Beat the Heat with Effortless Grilling – Or Bake Indoors!

Lately, many of us, especially here in regions like New England, have been experiencing those glorious (but sometimes intense!) summer heat waves. When the temperatures soar, the last thing anyone wants is a steamy kitchen adding to the warmth inside. That’s precisely when my trusty outdoor grill transforms into the ultimate culinary hero. It’s been a workhorse for everything from sizzling steaks and perfectly charred corn on the cob to incredibly tender grilled chicken and so much more.

There’s an undeniable joy in the entire grilling experience: cracking open a cold beverage, firing up the coals or gas, and letting the good vibes flow with music in the background while the kids play. It’s a quintessential summer pastime that truly can’t be beaten! Among all the fantastic dishes I’ve grilled, these Sweet Chili Hawaiian Chicken Skewers have soared to the top of our family’s favorites list. I absolutely love the vibrant medley of fresh bell peppers, crisp red onions, tender chicken, and juicy pineapple chunks threaded onto skewers for a spectacular dinner.

The magic truly happens when these fresh ingredients are coated in our signature sticky garlic-soy and sweet chili sauce marinade. Every single bite is a revelation – full of tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and caramelized pineapple, all infused with a sweet, salty, and subtly spicy flavor profile that’s utterly mouthwatering. We constantly seek new and exciting flavors to invigorate our dinner routine while keeping meals light, easy, and fresh. These Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are beyond perfect for achieving just that, offering a delightful twist on classic grilled fare.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Versatile Chicken Skewers

You are going to absolutely adore how easy these Sweet Chili Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are to make, and how wonderfully versatile the ingredients you can use are. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a blueprint for deliciousness that adapts to your preferences and pantry. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:

• Explosive Flavor Harmony: The combination of a sweet and spicy chili sauce with savory soy and rich brown sugar creates a glaze that’s truly addictive. This perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the pineapple and the freshness of the vegetables, resulting in a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
• Remarkably Simple Preparation: Forget complicated steps or lengthy ingredient lists. This recipe is designed for ease. With straightforward chopping and a simple whisk-and-simmer sauce, you’ll have these skewers assembled and ready to cook in no time.
• Ultimate Ingredient Flexibility: Whether you’re working with what you have on hand or eager to experiment, these skewers are incredibly adaptable. From various meats and vegetables to different seasoning blends, the possibilities are endless. We’ll share some fantastic substitution ideas to inspire your creativity.
• Visually Stunning & Crowd-Pleasing: The vibrant colors of the bell peppers, red onion, and golden pineapple make these skewers an absolute showstopper. They’re guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, making them perfect for entertaining or simply brightening up a family meal.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with lean protein, essential vitamins from the array of fresh vegetables, and the natural sweetness of fruit, this meal is a wholesome choice. It’s easily customizable to be a low-carb option, offering a guilt-free indulgence.
• Year-Round Enjoyment: While they shine on the grill, these skewers can effortlessly be baked in the oven, meaning you can savor these incredible flavors no matter the season or weather conditions.

Keep reading for the complete, colorful, and utterly delicious recipe, detailed ingredient substitutions, even more mouth-watering photos that will make your stomach rumble, and crucial tips for both grilling these skewers to perfection and baking them beautifully, especially if you don’t have a grill at hand!

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Sweet Chili Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Ready to make your own Sweet Chili Hawaiian Chicken Skewers? Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result:

1. Prepare the Skewer Components: In a large mixing bowl, combine your uniformly chopped boneless, skinless chicken breasts, all three colors of bell peppers (red, yellow, and green for maximum visual appeal and nutritional variety), the pungent red onion, and the sweet, juicy pineapple chunks. Ensure all ingredients are cut into roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Set this colorful medley aside.
2. Craft the Flavorful Glaze: Place a small saucepan over medium heat. Into it, whisk together the rich brown sugar, umami-packed soy sauce, the star of the show – sweet chili sauce, finely minced garlic, a touch of kosher salt, and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper. Stir continuously until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture begins to gently simmer.
3. Achieve the Perfect Sticky Texture: In a separate, small bowl, combine one tablespoon of cold water with one tablespoon of cornstarch. Whisk until you have a smooth slurry with no lumps. Slowly pour this cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce in the saucepan, whisking constantly. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly and glossy. This thickening process ensures your glaze adheres beautifully to the skewers. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately and set aside 1/4 cup of this incredible sauce for basting later.
4. Marinate for Depth of Flavor: Pour the remaining, larger portion of the prepared sweet chili glaze over the chicken, peppers, onions, and pineapple in the large bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is completely coated in the luscious sauce. Allow the ingredients to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For an even more intense and tender result, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for 2 to 4 hours, or even overnight if you’re planning your meal in advance.
5. Assemble Skewers and Preheat Grill: Once your ingredients are sufficiently marinated and you’re ready to cook, begin threading the chicken, bell peppers, red onions, and pineapple chunks onto your skewers. Alternate the ingredients for an appealing visual and balanced flavor in each bite. Arrange the assembled skewers on a clean platter. Now, preheat your outdoor grill to a medium-high heat setting. It’s crucial to ensure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent any sticking.
6. Grill to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the skewers directly onto the hot, oiled grill grates. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, turning them regularly, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the vegetables are tender-crisp with attractive char marks. The pineapple will beautifully caramelize, enhancing its sweetness.
7. The Final Flavor Boost: Once cooked, transfer the skewers from the grill to a serving platter. Take the 1/4 cup of reserved sauce and generously brush it over the hot skewers. This final basting adds an extra layer of glossy, sticky glaze and amplifies the incredible flavors. For a fresh, aromatic finish and a pop of color, sprinkle with freshly chopped chives or scallions, if desired.
8. Serve Hot and Enjoy: Your Sweet Chili Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are now ready! Serve them hot and savor the delightful combination of tropical, savory, and sweet flavors that make this dish so special.

