Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs
If you're looking for a flavorful, CKD-friendly meal that's packed with sweet and savory notes, these Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs are a perfect choice. The tender, marinated chicken, paired with vibrant bell peppers, sweet red onions, and juicy pineapple chunks, creates a balanced dish that's both healthy and delicious. This recipe is also easy to make in the oven, making it ideal for a simple weeknight meal.
As a Registered Dietitian, I specialize in creating delicious, kidney-friendly recipes that support optimal health for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs recipe is designed with nutrient balance in mind, focusing on low-sodium and potassium-conscious ingredients, making it both flavorful and suitable for a CKD diet. With years of experience in renal nutrition, I ensure that each recipe is not only healthy but easy to prepare at home.
This recipe is tailored for individuals with CKD by carefully selecting low-potassium and low-phosphorus ingredients. Chicken thighs are lower in phosphorus than other cuts, while bell peppers and pineapple are lower in potassium compared to many other fruits and vegetables. This makes the dish a balanced, nutritious, and kidney-friendly option. Additionally, the marinade is customizable—skip or reduce the sodium for a low-sodium version, making it even more suitable for a kidney-friendly diet.
For More Recipes and Ideas --->> Get Your Free Meals and Recipes That Are Perfect for Pre-Dialysis Diets, Pre-Dialysis with Diabetes, or Dialysis Diets.
These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs in Oven are delicious and go well with our spicy cucumber salad as a side dish and our honeydew sorbet as a dessert. Find more of our kidney friendly chicken dishes on the blog.
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Ingredients
The ingredients in these Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple are carefully chosen to create a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors. From juicy pineapple and tender chicken to vibrant bell peppers and onions, each component brings its own unique taste and texture, while also supporting kidney health.
- Wooden or metal skewers – Used to assemble and cook the kabobs, making them easy to handle.
- Balsamic vinegar – Adds a tangy sweetness that enhances the marinade’s flavor.
- Pineapple juice – Provides natural sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Brown sugar – Balances the tanginess and caramelizes during cooking for extra flavor.
- Sesame oil – Adds a nutty richness to the marinade and vegetables.
- Garlic powder – Offers a savory flavor without adding fresh garlic, keeping it CKD-friendly.
- Ground ginger – Adds warmth and a subtle spiciness to the marinade.
- Black pepper – Provides a mild heat that balances the dish.
- Cold water – Used with cornstarch to thicken the marinade.
- Corn starch – Thickens the marinade to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Chicken thighs – Moist and flavorful, perfect for kabobs.
- Bell peppers – Add color, crunch, and are low in potassium, making them CKD-friendly.
- Red onion – Provides a mild sweetness that balances the savory and sweet flavors.
- Pineapple chunks – Adds juicy sweetness and moisture to the kabobs.
- Sesame oil (for brushing vegetables) – Prevents sticking and helps the vegetables roast to a golden brown.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Making these kabobs is a breeze! With a simple marinade that combines sweet, tangy, and savory notes, the chicken and vegetables are transformed into a flavorful meal. Just marinate, assemble, and cook under the broiler for a quick and easy dinner.
- Create the marinade. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together balsamic vinegar, pineapple juice, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic powder, ground ginger and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
2. Whisk together cold water and corn starch until combined. Slowly add cornstarch mixture into the marinade and combine.
3. Allow to simmer and mix occasionally for 3-4 minutes until marinade thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
4. Place diced chicken in a large plastic zip top bag or a bowl and add half of the marinade and toss to coat the chicken. Cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours and at least one hour.
5. Soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to using. If you are using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
6. Preheat oven broiler. Line baking sheet with a baking parchment or aluminum foil.
7. Separate chicken into 4 equal servings. Create the kabobs by alternately threading chicken, peppers, onion, and pineapple onto skewers. Brush sesame oil on vegetables. Each serving is two skewers of meat and vegetables so you are making 8 skewers.
