Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are sweet, juicy, and so colorful! These tasty skewers mix tender chicken pieces with fresh pineapple and veggies for a great meal on the grill.
It’s always fun to eat food on a stick—who doesn’t love that? I enjoy serving these kabobs with rice or a simple salad. They are so easy; you just marinate and grill! 🍍🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is best because it cooks quickly and stays juicy. You could also use thighs for extra flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Pineapple: Canned pineapple is super convenient, but fresh pineapple can offer a sharper flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with canned peaches or mango for a fun twist!
Bell Peppers: These add color and crunch, but feel free to mix it up! Zucchini or cherry tomatoes can replace them if you prefer different veggies.
Soy Sauce: This adds depth to your marinade. For a lower sodium option, try tamari or coconut aminos. You can also use liquid aminos if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative.
Honey: It gives a touch of sweetness. If you’re vegan, agave syrup or maple syrup works well. Brown sugar is another option if you like a deeper flavor.
How Do I Make Sure the Kabobs Don’t Stick to the Grill?
Preventing sticking is essential for beautifully grilled kabobs! Here are my favorite tips:
- Preheat your grill properly to medium-high heat. A hot grill helps sear the kabobs quickly, minimizing sticking.
- Oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil. This forms a barrier that helps keep food from sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave a little space between ingredients to ensure even cooking.
- Let the kabobs rest a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain moisture and makes them easier to handle.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Kabobs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other:
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for prep and marinating, plus around 15 minutes for grilling. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes to create these tasty kabobs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful marinade that will help make your chicken super tasty!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken cubes and add them to the marinade. Mix well so every piece of chicken is nicely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time; it really enhances the flavor!
3. Prepare the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is important for getting those lovely grill marks and cooking the chicken evenly.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to put the kabobs together! Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red onion wedges, and pieces of each bell pepper onto the skewers. Mix and match the colors for a beautiful look!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they are done when the chicken is fully cooked and shows nice grill marks!
6. Rest and Serve:
After grilling, carefully remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. When you’re ready to serve, enjoy them hot, and feel free to add some fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime juice for even more flavor!
Now, dig in and enjoy your delicious pineapple chicken kabobs!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for These Kabobs?
Absolutely! You can substitute with boneless pork, shrimp, or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly; shrimp may cook faster, while pork will need to be cooked thoroughly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Low-Sodium?
To make the kabobs lower in sodium, substitute low-sodium soy sauce for regular soy sauce. You may also reduce the amount of marinade used or add more honey and garlic for flavor without the extra salt.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. Just be careful not to overheat them!
Can I Prep These Kabobs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Marinate the chicken and cut the vegetables the day before. Assemble the kabobs and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill them. Just aim to grill them the same day for the best flavor and freshness!
