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Tropical pineapple coconut chicken skewers grilled to perfection

Pineapple Coconut Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

A vibrant explosion of tropical flavors, these skewers feature juicy chicken marinated in coconut milk and pineapple juice for a perfect summer dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: BBQ, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Hawaiian, Tropical
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 3/4 cup coconut milk Use leftovers for Coconut Lime Rice
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice Adds sweet and tangy flavor
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar Provides caramelized sweetness
  • 2 tbsp tomato sauce/ketchup For acidity and sweetness
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce Savory umami flavor
  • 1 units lime zest and juice Bright zesty notes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced For aromatic depth
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ginger powder Or 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 - 1 tsp cayenne pepper Optional for added heat
  • 1/2 tsp salt Enhances flavors
For the Skewers
  • 1.5 lb chicken thigh fillets, cut into 1"/2.5cm pieces Tender and juicy for skewering
  • 1 tbsp olive or vegetable oil For grilling
  • 8 units skewers Soak in water for 30 minutes if using wooden skewers

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, pineapple juice, brown sugar, tomato sauce, soy sauce, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, onion powder, cumin, paprika, ginger, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt.
  2. Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade in the fridge for basting later. Add the chicken pieces to the remaining marinade, cover the bowl, and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours. Overnight is ideal, but even a quick 20-minute soak can yield tasty results.
Cooking
  1. After marinating, drain and discard the leftover marinade. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, ensuring pieces are spaced evenly for proper cooking.
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or on an outdoor BBQ over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the skewers, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Baste generously with the reserved marinade during cooking to ensure extra flavor and moisture.
Serving
  1. Serve your delicious Pineapple Coconut Hawaiian Chicken Skewers hot off the grill alongside a fluffy Coconut Lime Rice to soak up any extra juices.

Notes

For the best flavor, try to marinate your chicken overnight. If short on time, even 20 minutes can make a significant difference. Ensure your grill is preheated for beautiful sear marks. Don’t skip the basting step!