Hawaiian Chicken Shish Kabobs
Sweet and savory Hawaiian Chicken Shish Kabobs feature tender chicken, pineapple, and vegetables glazed with a tangy marinade, perfect for summer grilling and outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. pineapple rings ⓘ
- 1 jar maraschino cherries ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/3 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- whole fresh mushrooms, halved
- Vidalia onion or other sweet onion, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- green pepper, cut into 1-inch squares ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix juice from pineapple and cherries with soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Simmer and stir to create the marinade.
- Make shish kabobs by threading maraschino cherries, pineapple pieces, chicken, mushrooms, onion slices, and green pepper chunks onto skewers.
- Grill the kabobs until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender, basting constantly with the marinade.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight. If you can't find fresh mushrooms, canned mushrooms work as a substitute, though they won't have the same texture. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your preference. Using a mix of colorful bell peppers can enhance both presentation and taste. Try pairing this with a refreshing salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
These Hawaiian Chicken Shish Kabobs are perfect for outdoor gatherings or a fun family dinner. Serve them alongside rice or a fresh garden salad. They pair beautifully with Honey-Ginger Chicken, offering a delightful mix of flavors. For a tropical touch, consider serving with coconut rice or grilled vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious as this may make the chicken slightly rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Chicken Shish Kabobs contains roughly 251 calories, with 4g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value) and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2096mg per serving (91% 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 other types of meat for these kabobs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork, beef, or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats have varying cooking requirements to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
What kind of skewers should I use?
You can use either wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Metal skewers are reusable and provide even cooking.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or seitan. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant for added flavor and texture. Ensure to marinate the tofu for a similar taste.
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).