8. Arrange kabobs in individual layer on baking sheet. Place under broiler and every 5 minutes turn and baste with remaining marinade until chicken is done. About 20 minutes.
8. Arrange kabobs in individual layer on baking sheet. Place under broiler and every 5 minutes turn and baste with remaining marinade until chicken is done. About 20 minutes.
Hint: Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes to avoid burning under the broiler. Soaking helps prevent the skewers from charring, which can affect the presentation and taste.
Substitutions
You can easily adjust the sweetness or oil choice without compromising the delicious flavor of these kabobs.
- Replace brown sugar with a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar version of the marinade.
- Olive oil can be used instead of sesame oil, though the flavor will be milder.
Variations
This recipe is versatile, allowing you to switch up ingredients while keeping it CKD-friendly. Whether you want to experiment with different vegetables or opt for a leaner cut of chicken, there are plenty of ways to customize your Easy Pineapple Chicken Kabobs to suit your tastes.
- Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option, but thighs are more tender and flavorful.
- Swap bell peppers for zucchini or other low-potassium vegetables to add variety.
Storage
Refrigerating Leftovers: Once cooked, the Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Recipe Easy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to separate the chicken and vegetables from any leftover marinade to prevent sogginess.
- Tip: Reheat the kabobs in the oven or on the stovetop to help maintain their texture and flavor.
Reheating: To reheat, place the kabobs in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them on a stovetop grill or in a pan for a crispier texture.
Top Tip
Share something here that you think is key to making this recipe well, such as: Don't overcook the burgers! Sear the outside and cook to a minimum internal temperature, but they should still be juicy for best results.
FAQs about Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
Yes! You can easily grill the kabobs on an outdoor grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the kabobs for about 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes and basting with the marinade for extra flavor.
If you don't have pineapple juice, you can substitute it with orange juice or apple juice. Both offer a similar sweetness and acidity to help tenderize the chicken and balance the marinade’s flavors.
Yes, you can prep the kabobs ahead by marinating the chicken and assembling the skewers a few hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. If freezing, freeze the marinated, uncooked kabobs for up to 2 months.
Related Chicken Entrees For You To Try
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing with Easy Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Easy Pineapple Chicken Kabobs:
If you tried this Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
PrintHawaiian Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple
These Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs combine sweet and savory flavors with tender marinated chicken, colorful veggies, and juicy pineapple chunks. This easy, CKD-friendly recipe is perfect for a flavorful and healthy meal, made right in the oven or on the grill.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Entree
- Method: Oven and Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs Marinade
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup pineapple juice
3 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup cold water
1 tablespoon corn starch
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple
1 pound chicken thighs trimmed and cut into 1 in pieces
4 bell peppers, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces (your choice of colors)
1 large red onion, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
2 cups pineapple chunks
2 tablespoon sesame oil
8 wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
1. Create the marinade. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together balsamic vinegar, pineapple juice, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic powder, ground ginger and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
2. Whisk together cold water and corn starch until combined. Slowly add cornstarch mixture into the marinade and combine.
3. Allow to simmer and mix occasionally for 3-4 minutes until marinade thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
4. Place diced chicken in a large plastic zip top bag or a bowl and add half of the marinade and toss to coat the chicken. Cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours and at least one hour.
5. Soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to using. If you are using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
6. Preheat oven broiler. Line baking sheet with a baking parchment or aluminum foil.
7. Separate chicken into 4 equal servings. Create the kabobs by alternately threading chicken, peppers, onion, and pineapple onto skewers. Brush sesame oil on vegetables. Each serving is two skewers of meat and vegetables so you are making 8 skewers.
8. Arrange kabobs in individual layer on baking sheet. Place under broiler and every 5 minutes turn and baste with remaining marinade until chicken is done. About 20 minutes.
Notes
Vary the vegetables and chicken on the skewers. Be careful as they are hot coming out of the oven. Use the Hawaiian Chicken Marinade with other recipes as desired.
