Pineapple chicken kabobs are a fun and tasty dish! Juicy pieces of chicken are mixed with sweet pineapple and colorful veggies. They are perfect for grilling and are super easy to make!
Who can resist the combination of sweet and savory flavors on a stick? I love serving these at parties. They’re great with a side of rice or even just on their own—yummy and simple! 🍍🥡
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a quick cook time and lean protein. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option works great, just adjust cooking times for tofu!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives the kabobs a sweet, juicy flavor, but canned pineapple chunks can be a quick substitute. Just drain them well! You could also use mango or peaches for a tropical twist.
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and flavor. Feel free to substitute with yellow or orange peppers, or even zucchini and cherry tomatoes for variety.
Marinade Ingredients: Soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, and ginger create a flavorful marinade. If you’re gluten-free, switch to tamari for the soy sauce. Maple syrup or agave can replace honey for a vegan option.
How Do I Ensure My Kabobs Cook Evenly on the Grill?
Cooking kabobs evenly can sometimes be tricky, but here are some tips to get it just right! First, make sure to cut all ingredients into uniform 1-inch pieces. This helps everything cook at the same rate.
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. If using metal skewers, no soaking is needed!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. This helps give those lovely grill marks and sear the chicken properly.
- Thread the ingredients tightly but not too packed; this allows heat to circulate. Alternate between chicken and veggies for balanced cooking and flavor.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally for even browning. Always check chicken with a meat thermometer—165°F means it’s done!
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Kabobs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional:
- Bamboo or metal skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is approximately 1 hour. This includes 30 minutes for marinating the chicken and another 15-20 minutes for grilling. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for a summer barbecue!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. This mixture will flavor our chicken beautifully.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; if you have time, try for 2 hours for even more flavor!
3. Soak the Skewers:
If you are using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers can be used straight out of the drawer, no soaking needed!
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps the kabobs cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks!
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to assemble your kabobs! Take a skewer and thread a piece of chicken followed by a chunk of pineapple, then add a red bell pepper piece, a green bell pepper piece, and a piece of red onion. Repeat the pattern until the skewer is filled, leaving a little space at each end for handling.
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the assembled kabobs on the preheated grill. Let them cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks, and the vegetables are tender.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Then serve them warm and enjoy your delicious Pineapple Chicken Kabobs with family and friends!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can swap chicken for shrimp, pork, or firm tofu. Just keep in mind that cooking times will vary: shrimp typically takes about 5-7 minutes, while pork may need longer depending on the cut.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Pineapple?
No problem! Canned pineapple works well too. Just drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could cause steaming instead of grilling. You can also use other fruits like peaches or mangoes for a twist!
How Do 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 microwave or on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through—this helps retain their juicy flavor.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Make the marinade up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This can save you prep time on the day you plan to grill your kabobs!
