Name: Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or ½ teaspoon ginger powder); 1 tablespoon ketchup (for thickening) or 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water; 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (about 1 small pineapple); 1 medium red onion, cut into 1.5-inch chunks; 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces; 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces; 1 small zucchini, sliced into ½-inch rounds or half-moons

If you’re craving a burst of tropical flavors mingled with smoky grilled goodness, this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful veggies come together for a fun and flavorful meal that’s perfect any time of year.

The image shows five metal skewers with grilled chicken pieces that are golden brown and shiny with sauce, mixed with layers of bright red bell peppers, dark purple onions, yellow pineapple chunks, and green zucchini chunks. The skewers are arranged closely on a large white plate with fresh green cilantro leaves scattered on top. On the right side of the plate, there is a small bowl filled with a dark red sauce and some lime wedges placed next to it. The background has a white marbled surface underneath the plate with a few scattered green and purple vegetable pieces visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of these skewers. They’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and the perfect way to impress friends (or just treat yourself on a weeknight). The sweet and tangy teriyaki glaze sets these apart from your typical BBQ chicken skewers.

Quick and easy: From prep to plate in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Flavor-packed: A beautiful balance of smoky, sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
Colorful and nutritious: Vibrant veggies and fruit add freshness and nutrients.
Great for any occasion: Fantastic for summer dinners, grilling parties, or meal prepping.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you fire up the grill, let’s look at the key ingredients that make these Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers so special. Each one plays a role to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Flat lay of boneless, skinless chicken thighs in natural pink tones, fresh pineapple chunks with bright yellow and textured skin edges, a medium red onion quartered showing vibrant purple layers, a large green bell pepper cut into chunky pieces with glossy skin, a large red bell pepper similarly cut with rich red color, a small zucchini sliced into pale green rounds with visible seeds, two small white bowls containing golden honey and deep brown soy sauce, a small white bowl of fresh lime juice with green lime wedges beside it, a teaspoon of bright red smoked paprika powder, two cloves of garlic whole and unpeeled, a small bowl of amber sesame oil, a small heap of finely minced pale yellow fresh ginger root, and a white bowl holding smooth red ketchup, all arranged symmetrically in perfect proportion on a simple white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: They’re tender, juicy, and soak up the marinade better than chicken breasts.
Soy sauce: Adds that classic umami and salty depth to the teriyaki glaze.
Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Fresh lime juice: Adds a bright, tangy zing that balances the sweetness.
Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky note without needing a fancy smoker.
Garlic and ginger: Classic aromatics that punch up the flavor profile.
Sesame oil: Adds a nutty fragrance that’s signature in Asian-inspired dishes.
Ketchup or cornstarch slurry: Helps thicken the glaze so it clings perfectly to the chicken.
Fresh pineapple chunks: Sweet and juicy, they caramelize nicely and complement the savory chicken.
Red onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and color contrast.
Green and red bell peppers: They bring crunch, color, and fresh flavor.
Zucchini: Adds a mild, tender veggie element to round out the skewers.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe is how flexible it is—feel free to tweak the ingredients and veggies to suit your taste buds or what’s in season. These skewers are all about vibrant flavors and fun grilling, so don’t be afraid to play around!

Variation: I love swapping out the bell peppers for chunks of mango or peaches in the summer for an extra juicy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smoky chicken.
Gluten-Free Option: For those avoiding gluten, simply swap soy sauce for tamari. This keeps all the savory, salty goodness without the gluten worries.
Vegetarian Twist: If you want a meatless version, use firm tofu or mushrooms marinated in the same teriyaki glaze—just grill them gently so they don’t dry out.
Cooking Alternatives: No grill? No problem! These skewers work wonderfully on a stovetop grill pan or even under your oven’s broiler—just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
Extra Flavor Punch: Marinate your chicken a bit longer—up to 30 minutes—to let those flavors really soak in, but try not to go over 2 hours to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe

The image shows five skewers of grilled chicken and vegetables on a metal tray lined with white parchment paper. Each skewer has layers of golden brown grilled chicken pieces, bright red bell peppers, green zucchini slices, orange chunks of grilled pineapple, and bits of purple onion. The skewers are drizzled with a shiny dark brown sauce, and there are lime wedges placed around them. A small white bowl of thick dark sauce sits on the tray near the top left corner. Around the tray, there are pieces of naan bread, scattered fresh green herbs, and bowls with diced pineapple and mixed bell peppers on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together the Teriyaki Marinade

