Description
Succulent tropical hawaiian chicken skewers combine sweet and tangy flavors from island-inspired marinades. Grilled pineapple and tender chicken create a perfect balance of caramelized goodness you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds (750 g) chicken thighs, skinless, boneless
- 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cubed into 2–3 cm chunks
- 2 red bell peppers, seeded and cubed into 2–3 cm chunks
- 1 red onion, cubed into 2–3 cm chunks
- 1½ cups ketchup
- ¾ cup sweet chili sauce
- ⅓ cup soy sauce / tamari sauce
- 2 tsps crushed garlic
- 2 tsps finely minced ginger
- 1–2 tsps salt
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Whisk ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, crushed garlic, minced ginger, and salt in a mixing bowl until seamlessly blended, creating a flavor-packed liquid base.
- Chicken Marination: Cut chicken into consistent bite-sized pieces and transfer to a spacious container. Divide marinade, reserving one-third for glazing and coating chicken with the remaining portion. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 24 hours, allowing deep flavor infusion.
- Skewer Assembly: Soak bamboo skewers in boiling water to prevent charring or use metal alternatives. Artfully thread marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and onion onto skewers, constructing a visually appealing and balanced composition.
- Grilling Process: Ignite grill or grill pan to medium heat. Carefully position skewers, rotating periodically to achieve uniform caramelization and thorough chicken cooking. Intermittently brush reserved marinade to intensify flavor and develop a lustrous exterior.
- Finishing Touch: Verify chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) with a golden-brown appearance. Remove from heat, allowing a brief 5-minute resting period to redistribute internal juices and maximize tenderness before serving.
Notes
- Marinate Wisely: Reserve one-third of the marinade for glazing to prevent cross-contamination and ensure food safety while maximizing flavor intensity.
- Soak Skewers Strategically: Submerge bamboo skewers in boiling water for 10 minutes to prevent burning and protect against potential charring during grilling.
- Check Chicken Carefully: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- Rest and Redistribute: Allow skewers to rest for 5 minutes after grilling, letting juices redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor retention.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 364
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 1170 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg