If you’re looking for an easy grilled dinner that feels like a mini tropical vacation, these Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers are exactly what you need. Combining juicy chicken thighs with naturally sweet pineapple creates an irresistible balance of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors. Every bite is coated in a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully over the grill, giving the skewers their signature charred finish.One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. A quick marinade made with soy sauce, garlic, honey, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and a touch of smoked paprika transforms ordinary chicken into something incredibly flavorful. The pineapple not only adds sweetness but also helps keep the chicken tender during cooking.These skewers are ideal for outdoor grilling during warm weather, but they also cook beautifully on an indoor grill pan or under the broiler. They’re perfect for backyard BBQs, family dinners, parties, meal prep, or casual entertaining. Serve them over fluffy white rice, coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.The creamy dipping sauce pairs perfectly with the smoky chicken and juicy pineapple. Whether you make a simple garlic aioli or a spicy mayo, the rich sauce complements the sweet glaze wonderfully. Garnishing with chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes adds freshness and a little extra color.Another great feature of this recipe is its versatility. You can substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs, add colorful bell peppers, onions, or zucchini between the chicken pieces, or even make the recipe with shrimp. The glaze also works wonderfully on grilled pork or salmon.For the best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour, although overnight marinating produces even more flavor. During grilling, brush additional glaze over the skewers to build layers of caramelization while keeping the meat juicy.These Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers are guaranteed to become a family favorite thanks to their bold tropical flavors, beautiful presentation, and simple preparation. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a summer gathering, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers
Description
These Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Skewers are packed with tender marinated chicken, caramelized pineapple chunks, and a sticky sweet and savory glaze. They are grilled until lightly charred, then finished with fresh parsley and served alongside a creamy dipping sauce. Perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, game day, or weekend BBQs, this easy recipe delivers tropical flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
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1. Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
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2. In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
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3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for the best flavor.
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4. Thread the marinated chicken and pineapple chunks alternately onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
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5. Preheat the grill or grill pan to 400°F (205°C) and lightly oil the cooking grates.
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6. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on one side.
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7. Turn the skewers over, brush with any remaining marinade, and continue grilling for another 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the pineapple is lightly caramelized.
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8. Transfer the skewers to a serving platter and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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9. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.
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10. Serve hot with your favorite creamy dipping sauce, steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Note
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling.Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts.Brush extra glaze during grilling for maximum flavor.Fresh pineapple provides the best caramelization.Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.Serve with garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or coconut rice.