For a full, printable ingredient list and a comprehensive recipe card, please scroll down to the bottom of this article.

Unleash Your Creativity: Delicious Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

Feeling adventurous? These skewers are incredibly versatile! Try these fantastic ideas to customize your Sweet Chili Hawaiian Chicken Skewers:

Protein Swaps:

While chicken is a classic, these skewers welcome other proteins with open arms:

• Smoked Sausage: Adds a wonderful smoky depth and cooks quickly.
• Chopped Steak: Cubes of sirloin, flank steak, or even beef tenderloin would be incredibly flavorful.
• Whole Shrimp: For a rapid-cooking seafood option, thread large, peeled, and deveined shrimp onto the skewers. They cook even faster than chicken!
• Chopped Pork Loin or Tenderloin: Lean and tender pork pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory glaze.
• Italian Sausage or Chicken Sausage: Use pre-cooked sausages, cut into thick rounds, for a hearty and flavorful alternative.
• Lamb: Cubes of lamb leg or shoulder can introduce a more robust and distinct flavor profile.
• Plant-Based Options: For a delightful vegetarian or vegan twist, consider firm or extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed), tempeh, or large halloumi cheese cubes (for vegetarians).

Vibrant Vegetable Additions:

Enhance the colors and textures of your skewers by incorporating additional vegetables:

• Corn on the Cob: Cut small cobs into 1-inch rounds or use sweet baby corn.
• Zucchini and Yellow Squash: Cut into thick half-moons or robust cubes.
• Chopped Potatoes: Small potato chunks should be par-boiled or blanched briefly beforehand to ensure they cook through evenly on the grill or in the oven.
• Mushrooms: Whole button mushrooms or larger cremini mushrooms are excellent choices.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of juicy sweetness and freshness.
• Butternut Squash or Sweet Potato: Cut into small, even cubes and toss with a little oil before threading onto skewers.
• Carrots: Thicker slices of carrot can be par-boiled or blanched to tenderize them slightly before grilling.
• Broccoli or Cauliflower Florets: Use small florets for best results; a quick blanch can help them cook more evenly.
• Brussels Sprouts: Halve larger sprouts to ensure they cook through and caramelize nicely.
• Eggplant: Cubed eggplant absorbs the marinade and cooks up beautifully, becoming tender and savory.

Flavor Boosters: Seasonings, Herbs, and Marinade Alternatives:

While our signature glaze is phenomenal, feel free to experiment with different flavor profiles to match your mood:

• Sweet Chili Sauce Substitute: If sweet chili sauce isn’t readily available, you can create a similar sweet and spicy dynamic by combining pineapple juice with a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes, and a touch of honey or maple syrup.
• Alternative Marinades or Dry Rubs: For a completely different culinary experience, try marinating your ingredients with other popular seasoning blends:
  • Italian Seasoning: Mix with olive oil, minced garlic, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a Mediterranean flair.
  • Cajun Seasoning: For a bold, spicy, and smoky kick, toss with a little oil.
  • Greek Seasoning: Combine with fresh lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and olive oil for a bright and zesty flavor.
  • Dry Barbecue Rub: A good quality dry rub will create a delicious, savory, slightly sweet bark on your chicken and vegetables.
• The Essential Role of Oil: When opting for a dry rub or a seasoning blend that lacks a liquid base, always remember to add a bit of cooking oil (such as olive oil, avocado oil, or sesame oil). The oil serves multiple critical functions: it helps the marinade or seasoning distribute evenly, prevents ingredients from sticking to the grill or pan, and most importantly, it locks in moisture, ensuring your skewers remain tender and juicy.

