Tropical Aloha Chicken Skewers

This tropical twist on chicken sausage brings the flavors of Hawaii right to your dinner table. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory sausage, and colorful veggies creates a perfect balance that transports you straight to the islands with every bite.

I first made this recipe during a particularly cold winter when we were dreaming of a tropical vacation. The bright flavors and colors instantly lifted our spirits, and it has since become our go-to meal whenever we need a taste of sunshine.

Ingredients

• Chicken sausages: Select precooked varieties for convenience, or raw for more flavor development
• Fresh pineapple chunks: Their natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully on the grill
• Red and green bell peppers: Their vibrant colors and vitamin C content make this dish nutritionally complete
• Red onion: Adds a mild sharpness that balances the sweet components
• Garlic and ginger: Create an aromatic base that enhances all other flavors
• Soy sauce: Provides depth and umami to the glaze
• Honey: Contributes natural sweetness and helps achieve caramelization
• Rice vinegar: Adds necessary acidity to balance the sweet components
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the glaze so it clings perfectly to the skewers

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat around 375°F. While waiting, gather all ingredients and prepare your workspace. This preparation ensures smooth cooking once you begin.

Create the Glaze:

Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl until completely smooth. This mixture serves as both marinade and finishing glaze, developing complex flavors as it cooks.

Assemble Skewers:

Thread chicken sausages, pineapple chunks, bell pepper slices, and onion pieces onto skewers in an alternating pattern. Leave small spaces between items to ensure even cooking throughout. This arrangement allows each bite to contain multiple flavor elements.

Initial Grill Preparation:

Brush the assembled skewers lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper, being careful not to oversalt as the soy sauce glaze contains sodium. Place on the preheated grill surface carefully.

Grill with Attention:

Cook the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes to ensure even cooking and char. Watch carefully as the sugars in the pineapple and honey can burn quickly if left unattended.

Glaze Application:

During the last 5 minutes of cooking, begin brushing the prepared glaze onto all sides of the skewers. Apply multiple thin layers rather than one thick coat for better flavor development. The cornstarch will help the glaze thicken and adhere.

Final Cooking:

Continue cooking until chicken sausages reach an internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables have softened with slight char marks. The pineapple should be caramelized around the edges.

Rest and Serve:

Remove skewers from the grill and allow to rest for 2 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the sausages. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a bright finish.

Pin it

The first time I made this recipe, my daughter, who normally avoids all vegetables, ate every single bell pepper piece thinking they had transformed into candy. The caramelization from the honey glaze works magic on the vegetables, making this dish my secret weapon for picky eaters.

Make Ahead Options

This Aloha Chicken Sausage recipe works wonderfully for advance preparation. You can assemble the skewers up to 24 hours before cooking and store them covered in the refrigerator. The glaze can also be made ahead and stored separately. This advance preparation makes the recipe perfect for entertaining, as you can simply grill when guests arrive. The finished dish reheats well in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes if you need to make it completely in advance.

Serving Suggestions

Transform these Aloha Chicken Sausage skewers into a complete meal by serving them alongside coconut rice, which complements the tropical flavors perfectly. For a lighter option, serve over a bed of fresh greens dressed with a simple lime vinaigrette. If entertaining, consider serving the skewers alongside other Hawaiian-inspired dishes like macaroni salad or grilled pineapple slices for dessert. The versatility of this recipe makes it suitable for casual backyard barbecues or more elegant dinner parties.

Pin it

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe adapts well to what you have on hand. Chicken sausages can be replaced with turkey, pork, or even plant-based sausages for a vegetarian version. Canned pineapple works in a pinch if fresh is unavailable, though you may want to reduce the honey as canned fruit is sweeter. No rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar makes a good substitute. Yellow onions can replace red onions, though they will be slightly stronger in flavor. For a spicier version, add a minced jalapeño to the glaze or substitute one of the bell peppers with a poblano pepper.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes Aloha chicken skewers unique?

The combination of sweet pineapple chunks, savory chicken sausages, and a tangy-sweet glaze gives these skewers a tropical and bold flavor profile.

→ Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?

Yes, a grill pan works just as well, allowing you to achieve a similar charred texture indoors.

→ What can I use as a vegetarian alternative to chicken sausage?

You can substitute chicken sausages with plant-based sausage or firm tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I ensure the skewers don’t stick to the grill?

Brush the skewers lightly with olive oil before grilling, and ensure your grill is properly preheated and clean.

→ Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, the marinade can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.

→ How do I know if the chicken sausages are fully cooked?

Cook the sausages until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.