Do Share Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe — the juicy chicken paired with that sticky sweet-and-savory glaze completely blew me away. As soon as I pulled them off the grill, the aroma had everyone gathered around the backyard. Every bite had that perfect mix of tangy pineapple sweetness and rich BBQ flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

I couldn’t stop smiling as friends and family raved about it, and now I make this recipe all the time whenever we fire up the grill. Trust me — this one becomes a go-to! You can also enjoy a hearty meal with Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe on a busy day for a quick and satisfying option.

Ingredients

These ingredients work together to create bold flavor and juicy texture. Small details make a big difference here.

3 lbs chicken breast, cut into even cubes — uniform pieces cook evenly and stay juicy
2 cups sweet Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce — this acts as both marinade and glaze for deep flavor
BBQ seasoning or dry rub, to taste — adds smoky depth and balances sweetness
Extra BBQ sauce for glazing — brushing while grilling creates a sticky, caramelized finish
Sesame seeds — provide light crunch and visual appeal
Sliced scallions — add freshness and mild onion flavor
Hot sauce (optional) — great for adding heat without overpowering sweetness

Note: This ingredient quantity serves approximately 4 people.

Variations

This recipe is flexible and easy to customize based on your preferences.

Sugar-free option: Use a low-sugar or homemade BBQ sauce for a lighter version
Extra tropical flavor: Add pineapple chunks, red bell peppers, or red onion to the skewers
Spicy version: Mix hot sauce or chili paste into the marinade
Different proteins: Try the same marinade with shrimp, pork, or tofu — or switch things up with a quick Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe for a lighter weeknight dinner.
Oven method: Bake skewers at high heat when grilling isn’t an option

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick breakdown so you can plan ahead easily.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 4–5 hours (including marinating time)

Equipment You Need

Having the right tools makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.

Grill: Provides smoky flavor and charred edges
Skewers: Hold the chicken securely while cooking
Mixing bowl or zip-top bag: Used for marinating the chicken
Basting brush: Helps apply extra sauce during grilling
Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken is safely cooked without drying out

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe?

This recipe comes together in a few easy stages and is perfect for both beginners and grill lovers.

Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into evenly sized cubes. Place them into a bowl or resealable bag and coat thoroughly with the BBQ sauce. Let the chicken marinate for at least 2–4 hours so the flavors fully absorb.

Assemble the Skewers

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess liquid. Thread the pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Sprinkle BBQ seasoning lightly over the skewers for extra depth of flavor.

Grill the Skewers

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook slowly, turning every few minutes. Brush with extra BBQ sauce as they cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Rest and Garnish

Remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy. Finish with sesame seeds, scallions, and optional hot sauce before serving.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this recipe many times, these tips always help improve the final result.

I always marinate the chicken longer when possible — overnight gives the best flavor
I avoid overcrowding the grill so the skewers char instead of steaming
Brushing sauce only during the last half of grilling prevents burning
I let the skewers rest before serving so the juices redistribute
Using metal skewers helps cook the chicken evenly from the inside

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Recipe?

Serve these skewers on a large platter for a colorful presentation. They pair beautifully with steamed rice, coconut rice, or grilled vegetables. For extra visual appeal, garnish with fresh herbs, lime wedges, or grilled pineapple slices. These skewers also work great in wraps, bowls, or as party appetizers.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick nutritional snapshot per serving (approximate values):

Calories: Around 630 kcal
Protein: High in protein, approximately 70+ g
Carbohydrates: Moderate, mostly from the sauce
Fat: Relatively low, depending on sauce used

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Allow leftover skewers to cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken after marinating but before cooking. Store it in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.

Reheating

Reheat gently on a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Brushing a little extra BBQ sauce while reheating helps restore moisture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons this recipe is always a hit.

Easy and beginner-friendly: Simple steps with big results
Bold tropical flavor: Sweet, smoky, and savory in every bite
Great for gatherings: Perfect for BBQs, parties, or family dinners
Highly customizable: Works with different proteins and spice levels
Meal-prep friendly: Stores and reheats well for busy days

Ben Carraoli