Hawaiian Chicken & Pineapple Skewers | Your Next Best Cookout Dish

Hawaiian Chicken and Pineapple Luau Skewers with Dark Meat

Ingredients:

• 4 Edwards Family Farms chicken thighs (peel the skin [& save for a snack] and debone [save & freeze for bone broth] then cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 red onion (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• Wooden or metal skewers

For the Marinade:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

For Garnish:

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Place chicken thigh cubes in a resealable plastic bag or a large bowl.
   • Pour half of the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). Reserve the other half of the marinade for basting.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
   • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent burning.
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
   • Thread chicken, pineapple, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion alternately onto the skewers.
4. Grill the Skewers:
   • Lightly oil the grill grates.
   • Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are slightly charred.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer to a serving platter.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.
   • Serve with lime wedges on the side.

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Why Choose Dark Meat Chicken Thighs?

Our dark meat chicken thighs are the star of this recipe. Unlike white meat, dark meat is juicier and more flavorful, making every bite satisfying. 

When marinated and grilled, the chicken thighs remain tender, absorbing the rich flavors of the marinade and the natural sweetness of the pineapple.

The Perfect Marinade

The magic of these skewers lies in the marinade. 

A delightful blend of:

• Soy sauce for a savory base
• Pineapple juice adding a touch of sweetness
• Brown sugar enhancing the caramelization on the grill
• Minced garlic and grated ginger for aromatic depth
• Sesame oil offering a nutty flavor
• Rice vinegar for a subtle tang
• Black pepper and optional red pepper flakes providing a gentle kick

This marinade not only infuses the chicken with mouthwatering flavors but also helps to tenderize the meat.

Fresh and Vibrant Ingredients

To complement the marinated chicken, we've included fresh pineapple chunks, red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion pieces. 

The pineapple adds a juicy, sweet contrast to the savory chicken, while the bell peppers and onion provide a delightful crunch and a burst of color. It's Instagram-worthy!

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Juicy and Flavorful: Dark meat chicken thighs stay tender and moist, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the marinade.
• Tropical Twist: Fresh pineapple adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory chicken, making each bite exciting.
• Colorful and Festive: The combination of pineapple, bell peppers, and onion makes these skewers visually appealing and perfect for a summer party.
• Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare and grill, these skewers save you time and effort while delivering amazing taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your guests with a dish that’s both delicious and unique, ideal for any BBQ or luau.

These Hawaiian Chicken and Pineapple Luau Skewers are the ultimate summer treat. Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make, they bring a taste of the tropics to your backyard. 

So, fire up the grill and get ready for this vibrant and delicious dish.

Click here to buy pasture-raised chicken thighs.