If you’re craving a sweet and savory dish that bursts with tropical flavors and a perfect hint of smoky char, look no further than these Juicy Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs: Easy Air Fryer & Oven Recipe. This vibrant combination of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and crisp veggies brings a sensational balance of tastes and textures that make every bite feel like a mini vacation. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these kabobs are simple to prepare yet impressively delicious, making them a standout recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make a huge difference in this Juicy Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs: Easy Air Fryer & Oven Recipe. Each one brings its own magic, from the sweet tanginess of pineapple juice to the warm aromatic kick of ginger, creating a marinade that perfectly infuses the chicken and veggies.
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos or soy sauce: Adds a savory depth and umami boost without overpowering the sweet notes.
- 1/2 cup 100% pineapple juice: Provides natural sweetness and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens the marinade and helps create that gorgeous caramelized glaze.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a warm, zesty spice that amps up the tropical vibes.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a subtle garlicky punch that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that complements the other flavors effortlessly.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all flavors and ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch chunks): The star protein that absorbs the marinade for juicy tenderness.
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch chunks): Adds a pop of color and a crisp, slightly sweet crunch.
- 1 medium red onion (cut into 1-inch chunks): Brings mild sharpness and beautiful caramelization when cooked.
- 20 oz pineapple chunks (in 100% juice): Juicy bursts of sweetness that perfectly contrast the savory elements.
- 6 wooden skewers: Essential for assembling and grilling your kabobs evenly and safely.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca flour: Used to thicken the reserved marinade into a luscious sauce.
How to Make Juicy Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs: Easy Air Fryer & Oven Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together coconut aminos, pineapple juice, honey, ground ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and kosher salt until it’s a smooth, flavorful marinade. Pour half over the diced chicken, making sure every piece gets well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—this step not only softens the chicken but also allows it to soak up those tropical, tangy-sweet flavors. For even deeper taste, you can marinate it up to 2 days if you have time. Save the other half of the marinade for later to make a fantastic sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
While your chicken marinates, soak six wooden skewers in warm water for 30 minutes. Soaking is super important because it stops the wood from burning under your heat source. Plus, it makes threading the kabobs onto them more manageable and helps keep everything together when you cook.
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Now for the fun part! Alternate threading pieces of marinated chicken, red onion chunks, pineapple, and red bell pepper onto the skewers. Leaving a little space at both ends makes them easier to flip and handle later. It’s a breeze to customize the order or quantity based on your preference, but a balanced mix makes every bite a delightful harmony of flavors.
Step 4: Cook Your Kabobs
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the kabobs inside and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. For some extra charred goodness, pop them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lay the kabobs on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Remember to flip them at the halfway mark for perfect doneness and browning.
Grill Method: If you prefer that authentic grilled flavor, preheat your grill to high. Cook the kabobs over direct heat for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning once for a gorgeous charred finish.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
While your kabobs are cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch or tapioca flour with a tablespoon of water until smooth to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the heated marinade and bring to a boil while whisking continuously. In about a minute, the mixture will thicken into a glossy sauce—take it off the heat and get ready to brush your kabobs with this irresistible glaze.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Brush the warm, thickened sauce over the cooked kabobs generously to lock in moisture and add that extra burst of flavor that ties everything together. These Juicy Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs: Easy Air Fryer & Oven Recipe are now ready to wow your taste buds!
How to Serve Juicy Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs: Easy Air Fryer & Oven Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate the dish even more. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions over the kabobs for a fresh, herbaceous lift that balances the sweetness. A light drizzle of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely crunch and nutty aroma to each bite.
Side Dishes
These kabobs pair beautifully with fluffy coconut rice, which complements the tropical flavors perfectly. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables like zucchini and asparagus. A side of chilled mango salsa or a tangy cucumber salad also brightens the meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the kabobs on a large platter lined with banana leaves or atop a bed of jasmine rice garnished with edible flowers. You can also thread the kabobs onto smaller skewers for appetizer-style servings or serve the chicken and veggies separately tossed with the sauce in bowls alongside rice bowls for a casual family-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the glaze separate until reheating helps maintain the texture and flavor integrity.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked marinated chicken and veggies on skewers by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking, and make fresh sauce when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat the kabobs gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or use your air fryer on a lower setting until warmed through. Brush with some fresh sauce before serving to revive that shiny, saucy finish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs remain juicy and tender, and their rich flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweet and savory marinade used in this Juicy Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs: Easy Air Fryer & Oven Recipe.
What can I substitute if I don’t have coconut aminos?
You can use soy sauce, tamari, or even liquid aminos as a great substitute. Just keep in mind the sodium level varies, so you might want to adjust salt accordingly.
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers helps prevent them from burning or splitting during cooking, especially under high heat like grilling or air frying.
Can I prepare these kabobs entirely in the oven?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile and works beautifully in the oven at 425°F, delivering juicy chicken and perfectly cooked veggies without stepping outside.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The kabobs should be opaque, juicy, and slightly caramelized on the outside for that perfect finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about biting into these Juicy Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs: Easy Air Fryer & Oven Recipe. The way the sweet pineapple mingles with savory chicken and crisp vegetables creates a tantalizing flavor experience that feels both fresh and comforting. Whether you cook them in the air fryer, oven, or grill, these kabobs bring quick, irresistible joy to your table. Give this recipe a try—it’s bound to become your new favorite weeknight or party dish!
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Juicy Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs: Easy Air Fryer & Oven Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This recipe for Juicy Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs combines marinated chicken breast, fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, and red onion, all threaded onto skewers and cooked to perfection using various methods including air frying, oven baking, or grilling. The flavorful marinade of coconut aminos, pineapple juice, honey, garlic, and ginger imparts a delicious tropical twist, while a thickened sauce made from the reserved marinade adds a glossy, savory finish. Perfect for a quick, easy, and vibrant meal with a touch of the islands.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 1/2 cup 100% pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 20 oz pineapple chunks (in 100% juice)
- 6 wooden skewers
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together coconut aminos, pineapple juice, honey, ground ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and kosher salt in a bowl until well combined. Pour half of this mixture over the diced chicken breast, ensuring that all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days for deeper flavor. Reserve the remaining marinade for later use as a sauce.
- Soak Skewers: Soak the wooden skewers in warm water for 30 minutes. This step prevents the wood from burning during cooking and helps maintain the kabobs’ presentation.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken chunks, red onion pieces, pineapple chunks, and red bell pepper alternately onto the soaked skewers. Leave some space at the ends for easier handling. Discard any leftover marinade from the chicken to ensure safety.
- Cook Using Preferred Method:
Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the kabobs for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra char, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end while monitoring closely.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and bake the kabobs for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Grill: Preheat the grill to high heat and cook kabobs over direct heat for 8-10 minutes, turning once to achieve grill marks and char. - Make the Sauce: While the kabobs are cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch or tapioca flour with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Add this slurry to the simmering marinade. Bring to a boil while whisking continuously until thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
- Finish and Serve: Brush the cooked kabobs generously with the thickened sauce to add flavor and sheen. Serve immediately, ideally paired with fluffy coconut rice for a tropical, refreshing meal experience.
Notes
- Soaking the wooden skewers is essential to prevent burning during cooking.
- Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour; marinating longer (up to 2 days) will deepen the flavors.
- If using metal skewers, soaking is not necessary.
- Ensure to discard any marinade that has contacted raw chicken before cooking to avoid cross-contamination.
- Adjust cooking time if kabob pieces are larger or smaller than 1 inch.
- For a gluten-free meal, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure cornstarch or tapioca is gluten-free.
- Broiling at the end of air frying adds extra char but watch carefully to prevent burning.