Beyond Skewers: More Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner Inspirations

Still hungry for fresh, quick, and utterly satisfying weeknight dinner ideas? Explore these other delightful recipes from our kitchen:

• • Lemon-Garlic Honey Butter Salmon & Veggies in Foil
• • BBQ Chicken, Bell Pepper and Pineapple Skewers
• • Rosemary Roasted Chicken with Bell Peppers and Potatoes
• • 3-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
• • One-Pan Roasted Sausage, Peppers and Potatoes
• • Grilled Pesto Chicken and Tomato Skewers
• • BBQ Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Fries
• • One-Pan Greek Orzo with Tomatoes and Feta
• • Grilled Hawaiian Pineapple Pork Chops

Mastering Your Skewers: Pro Tips for Grilling and Baking Success

Achieving perfectly cooked, tender, and incredibly flavorful skewers every single time is simpler than you might think with these expert tips:

• The Genius of Meal Prep: This recipe is an absolute dream for meal prepping! You can chop up all your ingredients – the chicken, bell peppers, red onions, and pineapple – well in advance. Combine them in a large, airtight container, pour over the prepared marinade, and refrigerate. When it’s time for dinner, all that’s left is to thread the ingredients onto your skewers and get cooking. Bam! You’ve got an easy, home-cooked gourmet meal ready in under 10 minutes of active grilling time.
• Choosing the Right Skewers: For optimal grilling results, I highly recommend using metal skewers. They conduct heat efficiently, are reusable, and eliminate the worry of wooden skewers catching fire. If you opt for wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to threading to prevent them from burning on the grill. Regardless of material, lightly oiling your skewers is always a good practice to ensure ingredients slide off easily.
• Uniform Cuts for Even Cooking: A crucial tip for perfectly cooked skewers is to ensure that your chicken, all vegetables, and pineapple chunks are cut into uniform 1-inch pieces. This consistency is key to ensuring that every ingredient cooks at roughly the same rate, preventing some pieces from being overdone while others are still raw.
• Don’t Overcrowd Your Skewers: Resist the urge to pack too many ingredients onto each skewer. Leave a small, visible gap between each piece. This allows the hot air and flame to circulate evenly around all sides of the food, promoting thorough cooking, beautiful charring, and better caramelization.
• Achieve the Perfect Sear with High Heat: Always preheat your grill to a consistent medium-high heat before placing your skewers on the grates. A properly hot grill ensures a fantastic sear, creating those desirable grill marks and locking in the precious juices, preventing your ingredients from sticking and drying out.

Elevate Your Meal: Inspired Serving Suggestions

These versatile skewers are incredibly delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes:

• Classic Comfort: Serve them alongside a bed of hot, fluffy white or brown rice. The rice perfectly soaks up any extra glaze, making for a truly satisfying meal.
• Noodle Lovers’ Delight: Light rice noodles, a simple stir-fried noodle dish, or even a classic lo mein can be wonderful accompaniments.
• Healthy Grains: For a nutritious and wholesome boost, quinoa makes an excellent and protein-rich side dish.
• Fresh and Light: Balance the richness of the skewers with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.
• Roasted Vegetables: If you’re utilizing the oven method, roast some additional vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or sweet potato wedges alongside your skewers for a complete sheet pan meal.

No Grill? No Problem! Bake Them to Perfection Instead!

Even though these Sweet Chili Hawaiian Chicken Skewers embody the spirit of summer grilling, you absolutely don’t need a grill to enjoy them! This recipe bakes up beautifully on a sheet pan, making it a fantastic option any time of year, regardless of the weather or your kitchen setup. Here’s how to adapt them for oven baking:

1. Prepare as Directed: Follow all the initial steps for chopping your ingredients and marinating them in the delectable sweet chili glaze.
2. Arrange for Baking: You can still thread the marinated ingredients onto skewers for a fun presentation if desired. Alternatively, for an even easier approach, simply spread the marinated chicken, vegetables, and pineapple in a single, even layer on a large, parchment-lined baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning.
3. Bake to Deliciousness: Preheat your oven to a steady 400°F (200°C). Bake the skewers or sheet pan contents for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the vegetables are tender with slightly browned edges. For even cooking and beautiful caramelization, turn the ingredients halfway through the baking time. For an extra glossy and sticky finish, brush with the reserved sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Voila! Dinner is done, incredibly delicious, and ready to be heartily devoured.

Sweet Chili Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Yield:
6 servings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

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:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp. water

For serving (optional):

• Chopped fresh chives or scallions, for garnish
• Hot cooked rice, noodles or quinoa

Instructions

1. Add chopped chicken, peppers, onions and pineapple chunks to a large bowl. Set aside.
2. In a small saucepan set to medium heat, whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, garlic, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3. In a small bowl, whisk water and cornstarch. Slowly whisk into the mixture. Stir until bubbly and thickened. Remove from heat and reserve 1/4 cup of the sauce for later.
4. Pour sauce over chicken and veggies. Let marinade for 30 minutes.
5. When ready to cook, thread chicken, peppers, onions and pineapple on skewers. Place on a platter and preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until chicken and veggies are tender. Remove from the grill and brush with reserved sauce. Sprinkle with fresh chives or scallions, if desired.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

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