Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken Kebabs (Printable)
Marinated chicken and fresh pineapple grilled on skewers for a tropical twist.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
→ Marinade
02 - 1/2 cup pineapple juice
03 - 1/4 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
04 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
05 - 2 tbsp ketchup
06 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
09 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil
10 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Skewer Ingredients
11 - 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
12 - 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
13 - 1 red onion, cut into large wedges
14 - 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, and black pepper in a bowl. Add chicken cubes and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
02 - Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
03 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 375-400°F).
04 - Thread marinated chicken, red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple onto skewers in alternating pattern for even cooking and visual appeal.
05 - Place skewers on preheated grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning every 4 minutes to ensure even cooking. Cook until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and develops light charring.
06 - Remove kebabs from grill and let rest for 2 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve hot with steamed rice, coconut rice, or fresh salad.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The pineapple juice marinade creates an impossibly tender chicken that practically falls off the skewer
- Everything cooks on one stick making both prep and cleanup ridiculously simple
02 -
- Never reuse marinade that's touched raw chicken unless you boil it for five minutes first
- Leaving space between ingredients on the skewer ensures everything cooks at the same rate
03 -
- Thread similar sized pieces together on each skewer so everything finishes cooking simultaneously
- Brush reserved fresh marinade on during the last 2 minutes of grilling for an extra sticky glaze