Fresh pineapple, zingy ginger, and a splash of soy sauce make these tiny chicken kebabs taste like a tropical vacation. A drizzle of toasted sesame oil adds a deep, nutty aroma without needing much.
Active time: 25 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes
Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs & Cilantro Ginger Rice
Ingredients
- 12 wooden or metal skewers (about 12‑inch long)
- ¼ cup orange‑pineapple juice
- 3 tbsp low‑sodium soy sauce (gluten‑free if needed)
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, split
- 1½ tsp fresh ginger, grated, split
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed (1‑inch pieces)
- 2 medium red bell peppers, cubed (1‑inch pieces)
- 2 cups pineapple chunks (about 1‑inch cubes)
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup long‑grain white rice (jasmine or basmati work well)
- 1¾ cups low‑sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Directions
- If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes so they don’t burn.
- In a zip‑top bag or shallow dish, whisk together the pineapple‑orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, ½ tsp ginger, and garlic. Add the chicken and bell pepper pieces, toss to coat, and chill for 30‑120 minutes, turning a few times.
- Heat a grill or charcoal fire to medium‑high.
- Discard the leftover marinade. Thread chicken, peppers, and pineapple onto the skewers, alternating colors.
- Lightly spray the grill rack, place the kebabs on it, and cook 8‑10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- While the kebabs grill, heat the remaining 1 tsp sesame oil in a saucepan over medium‑high heat. Add the remaining ginger and rice, stirring for 30‑60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer 17‑18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir the chopped cilantro into the cooked rice, fluff with a fork, and keep warm.
- Serve two kebabs with a generous scoop of cilantro‑ginger rice. Enjoy!
Serves: 4 (2 kebabs + 1 cup rice per person)
Nutrition per serving: 404 kcal, 30 g protein, 6 g fat, 57 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 16 g sugar, 537 mg sodium.
High in potassium, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.