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); 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); 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); 1 tablespoon ketchup (for thickening)

If you’re craving something vibrant, juicy, and packed with flavor, you’ll want to try this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe. It’s my go-to when I want that perfect combo of sweet, smoky, and tangy grilled goodness that feels like a mini island getaway right from my own backyard.

Several metal skewers lie on a large white plate, each filled with layers of grilled chicken pieces coated in a shiny glaze, alternating with chunks of yellow pineapple, red bell pepper, green zucchini, and purple onion. The chicken looks grilled with slight dark char marks, making the colors rich and vibrant. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered around and on top of the skewers. To the right side of the plate, a small white bowl holds a dark red dipping sauce, and lime wedges sit next to it. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. 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 can’t get enough of these Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers — they bring all the best summer BBQ vibes, and the balance of juicy chicken with sweet pineapple and crisp veggies seriously hits the spot every time.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight or last-minute cookout.
Flavor Packed: Sweet honey and lime perfectly blend with savory soy and smoked paprika for a killer teriyaki glaze.
Colorful & Nutritious: Loaded with peppers, pineapple, and zucchini for a vibrant, balanced meal.
Versatile Cooking: Grilling outdoors or using a broiler/grill pan works just fine.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to this recipe, choosing fresh, vibrant ingredients really makes all the difference. Fresh pineapple and crisp vegetables bring natural sweetness and crunch, while the chicken thighs soak up that homemade teriyaki marinade beautifully for juicy bites every time.

Flat lay of fresh raw boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks, bright yellow pineapple chunks, a medium red onion quartered into large pieces, a large green bell pepper cut into chunks, a large red bell pepper cut into chunks, a small zucchini sliced into half-moon rounds, whole garlic cloves, a small piece of fresh ginger root, a small white ceramic bowl with dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl with light green fresh lime juice, a small white ceramic bowl with deep reddish ketchup, a small white ceramic bowl with amber sesame oil, a small white ceramic bowl with smoked paprika powder, 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: Stay juicy and tender, absorbing the marinade flavors better than breasts.
Fresh pineapple chunks: Adds natural sweetness and a tropical zing that pairs perfectly with savory chicken.
Red onion: Offers a mild sharpness and lovely color contrast on the skewers.
Green and red bell peppers: Contribute sweetness, texture, and vibrant colors.
Small zucchini: Gives a tender, fresh veggie component that grills quickly.
Soy sauce: The salty umami base of your teriyaki glaze.
Honey: Balances savory notes with gentle sweetness and helps with caramelization.
Fresh lime juice: Brightens and adds a zesty tang to the marinade.
Smoked paprika: Brings subtle smoky depth without needing a smoker.
Garlic: A classic flavor booster in the glaze.
Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma and richness.
Fresh ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy note for that authentic teriyaki kick.
Ketchup: Optional, but great for thickening and adding a touch of sweetness and tang.

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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

One of the best things about this Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste and dietary needs. Feel free to swap out veggies, adjust sweetness, or adapt the cooking method to suit your kitchen and cravings.

Variation: For a smoky, slightly spicy twist, I love adding a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of Sriracha to the marinade. It adds a nice kick that balances the sweet pineapple beautifully.
Vegetarian Version: Simply replace the chicken thighs with firm tofu or tempeh, and marinate just the same. Grilling these will give you that lovely char and soak up the teriyaki flavors.
Seasonal Swaps: If pineapple isn't in season, mango chunks work surprisingly well, or you can try peaches for a juicy summer vibe.
Low-Sodium Change: Switching to a low sodium soy sauce helps reduce salt without losing savory depth.

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

Four metal skewers lie on a rectangular tray lined with white paper. Each skewer holds grilled pieces of orange-brown chicken alternating with bright yellow pineapple chunks, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and red onion, all glazed in a shiny dark sauce. Lime wedges, some cut in halves and some in quarters, are placed around the skewers. A small white bowl of dark sauce sits near the top left of the tray. Around the tray are pieces of white flatbread, fresh bright green cilantro sprigs, scattered red and green pepper chunks, red onion, and yellow pineapple pieces, all on a dark wooden surface changed to a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together the Perfect Teriyaki Marinade

Start by combining 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger, and 1 tablespoon ketchup in a medium bowl. Whisk until everything is smoothly blended into a glossy glaze. This marinade is the heart of your Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe — packed with sweet, tangy, and smoky notes.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken for Juicy Flavor

Add your chicken thigh pieces (1.5-inch chunks) to the marinade and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 10 minutes. Even a short marinating time helps the chicken soak up those bold Hawaiian flavors—great when you're tight on time, but longer is always better if you have it!