Start by mixing soy sauce, honey, fresh lime juice, smoked paprika, minced garlic, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and your choice of thickener—either ketchup or a cornstarch slurry—in a medium bowl. This creates a luscious, thick teriyaki glaze that will coat your chicken beautifully. Whisk until everything is fully combined, and you’ll notice the sweet-spicy aroma hinting at the delicious meal ahead.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Pieces

Add your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces to the marinade and toss them gently but thoroughly until every morsel is coated. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes to soak up the flavors, or up to 30 minutes if you have the time. This step is key for juicy, flavorful chicken that’s bursting with that signature teriyaki taste.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat—aim for about 400°F (200°C). A properly heated grill ensures a good sear on the chicken and those gorgeous grill marks we all love. Don’t forget to soak your bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand so they won’t burn as you cook.

Step 4: Assemble Your Colorful Skewers

Now the fun part! Thread your marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with fresh pineapple chunks, red onion, green and red bell peppers, and zucchini slices. Leave a little space between each piece so the heat can circulate evenly and everything cooks perfectly. The vibrant colors alone will have your mouth watering.

Step 5: Grill and Glaze to Perfection

Place the skewers on your preheated grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes total. Turn them every 3 to 4 minutes to get even cooking on all sides. As you turn, baste the skewers generously with leftover teriyaki glaze to keep the chicken moist and infuse more flavor. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)—juicy and safe to eat!

Step 6: Let Them Rest and Serve

Once off the grill, let your skewers rest for 5 minutes. This little break allows the juices to redistribute through the chicken, making each bite tender and bursting with flavor. Serve them straight off the skewers for a fun summer dinner or alongside rice and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the perfect balance of juicy, flavorful chicken and beautifully caramelized pineapple every time you make this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe.

Marinate Just Right: I found that marinating the chicken thighs for at least 10 minutes but no more than 30 strikes the perfect flavor without changing the texture.
Keep the Skewers Juicy: Basting the skewers with leftover teriyaki glaze every few minutes while grilling keeps the chicken succulent and adds layers of smoky-sweet goodness.
Don’t Crowd the Skewers: Leaving a little space between pieces ensures even grilling and prevents steaming – which is key for that perfect grilled char.
Prevent Skewer Burn: Soaking bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling saved me from a smoky, burnt stick disaster more than once!

How to Serve Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe

The image shows two parts: on the left, a white bowl filled with raw chicken pieces covered with a reddish-brown sauce with bits of garlic over a dark wood surface; on the right, five metal skewers laid out on a white tray, each skewer layered with chunks of marinated chicken, yellow pineapple pieces, green and red bell pepper chunks, and slices of red onion, with more pineapple cubes and a small bowl of the same reddish dipping sauce placed at the bottom left of the tray, all set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a fresh pop by sprinkling chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top of the skewers just before serving. A wedge of lime on the side also brightens the flavors and adds a lovely citrusy zing.

Side Dishes

These skewers pair beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up all the teriyaki glaze. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp Asian slaw or a fresh cucumber salad to complement the sweet and smoky flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover skewers uncovered until cool, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, remove the chicken and vegetables from the skewers and lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a grill pan, under the broiler, or in a skillet to revive the grilled texture, basting with a little extra teriyaki glaze if you have some on hand. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken dry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to dry out more easily. Marinate them briefly and watch the grilling time closely to keep them juicy.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. This keeps the savory depth without gluten.

Can I prepare the skewers indoors?

Absolutely! Use a stovetop grill pan or broiler to cook the skewers, turning frequently and basting to mimic the outdoor grill flavors.

What’s the best way to prevent skewers from sticking to the grill?

Make sure to preheat your grill properly, oil the grates lightly, and avoid moving the skewers too soon. Letting them form a good sear will help release them naturally.

Final Thoughts

Making this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to bring a bit of island sunshine to the dinner table. It’s quick, delicious, and invites everyone to enjoy bold tropical flavors with minimal fuss. Whether you’re grilling for a weeknight meal or a backyard barbecue, these skewers never disappoint — and I’m sure you’ll love them as much as I do!