If you’re in the mood for a vibrant and mouthwatering dish, these Hawaiian chicken kabobs are exactly what you need. Packed with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and savory vegetables, this recipe combines all the flavors of the tropics. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make whether you prefer using an air fryer or baking them in the oven. The sweet and tangy sauce brings everything together, making each bite a flavorful experience.
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Why You’ll Love These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
Hawaiian chicken kabobs are the perfect balance of healthy and delicious. They’re full of protein from the chicken and vitamin-rich veggies like red peppers and onions. Not to mention, the pineapple adds a sweet, tropical touch that makes this dish unique. These kabobs are not only family-friendly but also ideal for grilling, air frying, or baking, making them versatile for any occasion. If you’re looking for a quick, easy meal that will impress, Hawaiian chicken kabobs will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
Gather the following ingredients to make these irresistible Hawaiian chicken kabobs:
• Chicken breast: Provides lean protein and a tender, juicy base.
• Pineapple chunks: Adds sweetness and tropical flavor.
• Red bell pepper: Offers a crisp texture and vibrant color.
• Red onion: Gives the kabobs a savory, slightly sweet flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth to the marinade.
• Honey: Sweetens the marinade and helps caramelize the kabobs when cooking.
• Coconut aminos: A soy-free, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
• Pineapple juice: Infuses the kabobs with additional tropical flavor.
• Sesame oil: Adds richness to the marinade.
• Kosher salt and ground ginger: Essential for seasoning and flavor enhancement.
• Tapioca flour or cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for a glossy finish.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to customize the recipe or have dietary preferences, here are some alternative ingredient suggestions:
• Soy sauce: If you’re not avoiding gluten or soy, regular soy sauce can be substituted for coconut aminos.
• Agave syrup: Swap honey for agave if you’re looking for a vegan alternative.
• Zucchini or mushrooms: For a variation on the veggies, zucchini or mushrooms can replace the bell pepper or onion.
• Chicken thighs: For a richer flavor, you can substitute chicken breast with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Hawaiian chicken kabobs is simple with these easy-to-follow instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, pineapple juice, honey, ground ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and kosher salt.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the diced chicken into another medium bowl and pour half of the marinade over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to 24 hours. Reserve the remaining marinade to create a sauce later.
- Soak the Skewers: About 30 minutes before cooking, soak your wooden skewers in warm water to prevent them from burning.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Alternate threading the chicken, pineapple chunks, red onion, and red bell pepper onto the skewers. Leave about an inch of space on each end for easy handling.
- Cook the Kabobs:
- Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Optionally, broil the kabobs for 2-3 minutes to get a nice char.
- Make the Sauce: While the kabobs are cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan. Dissolve the tapioca flour or cornstarch in warm water and add it to the sauce. Bring it to a boil and cook until it thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Once the kabobs are cooked, brush them with the thickened sauce for extra flavor and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
To ensure your Hawaiian chicken kabobs turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Even Cooking: Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform chunks to ensure they cook evenly.
- Soak Skewers: Don’t skip the soaking step! This prevents the skewers from burning during cooking.
- Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours.
- Check Doneness: To avoid overcooking, check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165°F.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These Hawaiian chicken kabobs are versatile and can be paired with various sides and toppings:
- Coconut Rice: A perfect complement to the tropical flavors of the kabobs.
- Grilled Vegetables: Consider serving the kabobs with grilled asparagus, zucchini, or corn on the cob.
- Salads: A refreshing side salad, such as cucumber-tomato or avocado pasta salad, works beautifully with the kabobs.
- Tropical Twist: For a more tropical experience, top the kabobs with extra pineapple chunks or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
Seasonal and Health Benefits of Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
These Hawaiian chicken kabobs are ideal for warm weather months when fresh pineapple and vibrant veggies are in season. They provide a healthy balance of lean protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them a nutritious choice for any family meal. Moreover, they are an excellent option for those following gluten-free or dairy-free diets.
By following these tips and using the right ingredients, you’ll create a mouthwatering dish that brings the flavors of Hawaii straight to your dinner table. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, Hawaiian chicken kabobs are a delightful and crowd-pleasing choice.
Conclusion: Why Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Should Be Your Next Meal
Hawaiian chicken kabobs are the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. Whether you opt for air frying or baking, these kabobs are easy to prepare, bursting with tropical goodness, and incredibly versatile. They offer a delicious way to enjoy healthy protein and vibrant veggies in every bite. Serve them with coconut rice or your favorite side dish, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal for any occasion. So next time you’re in the mood for a tropical-inspired dinner, these Hawaiian chicken kabobs will surely hit the spot!
FAQs About Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
Can I make Hawaiian chicken kabobs without an air fryer?
Yes, absolutely! You can bake the kabobs in the oven at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Alternatively, grilling the kabobs is another great option. The key is to cook them until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least one hour. However, marinating the chicken for 4-24 hours will allow the flavors to penetrate even deeper, making the kabobs more flavorful.
Can I use other fruits besides pineapple for Hawaiian chicken kabobs?
While pineapple is a classic choice that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and veggies, you can experiment with other fruits like mango or peaches for a slightly different tropical twist. Just be sure to cut the fruit into chunks similar to the size of the chicken pieces for even cooking.
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Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Hawaiian chicken kabobs are stacked with tender, juicy chicken, pineapple, red onion, and pepper. Brushed with a sweet Hawaiian sauce, they offer a delicious tropical flavor that’s perfect for air frying, grilling, or baking.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
- 1/4 cup 100% pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in 100% juice
- 12–15 wooden skewers
- 1 teaspoon tapioca flour (or cornstarch, for thickening the sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by whisking together coconut aminos, pineapple juice, honey, ground ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and kosher salt.
- Place the diced chicken in a medium bowl and pour half of the marinade over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to 24 hours. Reserve the remaining marinade to create the sauce.
- Soak the wooden skewers in warm water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Assemble the kabobs by alternating threading chicken, pineapple, red onion, and red bell pepper onto the soaked skewers.
- Air fry the kabobs at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes for extra char.
- While the kabobs are cooking, prepare the sauce by heating the reserved marinade in a saucepan. Dissolve the tapioca flour in warm water and add it to the sauce. Bring to a boil and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Brush the finished kabobs with the thickened sauce and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours.
- Soaking the skewers in warm water helps prevent them from burning during cooking.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the kabobs at 425°F for 12-15 minutes or grill them for 8-10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer, Oven, Grill
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob (3 pieces)
- Calories: 386 kcal
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 538mg
- Fat: 7.1g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3.2g
- Protein: 39.9g
- Cholesterol: 124.1mg
