Pineapple chicken kabobs are a fun and colorful dish! Juicy pieces of chicken are paired with sweet pineapple, bell peppers, and onions, all grilled to perfection. Yum!
I love how these kabobs bring a taste of summer to any meal. Plus, they’re super simple to make—just skewer, grill, and enjoy! Perfect for family BBQ nights! 🍍🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe shines with tender chicken breast, but you can use thighs for a juicier option. If you follow a plant-based diet, try using tofu or mushrooms instead!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a sweet and tangy flavor. For convenience, canned pineapple works too, just drain it well. If you can’t find pineapple, mango is a tasty substitute that gives a similar sweetness.
Bell Peppers: The variety of colors not only makes the kabobs beautiful but adds different flavors. If you’re missing one color, don’t worry! Any bell pepper works. For a twist, try zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
Marinade Ingredients: The marinade of soy sauce, honey, and garlic is key. You can swap honey for maple syrup or agave if you’re avoiding sugar. Tamari or coconut aminos are great for gluten-free options!
How Should I Prepare the Skewers for Cooking?
Preparing skewers is simple but crucial for success. If you’re using wooden skewers, always soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. If metal skewers are your go-to, they don’t need soaking, but be careful; they can get hot!
- **Soak wooden skewers:** Place them in water and let them soak to prevent burning.
- **Alternating ingredients:** When threading, keep space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- **Use a skewering technique:** Start with a piece of chicken, then alternate with veggies. This not only looks great but allows flavors to mingle.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Kabobs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for prep, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating in the fridge. You’ll also need about 10-15 minutes for grilling. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy your delicious kabobs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This yummy mixture will flavor your chicken perfectly!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, mixing well to coat all the pieces. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, let it sit for up to 2 hours!
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A nice hot grill will help give your kabobs a great sear!
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once the chicken is done marinating, it’s time to assemble. Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple cubes, chunks of bell peppers, and wedges of red onion onto each skewer. Alternate the ingredients, and leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Be sure to turn them occasionally so everything cooks evenly. The chicken should be fully cooked (no pink inside) and the veggies will be tender and slightly charred.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. Serve your delicious pineapple chicken kabobs warm, and feel free to garnish with extra pineapple or fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any of the peppers or the onion with your favorite veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even mushrooms. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes to ensure even cooking!
What If I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
No worries! You can use tamari for a gluten-free option, or if you want a different flavor, try using teriyaki sauce or a homemade marinade made from broth, vinegar, and spices. Just adjust the sweetness according to your taste since teriyaki may be sweeter than traditional soy sauce.
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so in the oven or on the grill to avoid sogginess, heating until warm throughout.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 2 days ahead of time! Just mix the ingredients and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to add the chicken. This can save time on cooking day!
