizzled with olive oil make a colorful side.
- Baked Beans: The smoky flavor of baked beans complements the sweetness of the chicken nicely.
- Potato Salad: A classic potato salad serves as a hearty side that can be prepared in advance.
- Quinoa Salad: This protein-packed salad mixed with veggies provides additional nutrition and flavor.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter is an easy side that brings summer vibes to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hawaiian Chicken Skewers, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Marinade Timing: Not marinating the chicken long enough can lead to bland skewers. Aim for at least 2 hours in the marinade for deeper flavor.
- Incorrect Skewer Preparation: Using dry wooden skewers without soaking them can lead to burning. Always soak wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes before grilling.
- Inconsistent Chunks: Cutting the chicken and vegetables into uneven sizes can result in uneven cooking. Make sure all pieces are about 1-inch for even grilling.
- Overcrowding the Skewers: Packing too many ingredients on each skewer can prevent proper cooking. Leave some space between items to ensure they grill evenly.
- Ignoring Grill Temperature: Starting with a grill that’s too hot or too cold can ruin your skewers. Preheat your grill to medium-high for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hawaiian Chicken Skewers in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
- Place cooled skewers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, usually around 1-2 minutes total.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Grill skewers for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about Hawaiian Chicken Skewers.
How do I make Hawaiian Chicken Skewers more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding more spices or herbs to the marinade, such as crushed red pepper flakes for heat or fresh ginger for zest.
Can I use other meats for Hawaiian Chicken Skewers?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, pork, or even tofu if you prefer a vegetarian option.
What side dishes pair well with Hawaiian Chicken Skewers?
These skewers complement rice, quinoa, or fresh salads beautifully. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili sauce.
How do I know when my Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and no longer be pink inside. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are not only delicious but also versatile, perfect for family dinners or summer barbecues. Feel free to customize them with your favorite vegetables or marinades to suit your taste. Enjoy these flavorful kebabs any time!
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the taste of the tropics to your backyard. Perfect for summer barbecues or family gatherings, these skewers feature tender chicken marinated in a delicious blend of soy sauce and orange marmalade, complemented by colorful vegetables and sweet pineapple. Easy to prepare and quick to grill, they’re sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Serve them alongside rice or fresh salads for a complete meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
- 3 skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons orange marmalade
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 12 skewers, soaked if wooden
- 1 purple onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a gallon freezer bag, combine chicken with chicken broth, orange marmalade, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder. Seal and marinate in the fridge for 2-4 hours.
- Prepare the grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers with alternating pieces of onion, bell pepper, and pineapple.
- Grill the skewers: Brush the grill with olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is fully cooked. Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approximately 140g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg