There’s something magically summery about the combination of juicy chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, and the natural sweetness of grilled pineapple. Add in colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, and red onion and you’ve got a dish that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious to eat. These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are quick to prep, easy to grill, and bursting with tropical flavor.
Perfect for backyard BBQs, weeknight dinners, or oven-baked alternatives when grilling isn’t an option, this dish captures the essence of a Hawaiian getaway right on your plate. The quick-cooking nature of the skewers and the homemade pineapple BBQ glaze mean you can whip up something that tastes gourmet in less than 30 minutes. You’ll love the sweet-spicy flavor fusion and the satisfying mix of textures from crisp veggies and tender chicken.
Full Recipe:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
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6 baby bella mushrooms, sliced in half
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½ green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
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½ yellow or orange bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
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½ red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
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12 pineapple chunks (1-inch pieces)
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1 cup pineapple juice
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1–2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce (optional)
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1 packet KC Masterpiece BBQ sauce and dry rub (Sweet Honey flavor recommended)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat your grill or oven to 450°F (232°C).
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Dice vegetables and pineapple into 1-inch pieces; halve the mushrooms.
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Mix the pineapple juice, Tabasco, and BBQ sauce/rub packet to create your sauce.
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Toss the chicken cubes with half of the sauce in a bowl—do not let it marinate; assemble skewers immediately to avoid mushy texture.
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Thread skewers in the following pattern: ½ mushroom, 3 red onion pieces, 1 bell pepper piece, 1 pineapple chunk, and 1 chicken cube. Repeat twice.
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Brush remaining sauce over the assembled skewers and season with salt and pepper.
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Grill for 5–8 minutes per side or bake for 20 minutes, then broil each side for 5 minutes to get a charred finish.
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Ensure chicken reaches internal temp of 165°F.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 188 kcal | Servings: 4 skewers
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs: The Perfect Blend of Tropical Flavors and Backyard Simplicity
The Allure of Hawaiian-Inspired Grilling
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs offer more than just a colorful plate—they’re an invitation to escape into a world of sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors inspired by island cuisine. Combining tender grilled chicken with juicy pineapple chunks, vibrant bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, and savory red onions, this dish strikes the perfect balance between health-conscious cooking and bold flavor.
These kabobs take the simplicity of common ingredients and elevate them into something festive and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, preparing a quick dinner for the family, or hosting a summer cookout, this dish delivers on convenience, taste, and presentation. The beauty lies in the vibrant colors and layers of flavor that develop as the kabobs cook—sweet, savory, and smoky, all in one bite.
Why Pineapple Works So Well With Chicken
One of the signature features of Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs is the use of fresh pineapple. The fruit’s natural sweetness and acidity not only balance the salt and spice from the BBQ seasoning but also help tenderize the meat. While it’s important not to marinate chicken in pineapple juice for too long (due to its enzymatic properties that can make the meat mushy), using it as a sauce base or glaze infuses a vibrant, tropical flavor that defines the entire dish.
This flavor combination is especially appealing because it hits multiple sensory notes—sweetness from the pineapple, umami from the BBQ sauce, a touch of heat from the Tabasco (if used), and the smoky char from grilling. Pineapple, being rich in bromelain, adds a unique enzyme element that works subtly during cooking to enhance the texture of the chicken.
The Art of Skewer Assembly
Presentation is key with kabobs, and Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are no exception. Alternating between chunks of chicken, bell pepper, pineapple, red onion, and mushrooms not only ensures an even cook but also offers a variety of textures and flavors in every bite. Using a mix of green, yellow, and red bell peppers adds to the tropical aesthetic and nutritional variety.
The pattern of assembly also serves a practical purpose—vegetables like onions and peppers help insulate the more delicate pineapple and distribute heat more evenly across the skewer. Each piece is cut to a similar size, usually around one inch, to allow for consistent grilling.
