Sweet Chili Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Tender grilled chicken, colorful bell peppers, juicy pineapple, and a sticky sweet chili glaze come together to create a meal that’s ideal for summer cookouts, family dinners, or easy weeknight grilling. If you’re looking for a flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare, these Sweet Chili Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and tangy glaze with just the right amount of savory flavor.
- Juicy grilled chicken paired with fresh pineapple and crisp vegetables.
- Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for family dinners, BBQs, and meal prep.
- Colorful presentation that’s great for entertaining.
- Delicious served with rice, noodles, or quinoa.
Ingredients
For the Skewers
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes
For the Glaze
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Optional for Serving
- Chopped fresh chives or scallions
- Hot cooked rice
- Noodles
- Quinoa
Instructions
- Place the chicken, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple into a large mixing bowl.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, garlic, salt, and black pepper until combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Slowly whisk the slurry into the sauce and continue stirring until thickened.
- Remove from the heat and reserve ¼ cup of the glaze for brushing after grilling.
- Pour the remaining glaze over the chicken and vegetables. Toss well to coat and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Thread the marinated ingredients onto skewers, alternating chicken, peppers, onion, and pineapple.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Sweet Chili Hawaiian Chicken Skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, turning occasionally until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Brush the skewers with the reserved glaze during the final minute of cooking.
- Garnish with chopped chives or scallions and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Cut all ingredients into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Fresh pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for extra heat.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for even juicier skewers.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Dairy-Free
Notes
- Serve alongside grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair with coconut rice for tropical flavor.
- The glaze also works well as a dipping sauce.
- Leftover chicken can be added to salads or wraps.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 25g
FAQ
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate the skewers up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I use canned pineapple?
Fresh pineapple is recommended, but well-drained canned pineapple also works.
What should I serve with these skewers?
Rice, quinoa, noodles, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad are excellent choices.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze the marinated uncooked chicken separately for up to 3 months.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently on the grill, in the oven, or microwave until heated through.
Similar Recipes
Sweet Chili Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
For the Skewers
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 red bell pepper cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 yellow bell pepper cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 green bell pepper cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red onion cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh pineapple cut into 1-inch cubes
For the Glaze
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Optional for Serving
- Chopped fresh chives or scallions
- Hot cooked rice
- Noodles
- Quinoa
Instructions
- Place the chicken, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple into a large mixing bowl.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, garlic, salt, and black pepper until combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Slowly whisk the slurry into the sauce and continue stirring until thickened.
- Remove from the heat and reserve ¼ cup of the glaze for brushing after grilling.
- Pour the remaining glaze over the chicken and vegetables. Toss well to coat and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Thread the marinated ingredients onto skewers, alternating chicken, peppers, onion, and pineapple.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Sweet Chili Hawaiian Chicken Skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, turning occasionally until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Brush the skewers with the reserved glaze during the final minute of cooking.
- Garnish with chopped chives or scallions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Serve alongside grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair with coconut rice for tropical flavor.
- The glaze also works well as a dipping sauce.
- Leftover chicken can be added to salads or wraps.
Conclusion
These Sweet Chili Hawaiian Chicken Skewers deliver the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in every bite. With juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and colorful vegetables coated in a rich sweet chili glaze, this recipe is ideal for backyard BBQs, summer gatherings, or quick family dinners. Easy to prepare and packed with tropical flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.