Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a fun and tasty treat! They mix juicy chicken with sweet pineapple on sticks, making them perfect for grilling or baking. They’re full of flavor!
These kabobs are not just easy to make, but they look super impressive too! I love serving them at parties—everyone goes for seconds (or thirds). Who can resist that sweet and savory combo? 🍍🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, making it perfect for kabobs. If you’re looking for alternatives, try chicken thighs for a juicier option or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a sweet and tangy flavor. If fresh isn’t available, canned pineapple can work too. Just make sure to drain it well. I love using fruit that’s in season for the best taste!
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and crunch. You can mix it up with yellow or orange peppers for sweetness or even zucchini or mushrooms for a different texture.
Marinade Ingredients: The soy sauce and honey create a sweet and savory blend. For a lower-sodium option, choose low-sodium soy sauce, or if you want it sweeter, swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
How Do You Make Sure Your Kabobs Are Cooked Just Right?
Getting kabobs perfectly cooked can be tricky. Here are some tips to ensure juicy chicken and tender veggies:
- Cut everything into uniform 1-inch pieces. This helps them cook evenly.
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Grill on medium-high heat, turning every few minutes. This allows for even cooking and nice grill marks.
- Check chicken with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let kabobs rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute for extra flavor.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes for the chicken to marinate. You’ll also need around 10-15 minutes for grilling. So, get ready to enjoy some delicious kabobs in about 1 hour total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soak the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in a bowl of water for at least 30 minutes. This will help prevent them from burning on the grill.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s well combined. This marinade is what will make your chicken burst with flavor!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade and make sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours to enhance the flavor.
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. It’s important to have a hot grill to get those lovely grill marks!
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
After marinating, take the skewers and thread the chicken pieces, pineapple cubes, bell peppers, and red onion onto them. Alternate between the ingredients for a colorful and tasty kabob. Make sure not to pack them too tightly so they cook evenly.
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure they’re evenly cooked and have nice grill marks. The chicken should be cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
7. Let Them Rest:
Once they’re done, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute in the chicken, keeping it tender and juicy.
8. Serving Time!
Serve the kabobs warm and feel free to garnish with extra pineapple or some fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy this tasty and colorful meal!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the red and green bell peppers and red onion for other veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Just keep the pieces roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
Can I Prepare the Kabobs in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the kabobs ahead of time! Assemble the skewers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. Just be sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overheat them!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs can add more flavor and juiciness to your kabobs. Just make sure to cut them into pieces similar in size to the chicken breasts so they cook evenly. The marinade will work great with either option!
