Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Try this Hawaiian Chicken Skewers recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Hawaiian Chicken Skewers recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 oz canned pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup light coconut milk
- 2 garlic cloves minced (i used theâ pampered chef gar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (i used theâ pampered chef ginger gra
- 1 lb fresh pineapple cut into bite-sized pieces (i usedâ pampered chef fruit and cheese cutterâ to cut them into fun hawaiian flowers!)
- 1 1/2 pounds (24 oz) raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized chunks
- you’ll also need 12†skewers – if using wooden ske
- Carbohydrate 22.793959051598 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 3.75669992490024 g
- Fiber 1.93351653648691 g
- Protein 2.5732444703159 g
- Saturated Fat 2.76689855925343 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (two 12†skewers) serving (339g)
- Sodium 786.705603403823 mg
- Sugar 20.8604425151111 g
- Trans Fat 0.286747510129266 g
- Calories 124 calories
Step-by-step
- To create the marinade, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, coconut milk, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and scallions and mix thoroughly.
- Pour marinade into a gallon Ziploc bag and add chicken.
- Seal bag and shake to coat chicken in the marinade.
- Place the bag in the refrigerator so that the chicken is covered in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (but can marinate longer – I let it marinate overnight and the chicken was super flavorful).
- Pre-heat the grill until hot.
- Divide the chicken and pineapple evenly onto the eight skewers.
- Place the skewers directly on the grill or a skewer rack over the grill over low heat.
- Depending on your grill, cooking times may vary. On our 4-burner grill the chicken skewers cooked in about 10 minutes, so I suggest cooking yours for about 5-6 minutes and then flipping them and continuing to cook until chicken is cooked through.
A Taste of Paradise: My Hawaiian Chicken Skewer Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present race against the clock. But even amidst the chaos, I crave flavorful meals that transport me to another place, even if just for a few moments. That’s where these Hawaiian Chicken Skewers came in. The vibrant flavors of pineapple, coconut, and ginger took me straight to a sun-drenched beach, a much-needed mental escape from the daily grind. The recipe itself is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal prep time and offering maximum flavor impact. This is a recipe I've perfected over time, tweaking and adjusting to suit my busy lifestyle and my family’s preferences. The beauty lies in its adaptability – you can adjust the marinade to your liking, adding a touch of chili for a spicier kick or omitting ingredients based on dietary needs or preferences. The result is always a crowd-pleaser, perfectly balanced, and bursting with the sweet and savory notes of the tropics.
What started as an experiment to create a quick yet satisfying weeknight dinner quickly evolved into a family favorite. My kids, initially hesitant about anything remotely resembling "healthy" food, devoured these skewers with gusto. The juicy chicken, perfectly charred on the grill, combined with the sweet and tangy pineapple, creates a symphony of flavors that even the pickiest eaters find irresistible. The marinade is the star of the show, infusing the chicken with a depth of flavor that's both complex and refreshing. It's a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the honey providing a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the tangy pineapple juice and soy sauce. The coconut milk adds a creamy richness that is simply divine, while the ginger and garlic provide a warm, aromatic base.
Beyond the delicious taste, these skewers offer a fantastic way to incorporate fresh, healthy ingredients into your diet. The pineapple is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, while the chicken provides a lean source of protein. The entire process, from marinating to grilling, takes less than an hour, making it a perfect option for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence. And let's not forget the presentation – these colorful skewers are visually appealing, making them ideal for barbecues, potlucks, or simply a delightful family dinner. The simple act of preparing and sharing these skewers has become a ritual in our home, a small but meaningful way to connect with my family amidst the everyday chaos. The fragrant aroma wafting from the grill as the chicken cooks always brings a sense of warmth and comfort, reminding me of the importance of taking time to savor life’s simple pleasures, even if it's just a delicious meal shared with loved ones.
Tips and Variations:
- Marination Time: I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor penetration.
- Grill Temperature: Adjust the grill temperature based on your preference and the size of your chicken chunks. Smaller pieces will cook faster.
- Skewer Type: Use metal or soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
- Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for extra color and nutrition.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these skewers with rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
These Hawaiian Chicken Skewers are more than just a recipe; they are a testament to the power of simple, flavorful food to bring joy and connection to our lives. So, fire up the grill, gather your family, and let the taste of paradise transport you to a place of relaxation and culinary delight. Enjoy!
