Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
Juicy chicken and tropical fruits are threaded onto skewers, glazed with a sweet honey-ginger marinade, making a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup tropical salsa ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons ginger garlic spice blend ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 16 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks in own juice, drained
- 1 small green or red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch squares ⓘ
- 1 small onion, cut into 1.5-inch squares ⓘ
- 4 cherry tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine tropical salsa, honey, ginger garlic spice blend, and salt in a medium bowl; mix well.
- Add chicken cubes; stir to coat.
- Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Remove chicken from marinade; reserve marinade.
- Alternately thread chicken cubes, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion squares onto skewers.
- Broil or grill the skewers for 4 to 6 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, turning occasionally.
- Garnish skewers with cherry tomatoes.
- Bring reserved marinade to a boil and brush over the cooked kabobs.
- Place tropical salsa on half of the plate.
- Lay the kabobs on top of the salsa.
- Serve over citrus wild rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken longer, up to 2 hours, in the tropical salsa mixture. You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or firm tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option. If you don't have tropical salsa, use a mix of diced mango and peach with a hint of lime juice to mimic the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the kabobs over a bed of citrus wild rice for a refreshing touch. A side of grilled asparagus or a crisp green salad pairs beautifully with the dish. For a fun twist, serve with a small bowl of Susan'S Thick And Juicy Blueberry Sauce for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave as it may make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs contains roughly 105 calories, with 0g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1762mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it completely before marinating to ensure even flavor absorption. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
What vegetables can I add to the kabobs?
Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or even cherry peppers. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes to ensure even cooking alongside the chicken and fruit.
Can I make these kabobs on a stovetop grill pan?
Absolutely! Preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly grease it. Cook the kabobs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).