This delicious recipe for Hawaiian Chicken Skewers is perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or anytime you crave a burst of tropical flavor. The succulent chicken chunks are marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce and orange marmalade, making these skewers a crowd-pleaser. They are not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to pair with various sides like rice or noodles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time, this dish can be ready in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce and orange marmalade brings a unique and delicious flavor.
- Versatile Options: Serve these Hawaiian chicken skewers at parties, picnics, or as a weeknight meal.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the fun presentation and tasty ingredients.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers successfully, having the right tools is essential. These items will help you prepare the ingredients efficiently and grill them to perfection.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skewers
- Grill
- Mixing bowl
- Gallon freezer bag
- Basting brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Skewers: Essential for threading the chicken and vegetables together for grilling.
- Grill: Provides that smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the skewers.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for mixing your marinade ingredients thoroughly before adding chicken.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 3 skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons orange marmalade
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Skewering
- 12 skewers, (if wooden, soak in water for 20 minutes)
- 1 purple onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a gallon freezer bag, add the chicken breasts.
- In a small bowl, mix together the chicken broth, orange marmalade, soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
- Pour this marinade into the freezer bag with the chicken. Seal it well and marinate in the fridge for 2-4 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of purple onion, red bell pepper, and pineapple.
- If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water for 20-30 minutes prior to grilling.
Step 3: Grill the Skewers
- Lightly brush the grill with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Once done, sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.
Enjoy your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers alongside rice or noodles for a complete meal!
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Pairing them with the right sides or garnishes enhances their tropical flavor and makes for a satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
With Fresh Salad
- Tropical Fruit Salad: Combine diced mango, kiwi, and berries for a refreshing contrast.
- Green Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette complements the skewers beautifully.
On a Bed of Rice
- Coconut Rice: The creamy texture of coconut rice pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
- Brown Rice: A healthier option that adds nuttiness and fiber to your meal.
Accompanied by Dipping Sauces
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a spicy-sweet kick that enhances the flavors of the chicken.
- Peanut Sauce: Creamy and rich, this sauce brings an Asian flair to your skewers.
With Noodles
- Stir-Fried Noodles: Tossed with vegetables, these noodles create a hearty side that balances the meal.
- Cold Noodle Salad: A refreshing option with sesame dressing that provides a nice contrast to warm skewers.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
To ensure your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are full of flavor and cooked perfectly, follow these helpful tips.
- Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: Always soak wooden skewers for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Cut Uniformly: Cut chicken and vegetables into equal sizes for even cooking.
- Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before adding the skewers for better searing.
- Turn Regularly: Rotate the skewers every few minutes for even cooking on all sides.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Pairing sides with Hawaiian Chicken Skewers will enhance the tropical vibe of your meal and satisfy your taste buds. Here are some delicious options:
- Coleslaw: Crunchy and creamy coleslaw adds texture and balances out the savory flavors.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers bring color and nutrition to your plate.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed dish that can be flavored with lime juice and herbs for freshness.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover marinade or juices from the skewers.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, corn adds sweetness and is easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements savory dishes well, providing a filling side option.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy baked wedges seasoned with herbs make for a satisfying addition.
- Pickled Vegetables: A tangy contrast that cuts through richness while adding crunch to each bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make your Hawaiian Chicken Skewers taste incredible, avoid these common mistakes.
- Over-marinating the chicken: Marinating for too long can make the chicken mushy. Stick to 2-4 hours for the best texture.
- Using dry chicken: Ensure you use skinless chicken breasts and cut them into even 1-inch chunks for uniform cooking. This helps prevent dryness.
- Neglecting skewer preparation: If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Rushing the grilling process: Cooking on high heat is great, but don’t rush. Turn the skewers occasionally and allow about 8-10 minutes for even cooking.
- Skipping garnishes: Garnishes like fresh cilantro add flavor and visual appeal. Don’t skip this step as it enhances your dish’s presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hawaiian Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
- Place cooled skewers in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place skewers on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in intervals of 1 minute until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and briefly sauté skewers until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hawaiian Chicken Skewers.
What can I serve with Hawaiian Chicken Skewers?
You can serve these skewers with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Fresh salads also complement this dish beautifully.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef or turkey if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking times as needed based on the meat used.
How do I ensure my skewers don’t burn?
Soaking wooden skewers in water before grilling prevents burning. Also, keep an eye on them while they cook to turn as needed.
Are Hawaiian Chicken Skewers suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! These skewers can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them great for meal prep.
Can I customize the vegetables used?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms based on your preferences or what you have available.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are not just easy to make; they are also versatile and bursting with flavor. You can customize them with different vegetables or marinades to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful meal that is sure to please everyone at your table!
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers offer a delightful taste of the tropics, perfect for summer grilling or casual family dinners. Marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce and orange marmalade, these skewers deliver juicy chicken pieces complemented by colorful vegetables and fresh pineapple. Quick to prepare and cook, they are sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Serve them with rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings (each serving includes three skewers) 1x
Ingredients
- 3 skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons orange marmalade
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 purple onion (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/2 fresh pineapple (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- Olive oil
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a gallon freezer bag, combine chicken chunks with chicken broth, orange marmalade, soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Seal and marinate in the fridge for 2-4 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with onion, bell pepper, and pineapple.
- Brush the grill with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (120g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg