Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

Chicken Pineapple Kabobs with bell peppers, and mushrooms in a delicious sweet soy sauce marinade make a delicious and easy dinner. Pair it with Cilantro Lime Quinoa or Grilled Red Potatoes.

I'm so excited to be able to turn some attention toward summer recipes. We're about a month into spring now and despite the fact that the weather still fluctuates and sometimes I still think I might need a jacket, I'm going to go ahead and move full-steam ahead into all the warm-weather everything.

That brings me to this fun summer grilling recipe. Can you think of a term that conjures up "summer" more so than anything dubbed "Hawaiian"? Didn't think so. Also, I think when you read that something is Hawaiian, you already know what's going to be in it. A bit of sweet (by way of pineapple and brown sugar of course), a little bit of savory (thank you soy sauce and sesame oil), a hint of tart (mmmmm vinegar), and some tang and spice (courtesy of the ginger).

Add to that some bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions and you've got yourself a yummy salad or salsa right there. But why not toss all this deliciousness over some lean, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, let it soak up all that goodness awhile and THEN skewer it all up and toss it on the grill?

Do I have you convinced yet that this is going to be one of your go-to summer grilling meals? This recipe makes a healthy, colorful meal that both kids and adults are guaranteed to love.

What Sides Go Well With Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs?

Oh...the many, many, many sides I have served with this dish. I could go on and on. Summer grilling is the best because you can just throw whatever on the grill — main dishes or sides, or both at the same time.

• If you're not in the mood for a veggie assortment on the grill, try grilling up some broccoli. The grill really gives the broccoli a nice nutty, smoky flavor.
• If broccoli isn't your thing, then give grilled cauliflower a go.
• If it's a starch you're looking for, grill up some yummy red potatoes alongside the chicken kabobs.
• If your grill space is at a premium or you want to balance out the grilled goods with some easy sides, try a side of brown rice or quinoa or another hearty grain.
• Side salads are always a fan-favorite and complement just about anything you can grill up.

How Can I Serve Chicken and Pineapple Kabobs?

This dish just begs to be served alongside other yummy dishes.

• I like to serve my kabobs over white or brown rice, polenta, couscous, or even cauliflower rice.
• Skewers are also delicious over a bed of spiralized veggies — zucchini, yellow squash, and sweet potatoes are some of my favorites.
• Serve these kabobs with a side of pita or naan bread. I like to put a skewer right into the bread, and then fold it up over the kabob like a taco. Grab a hold of the meat and veggies on the skewer and pull it right off — instant sandwich!
• The meat and veggies in this Hawaiian-inspired dish pair really well with a homemade bowl. Layer rice, beans, skewers, lettuce, tomatoes, and even fruit salsa for a taste of the tropics.

How Can I Use Leftover Chicken Pineapple Kabobs?

I'm a huge fan of leftovers! And this recipe tastes even better the next day. (I do prefer to store the meat and veggies all together in an airtight container off the skewer in the fridge. I don't want any woody char flavor to seep into my leftovers and I don't really want to reheat the skewers either [especially if they're metal.].)

• I like to put the chicken and veggies right on top of a bed of lettuce with some additional fruit salsa for dressing. Round it off with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds, sliced green or red onions, edamame or other tropical toppings.
• These grilled kabobs are so delish over a bed of cold (or warm) soba noodles. Make an extra batch of the marinade (but don't put the chicken or veggies in it) to serve as a dressing to make it even tastier.
• Try shredding the chicken and making a slider out of a Hawaiian roll. Top with a sweet BBQ sauce or honey mustard, sliced cucumbers, shaved radishes, avocado, or pineapple rings.
• Tacos, burritos, or wraps...take your favorite low-carb tortilla and wrap all the yummy Hawaiian kabob ingredients up with fruit or tomato salsa. Wraps make great, packable lunches as well.

Can I Bake these Kabobs?

If you don't have a grill — don't fret. You can grill these inside on a grill pan or in a large skillet or skip the skewer entirely and bake the marinated chicken and veggies in the oven at 375 for 20-30 minutes (depending on whether or not you've cubed your chicken or left it whole).

How Do I Make This Meal Low Carb?

Are you following a low-carb, Paleo, or clean-eating diet? Don't feel left out and skip right over the good stuff. You can just as easily substitute Stevia, honey, or maple syrup instead of the brown sugar — or just leave it out completely. Less sugar, just as delicious!