These Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a tasty mix of juicy chicken pieces, sweet pineapple, and colorful peppers. The mix is grilled to perfection for a fun and flavorful meal!
Who knew that chicken and pineapple could be such best friends? 😄 I love to serve these with a side of rice to soak up all the yummy juices. You’ll want to make these more than once!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best here, giving a tender bite. If you’re looking to switch it up, cubed firm tofu or shrimp are excellent alternatives for a different flavor.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a juicy sweetness. Canned pineapple can work in a pinch, but I recommend draining it well. If you’re avoiding pineapple, mango or peach chunks could provide a similar sweetness.
Bell Peppers: The colorful mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers adds a sweet crunch. Feel free to swap one color for another like orange bell peppers, or even zucchini or mushrooms for a twist.
Marinade Ingredients: Soy sauce is key for saltiness and umami. Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free options. For honey, maple syrup can provide a vegan substitute, maintaining the sweetness with a different flair.
How Do I Make Sure My Kabobs Don’t Stick to the Grill?
Keeping kabobs from sticking can be tricky, but here are some easy tips. First, make sure to preheat the grill well to the right temperature before adding your skewers.
- Use enough oil in your marinade; it helps create a non-stick surface.
- It’s crucial to soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning.
- Rotate the skewers every few minutes gently, so the food doesn’t cling.
These steps will give you that beautiful grilled finish without the hassle!
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Supplies:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pineapple Chicken Kabobs recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Plan for about 10-15 minutes for grilling. So total, you’re looking at around 1 hour before it’s ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a good-sized bowl. In it, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and season with salt and pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a fantastic flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Once your marinade is ready, add the chicken cubes to the bowl. Make sure they’re coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or 2 hours if you want more robust flavor.
3. Prep the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to get the grill ready! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot by the time you’re ready to cook.
4. Skewer the Ingredients:
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to assemble the kabobs! Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto your skewers, alternating with the pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion pieces. Make sure not to pack them too tightly—give them a little space for even cooking.
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Now, place your skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks.
6. Rest and Serve:
Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve them warm, either with a tasty dipping sauce or over a bed of rice. Enjoy your delightful kabobs!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for Kabobs?
Absolutely! While chicken is a great option, you can substitute it with beef, pork, or shrimp. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. For example, shrimp will cook much faster than chicken, usually in just 3-5 minutes on the grill.
What If I Don’t Have Wooden Skewers?
No problem! Metal skewers work perfectly fine, and you won’t need to soak them in water. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they are submerged in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on the grill or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious; they may become a bit chewy.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The marinade can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. This will save you time on the day you plan to make the kabobs and may even enhance the flavor as the ingredients meld together.