Step 3: Chop Your Veggies and Pineapple

While the chicken marinates, prepare the veggies: cut 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, 1 medium red onion, 1 large green bell pepper, 1 large red bell pepper, and 1 small zucchini into 1.5-inch pieces or rounds as instructed. Keep sizes uniform to ensure even grilling. The colors and textures here will make your skewers pop both visually and flavor-wise.

Step 4: Thread the Skewers with Love

Alternate threading the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, and vegetables onto your skewers. Leave a little space between pieces so heat circulates evenly and everything cooks through perfectly. If using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for 30 minutes beforehand prevents them from burning on the grill.

Step 5: Get Your Grill Ready

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Give the grates a quick oiling—this keeps the skewers from sticking and helps develop those gorgeous grill marks that add flavor and texture.

Step 6: Grill Until Perfectly Charred and Juicy

Place the assembled skewers on the grill and cook for a total of 15 minutes, turning them every 3 to 4 minutes. This even cooking ensures every side picks up that smoky char but stays juicy inside. Baste occasionally with any remaining marinade for extra moisture and flavor. Keep an eye out—the chicken is done when it hits an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the veggies are tender yet crisp.

Step 7: Rest and Serve with a Smile

Once off the grill, let your skewers rest for a couple of minutes. This little pause lets the juices settle so every bite is tender and flavorful. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy the sweet, smoky taste of summer on a stick!

Top Tip

Getting the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors on your Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe takes a little know-how. Here are some of my favorite tips that make the grilling experience smooth and the results absolutely delicious!

Marinate Just Right: I’ve found that even a 10-minute marinade infuses the chicken thighs with enough flavor thanks to the potent mix of lime, soy, and honey—no need to wait hours!
Use Chicken Thighs: Tried this with breasts before, but thighs stay juicier and soak up the marinade better, giving you that tender, flavorful bite every time.
Alternate Ingredients on Skewers: Spacing out the chicken pieces with pineapple and veggies ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess—a simple trick that brings out great texture.
Oil the Grill Grates Well: Avoid sticky messes and tearing by oiling the grill grates before cooking. Plus, it helps achieve those perfect char marks.

How to Serve Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with raw chicken pieces covered in a thick red sauce with garlic bits, placed on a dark wooden surface with a lime and a small bowl of sauce nearby. Next to it, there is a white tray holding five skewers arranged mostly in a row, each skewer layered with chunks of raw chicken coated in sauce, vibrant yellow pineapple pieces, green zucchini, red bell pepper, and slices of red onion. The tray also holds a small bowl of the same red sauce and some scattered raw vegetable and pineapple pieces around the skewers. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes add an inviting pop of color and extra zing. Try sprinkling chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro leaves atop the skewers. A wedge of lime on the side also brightens the flavors and lets everyone add a little extra citrus punch if they like.

Side Dishes

This dish shines alongside fluffy coconut rice or jasmine rice to soak up any extra teriyaki glaze. A crisp cabbage slaw or a simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, serve with grilled corn on the cob or a warm pasta salad tossed with lemon and herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken and vegetables separately or together on skewers. Wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen skewers maintain quality for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover skewers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, warm them on a grill pan over medium heat to revive some of that fresh-grilled char and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs remain juicier and absorb the marinade better, giving you a more flavorful and tender skewers experience.

How long should I soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning while on the grill.

Can I prepare these skewers indoors if I don't have a grill?

Absolutely! You can cook them under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan to get great results without an outdoor grill.

Is there a substitute for ketchup in the marinade?

Yes, if you don’t have ketchup, you can mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to thicken the marinade instead.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers—juicy, tender chicken with sweet bursts of pineapple and vibrant veggies, all glowing with that sticky, tangy teriyaki glaze. Whether it’s a casual summer BBQ, a busy weeknight meal, or prepping ahead for the week, this recipe hits the spot every time. I hope you enjoy grilling and sharing this colorful dish as much as I do—here’s to many delicious, sunny meals ahead!