Sticky Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Bring tropical flavor to your table with these Sticky Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Skewers.

Tender chunks of marinated chicken, juicy pineapple, colorful bell peppers, and red onion are grilled until lightly charred and brushed with a glossy homemade teriyaki-style glaze. They're perfect for backyard cookouts, family dinners, or anytime you're craving an easy island-inspired meal.

🕒 Prep Time
20 mins

🔥 Cook Time
15 mins

🍽️ Servings
5–6

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of sweet, savory, smoky, and tangy flavors.
Colorful presentation makes it ideal for parties and barbecues.
Juicy chicken and caramelized pineapple create amazing texture.
Can be cooked on an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan.
Easy to prepare ahead and great for entertaining.

Tools and Preparation

10–12 wooden or metal skewers
Outdoor grill or cast-iron grill pan
Silicone basting brush
Large mixing bowl or resealable bag for marinating
Small saucepan for preparing the glaze

Ingredients

For the Skewers

1½–2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
1 fresh pineapple (or canned pineapple chunks in juice)
1 red bell pepper, cut into squares
1 green bell pepper, cut into squares
1 large red onion, cut into wedges
1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil

For the Hawaiian Glaze

½ cup soy sauce
⅓ cup pineapple juice
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water

For Garnish

Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions

Steps To Create Recipe

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using.
Whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Reserve half for the glaze and marinate the chicken in the remaining half for 30–60 minutes.
Simmer the reserved sauce and whisk in the cornstarch slurry until thickened into a glossy glaze.
Thread chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onion onto skewers in alternating pieces.
Lightly oil the grill and cook skewers over medium-high heat for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked.
Brush generously with the thickened glaze during the final 2 minutes of grilling, allowing it to caramelize.
Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

How to Serve

Serve these skewers hot with jasmine rice, coconut rice, or grilled vegetables. They also pair wonderfully with Hawaiian macaroni salad, fresh coleslaw, or a tropical fruit salad for a complete meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the step of soaking wooden skewers.
Overcrowding ingredients so they steam instead of char.
Applying the sugary glaze too early, causing it to burn.
Overcooking the chicken, making it dry.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Remove food from skewers and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water over medium-low heat until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes. Pineapple packed in 100% juice works very well and is convenient for this recipe.

Can these be baked instead of grilled?
Absolutely. Bake at 425°F (220°C) until the chicken is cooked through, brushing with glaze near the end of cooking.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the skewers several hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to grill.

Final Thoughts

Sticky Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Skewers combine smoky grilled chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a rich homemade glaze for an unforgettable tropical-inspired meal. Whether cooked outdoors or indoors, they're colorful, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.