Name: Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple and Teriyaki Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian / American
Ingredients: ¾ cup pineapple juice (reserved from the canned pineapple below); ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup ketchup; ¼ cup honey; ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed); 3 cloves garlic (finely minced); 3 tablespoons olive oil (or 2 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste); ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste); ¾ teaspoon ground ginger (or about 1 heaping teaspoon fresh ginger); ¾ teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika if preferred); 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces; chicken breasts may be substituted); 20 ounce can pineapple chunks (packed in juice; do not use tidbits); Wooden skewers (soaked if using); Green onions (optional, for garnish); Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 5 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant and mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a touch of spice, you cannot miss the Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple and Teriyaki Glaze Recipe. This dish captures the essence of tropical flavors with juicy chicken thighs, caramelized pineapple chunks, and a luscious teriyaki glaze that ties everything together beautifully. From the first bite, these kabobs transport your taste buds straight to a sunny beachside luau, making them ideal for family dinners or backyard gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two raw chicken thighs placed in the center on a white plate with a subtle textured pattern. Around the plate, there are several small white bowls and dishes arranged in a loose circle on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top and moving clockwise, there is a bowl with a red sauce with a light brown dollop on the side, a bowl filled with brown sugar, a bowl of dark soy sauce, a small dish with bright red ketchup in a swirl shape, a bowl of yellow pineapple chunks, a small dish of golden honey, and two bowls with light-colored liquids. There is also a small bowl with a mix of spices, including black pepper and turmeric, and a single garlic clove placed near the spice bowl. The overall arrangement is neat and brightly lit, highlighting the colors and textures of each ingredient. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, keeping things simple yet bursting with flavor and color. These essentials come together to create the perfect harmony of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and that irresistible glaze.

¾ cup pineapple juice: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle tang to the marinade, tenderizing the chicken.
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings that classic umami flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
¼ cup ketchup: Gives body and richness with slightly sweet and tangy undertones.
¼ cup honey: Enhances the glaze with a smooth, caramel-like sweetness.
¼ cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds depth and a gentle molasses undertone.
3 cloves garlic (finely minced): Infuses a fragrant, savory sharpness balancing the fruits’ sweetness.
3 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps blend the marinade.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings a bright, subtle acidity that wakes up the palate.
1 tablespoon sriracha: Delivers just the right kick for those who love a little heat.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors all around.
¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds mild warmth to the flavor profile.
¾ teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a warm, slightly spicy undertone that goes perfectly with the pineapple.
¾ teaspoon paprika: Provides a smoky, sweet earthiness; smoked paprika is a great alternative too.
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy, tender meat that soaks up marinade beautifully.
20 ounce can pineapple chunks: Adds bursts of juicy tropical sweetness and vibrant color.
Green onions (optional for garnishing): Fresh, crisp garnish that adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple and Teriyaki Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken

Start by whisking together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, garlic, olive oil, rice vinegar, sriracha, salt, pepper, ground ginger, and paprika in a large bowl. Then, reserve about half of this marinade, placing it in a saucepan to cook later into a sticky glaze. Add the chicken pieces to the remaining marinade in the bowl, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for about 1-2 hours – this ensures the flavors seep in without making the chicken mushy from the pineapple’s acidity.

Step 2: Assemble the Kabobs

While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water if you’re using them to prevent burning. When ready, thread the chicken chunks and pineapple pieces onto the skewers, alternating between 1-2 chicken pieces and one pineapple chunk. This alternating pattern ensures every bite is balanced between juicy, savory chicken and sweet pineapple.

Step 3: Preheat Grill and Cook the Kabobs

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the kabobs on the grill and sear the first side for about 3-4 minutes. Flip the skewers, basting them with the reserved marinade to keep them moist and flavorful. Keep flipping and basting until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160-162°F. Remember to let the kabobs rest off the heat for 5-10 minutes, during which the temperature will rise to a safe 165°F, guaranteeing juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.

Step 4: Reduce the Reserved Marinade into a Glaze

While the kabobs cook, bring the reserved marinade in the saucepan to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let it thicken and reduce for about 4-5 minutes until it becomes a glossy teriyaki glaze. This sauce is the finishing touch that amplifies the dish’s flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the kabobs are grilled and rested, garnish with chopped green onions or your favorite fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil. Serve the kabobs alongside the warm teriyaki glaze for dipping or drizzling. The combination will delight your taste buds and impress everyone at the table.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple and Teriyaki Glaze Recipe

Two metal skewers with bright orange grilled chicken pieces and yellow pineapple chunks are placed on a smooth bed of fluffy white rice on a round wooden plate. The chicken is glazed and has slight charred spots, and both skewers are sprinkled with small green onion pieces. Behind the plate, there is a white rectangular plate with more skewers of the same grilled chicken and pineapple. To the left and right sides of the wooden plate are two small wooden bowls filled with golden roasted potatoes and white rice. The setting sits on a woven, light brown placemat on a white marbled surface with some green onions and a yellow-striped cloth napkin visible in the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like sliced green onions add a crisp, fresh contrast to the rich kabobs. Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil also bring a bright pop of color and aroma, enhancing every bite without overpowering the core flavors.

Side Dishes

These kabobs pair wonderfully with light and refreshing sides such as jasmine rice or coconut rice that soak up the glaze beautifully. For a veggie boost, grilled corn on the cob, sautéed snap peas, or a crisp green salad complement the sweetness and spice perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the kabobs over a bed of mixed greens or quinoa, topped with extra grilled pineapple chunks. You can also thread smaller skewers and serve them as appetizers at a party, accompanied by small bowls of the teriyaki glaze for dipping. Presentation is a great way to elevate an already spectacular recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover kabobs can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the teriyaki glaze separately to keep the chicken from getting soggy. When ready to eat, simply reheat gently and enjoy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, remove the kabobs from skewers and place the chicken and pineapple chunks in a freezer-safe bag with some of the marinade. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is by using a grill pan or skillet over medium heat, basting lightly with the teriyaki glaze to keep the chicken juicy. You can also warm them in the oven but watch carefully to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can substitute for thighs, but since breasts are leaner, they may cook faster and be less juicy. Keep a close eye while grilling to avoid drying.

Is fresh pineapple better than canned for this recipe?

Canned pineapple chunks packed in juice are preferred here because they are consistently sweet and tender. Fresh pineapple can be used but might vary in sweetness and texture, so adjust cooking time accordingly.

How spicy is the sriracha in this recipe?

The one tablespoon of sriracha adds a subtle kick but nothing overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce to one or two teaspoons or omit altogether and still enjoy delightful flavorful kabobs.

Can I make these kabobs indoors?

You can! Use a grill pan or broiler to cook the kabobs. Just be mindful of cooking times and watch for flare-ups if using a broiler to prevent charring.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least one hour to absorb the flavors and tenderize the chicken. However, avoid going past 3-4 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy due to the pineapple juice’s acidity.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple and Teriyaki Glaze Recipe is such a delightful way to bring tropical flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort. Juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and that glistening glaze come together for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a go and watch your family and friends light up with every tasty bite!