Pineapple Coconut Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

These skewers are a taste of paradise! Inspired by the roadside chicken stalls in Hawaii, this recipe combines the classic flavors of juicy pineapple with the creamy richness of coconut milk. The chicken soaks up all the sweet, savory, and tangy goodness from the marinade, which makes it incredibly tender and flavorful. Whether you’re grilling outside on the barbecue or cooking on the stove, these skewers will bring a little bit of the tropics right to your dinner table. They’re perfect for a summer gathering or a fun weeknight meal.

Instructions

1. 1

   To make the marinade, combine the coconut milk, pineapple juice, brown sugar, tomato sauce, soy sauce, lime zest and juice, minced garlic, onion powder, cumin, paprika, ginger powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt in a bowl. Whisk everything until well combined.

2. 2

   Take out about 1/2 cup of the marinade and set it aside in the fridge for basting later. Add the cut chicken pieces to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Mix well to coat the chicken, cover, and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or even better, overnight. If you're in a hurry, 20 minutes is enough, but be prepared to baste more generously during cooking.

3. 3

   Once the chicken is marinated, drain off the marinade and discard it. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure they're not packed too tightly.

4. 4

   Heat the oil in a large skillet or on an outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the hot surface and cook, turning them to ensure all sides get cooked. Be sure to baste them generously with the reserved marinade. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces, until they are golden and cooked through.

5. 5

   Once cooked, the chicken skewers are ready to be served. They pair wonderfully with Coconut Lime Rice, and for an extra touch, you can grill some pineapple slices to serve on the side.

Recipe Notes

• I like to use the juice from a can of pineapple chunks for this recipe. Then, you can grill the pineapple chunks themselves and serve them alongside the chicken skewers like a fresh, fruity salsa. It’s a great way to use everything up!

• When you're basting the chicken, focus on the sides that are already cooked. The marinade will caramelize quickly, so only baste for a few seconds on each side. The chicken should be cooked in about 6-8 minutes, but this can vary depending on how thick your chicken pieces are.

• The nutrition information is based on a serving of 2 skewers. It also accounts for the marinade that is discarded after the chicken has soaked up the flavor.