Homemade Pineapple BBQ Sauce: A Flavor Bomb
Instead of relying solely on a pre-made BBQ sauce, this recipe enhances its flavor profile by incorporating pineapple juice and a seasoning rub into the sauce. A commonly used choice is KC Masterpiece BBQ dry rub, which, when mixed with pineapple juice and Tabasco, creates a glaze that’s thick, tangy, slightly sweet, and peppery.
The sauce isn’t just a marinade—it’s a finishing glaze and flavor enhancer. Half of the sauce is used to coat the chicken before assembly, while the rest is brushed onto the kabobs right before grilling. This two-stage approach ensures depth of flavor and a sticky, caramelized finish once the kabobs hit the heat.
Cooking Versatility: Grill or Oven
One of the most appealing aspects of Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs is their cooking flexibility. While grilling is the preferred method for achieving that authentic smoky char, the recipe can easily be adapted to the oven. Preheating to 450°F and using a wire rack over a baking sheet simulates grill-style heat distribution, while a brief broil at the end helps caramelize the glaze and bring out the roasted notes in the vegetables and fruit.
This adaptability makes the recipe a year-round option—not just something to save for sunny summer barbecues. Even in colder months or apartment kitchens without outdoor access, you can still enjoy the tropical taste of these kabobs with minimal fuss.
Nutritional Benefits of Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
Not only are these kabobs delicious, but they’re also a balanced, nutrient-rich meal. Chicken breast is a lean source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. The pineapple provides vitamin C and manganese, while the vegetables add fiber, vitamins A and K, and a host of antioxidants.
With minimal fat content and a low-calorie count (around 188 kcal per skewer), this recipe fits well into many dietary plans, including low-carb, gluten-free, and whole-food lifestyles. The fresh ingredients make it easy to avoid preservatives and added sugars found in store-bought marinades and processed dishes.
Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve With Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
While Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs can certainly stand on their own, pairing them with complementary sides enhances the meal. For a complete island-inspired menu, consider:
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Coconut rice or jasmine rice: The creaminess of coconut milk balances the tangy-sweet kabobs perfectly.
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Cauliflower rice: A lighter, low-carb option that still captures the saucy goodness.
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Grilled corn on the cob: Adds another layer of smoky sweetness.
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Broccoli or spinach salad: Fresh greens with a citrus vinaigrette can brighten up the meal and refresh the palate.
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Fruit salad: Watermelon, mango, or kiwi salads make a wonderful sweet and juicy contrast.
For beverages, tropical fruit smoothies or a light citrus-infused iced tea make refreshing pairings, while adults might enjoy a chilled pineapple margarita or a light white wine.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Because the dish is colorful, mildly sweet, and visually fun to eat, it’s a favorite among kids as well as adults. You can easily adjust the heat level by omitting the Tabasco and using a mild BBQ rub. Its customizable nature makes it perfect for parties or gatherings—simply double or triple the batch, set up a kabob assembly station, and let guests build their own skewers.
You can even make it vegetarian-friendly by swapping the chicken for tofu or tempeh and adding extra vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are a great meal-prep option. You can cut the vegetables and chicken a day ahead, and pre-mix the sauce to save time. Once cooked, leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on a skillet or in the oven.
If you’re planning a picnic or outdoor gathering, prep the skewers ahead of time and transport them in a sealed container. Brush with sauce on-site and grill fresh for best results. You can even freeze the raw, pre-assembled skewers (minus the sauce) for up to a month.
Conclusion: A Taste of the Tropics Made Easy
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs combine vibrant ingredients, bold flavors, and simple preparation into one unforgettable dish. Whether you’re grilling outside under the sun or baking indoors during a busy weeknight, these kabobs will bring a burst of tropical energy to your table.
They’re quick to prepare, easy to customize, and guaranteed to please a wide range of tastes—from picky eaters to foodies looking for something fresh. More than just a recipe, they represent the joy of laid-back cooking, the excitement of international flavors, and the satisfaction of a meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Add this dish to your rotation and watch it become a seasonal (or year-round) favorite. With their dazzling colors and crave-worthy flavors, Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs truly deliver island vibes—no plane ticket required.