These Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are the perfect mix of sweet and savory! Juicy chunks of chicken are paired with pineapple and colorful veggies, all grilled to perfection.
Honestly, who doesn’t love sticking food on a skewer? It’s like a mini party on a stick! I usually serve them with rice for an easy meal that feels special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for kabobs. If you want more flavor, try using thigh meat instead. It’s juicier and more forgiving on the grill.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple brings sweetness and acidity. If fresh isn’t available, you can use canned pineapple chunks, just drain them well. Avoid the syrupy kind for a healthier option.
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow peppers add color and crunch. Green peppers are a substitute, but their flavor is more bitter. If you like spice, add some jalapeño or even cubed zucchini!
Marinade Ingredients: Soy sauce and honey create a great sweet and salty flavor balance. You can use tamari for a gluten-free version or agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan alternative. Rice vinegar can be swapped with apple cider vinegar.
How Do I Prevent Skewers from Burning on the Grill?
A common issue with kabobs is burnt skewers, especially if you’re using wooden ones. The key is soaking them! This prevents them from catching fire while you’re grilling. Here’s how to do it:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This works wonders!
- If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step, but be careful, as they’ll get hot.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Kabobs?
Marinating chicken adds flavor and keeps it juicy. Here are some tips:
- Mix the marinade well and adjust flavors to your taste – more honey for sweetness or more garlic for kick!
- Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but 1-2 hours makes a big difference.
- Always refrigerate while marinating to keep the chicken safe from bacteria.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. After marinating, you’ll need around 15 minutes to grill the kabobs. Overall, set aside about 1 hour and 15 minutes to make delicious Pineapple Chicken Kabobs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soak the Skewers (if using wooden ones):
If you’re using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill while cooking your kabobs.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This tasty mixture will give your chicken and veggies plenty of flavor!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it marinate for 1-2 hours is even better.
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear and perfect grill marks on your kabobs.
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once the chicken is ready, it’s time to put everything on skewers! Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating between the chicken and veggies to make them colorful and delicious.
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. Keep an eye on them, and when the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks, you’re good to go! Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once the kabobs are done grilling, carefully remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Before you serve, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These kabobs are perfect warm! Serve them as an entrée, or over a bed of rice or fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, and get ready for some delightful flavors!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option. If using shrimp, reduce marinating time to about 15-20 minutes, and for beef, ensure it’s cut into small cubes for even cooking. Tofu should be pressed to remove excess moisture.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Pineapple?
Don’t worry! You can use canned pineapple chunks (drained) instead. Just keep in mind that canned pineapple can be sweeter, so you might want to adjust the amount of honey in the marinade accordingly. Alternatively, you can use other fruits like peaches or even zucchini for a different flavor profile!
Can I Prepare the Kabobs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the kabobs and marinate them a few hours in advance or even the night before. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. This will enhance the flavors and make your prep time on grill day much shorter!
How Should I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or use a microwave, but be sure to cover them to maintain moisture.
