Hawaiian-inspired Chicken and Pineapple Skewers

Introduction:

These Hawaiian-inspired Chicken and Pineapple Skewers bring a delicious mix of savory and sweet flavors. Fresh pineapple chunks and tender chicken pieces are paired with a tropical basting sauce, grilled to perfection for a caramelized finish. Perfect for summer barbecues or casual dinners, these skewers are easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

For the Skewers:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed (1½-inch pieces)
• 3 cups fresh pineapple, cubed (1-inch pieces)
• 2 large bell peppers (assorted colors), cut into 1½-inch pieces
• 1 large red onion, cut into 1½-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 12 wooden or metal skewers

For the Marinade and Basting Sauce:

• ⅓ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup canned 100% pineapple juice
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger root
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, olive oil, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
   • Set aside about half of the marinade to use as a basting sauce later.
   • Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag and pour the remaining marinade over them. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (up to 3 hours).
2. Prepare the Skewers:
   • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
   • While the grill is preheating, toss the pineapple, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
   • Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple, and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between ingredients.
3. Grill the Skewers:
   • Preheat the grill to medium heat.
   • In a small saucepan, bring the reserved marinade to a boil. Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir this slurry into the boiling marinade to thicken. Set aside the basting sauce.
   • Grill the skewers for about 5-6 minutes per side, brushing with the basting sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Serve:
   • Transfer the cooked skewers to a platter and serve with any remaining basting sauce on the side.

Conclusion:

These Chicken and Pineapple Skewers are bursting with tropical flavors, combining sweet, juicy pineapple with savory marinated chicken. Grilling them brings out a caramelized sweetness that complements the freshness of the veggies, making this dish an ideal summer meal. Serve it alongside rice or a salad for a complete, flavorful feast!

For more details, visit the full recipe

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