Easy Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs

The first time I made these Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs, my kitchen filled with an aroma that transported us straight to a beachside luau, with tender chicken and pineapple edges caramelizing to sweet perfection.

These tropical skewers have become our summer staple, their sweet-savory balance winning over even my pickiest eaters while their vibrant colors transform ordinary meals into mini vacations right at our dinner table.

Why You’ll Love These Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs

The magic of these Hawaiian chicken kabobs happens when the sweet marinade caramelizes on the grill, creating incredibly juicy chicken with a perfect char.

The warm pineapple becomes exceptionally sweet against the savory chicken, creating that perfect tropical flavor harmony we all crave.

My family requests these almost weekly during grilling season because they’re not just delicious—they’re fun to eat!

I love that they look impressive enough for company but are simple enough for busy weeknights when I need something that makes everyone happy.

This Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs recipe always brings a smile to my face—just like my Easy Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie and Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup.

The Ingredients for Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes (thighs stay juicier than breast meat!)
• 1 fresh pineapple, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium red onion, cut into chunks
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ¼ cup pineapple juice (from fresh pineapple or canned)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 8-10 skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)

How to Make Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs

1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, pineapple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, sesame oil, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside ¼ cup for basting during cooking.
2. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken pieces in a ziplock bag and pour the remaining marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though I find 3-4 hours gives the best flavor without breaking down the meat too much.
3. Preheat your grill: Set to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). If using an oven, preheat the broiler and position the rack about 6 inches from the heat.
4. Assemble the kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and red onion. Leave a tiny bit of space between items for even cooking.
5. Grill with love: Place kabobs on the preheated grill. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes. Brush with reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have nice grill marks.
6. Indoor cooking option: If using an oven broiler, place kabobs on a lined baking sheet and broil for 4-5 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through, basting with sauce during the last few minutes.
7. Rest and garnish: Remove from heat and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes. Sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving.

Grill Like You’re in the Islands: Tips for Tasty Kabobs

My secret to perfectly juicy kabobs is using chicken thighs instead of breast meat – they’re more forgiving if you get distracted by the kids while grilling!

For the most flavor, don’t rush the marinating time – those tropical flavors need time to penetrate the meat.

For extra flavor depth, I sometimes add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for grown-up palates.

If your pineapple isn’t quite ripe, try grilling pineapple chunks separately first to caramelize the sugars – it makes them incredibly sweet and adds another dimension to the kabobs.

Print it out and keep it close—it’s a keeper! Nothing beats having a sauce-splattered recipe card that shows how much a recipe is loved in your home.

Can I prep these kabobs ahead of time?

You can absolutely prepare these kabobs up to 24 hours in advance! I often assemble them the night before a cookout, keeping them covered in the refrigerator until I’m ready to grill.

Just remove them about 20 minutes before cooking to take the chill off for more even cooking.

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Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While I prefer thighs for their juiciness, chicken breast works well too.

If using breast meat, just be careful not to overcook as it can dry out more quickly. Consider cutting the pieces slightly larger (about 1½ inches) to help them stay juicy during grilling.

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How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

The trick that works best for me is soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 1 hour before using them. For even better results, soak them overnight in the refrigerator.

I place them in a baking dish with water and cover with plastic wrap – they’ll be perfectly prepped when you’re ready to cook.

Can I make these in the oven if I don’t have a grill?

Absolutely! I make these year-round by using my oven’s broiler function in the winter months.

Place the kabobs on a foil-lined baking sheet about 6 inches from the broiler, and turn them every 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. They’re just as delicious!

Serving Suggestions

In our home, these Hawaiian chicken pineapple kabobs are the star of our tropical-themed dinners! I love serving them over coconut rice that soaks up all those delicious marinade juices.

A simple side salad with mango and avocado complements the flavors beautifully.

For casual gatherings, I’ll sometimes serve these alongside Hawaiian sweet rolls and a bowl of extra marinade (that hasn’t touched raw chicken) for dipping. When we’re feeling fancy, grilled plantains make a perfect accompaniment.