Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

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Juicy pineapple chicken kabobs are a perfect summer treat! Easy to make, they pair succulent chicken with sweet pineapple for a burst of flavor. Perfect for barbecues or quick weeknight dinners. Save this recipe for mouthwatering kabobs that your family will love! Enjoy them at your next gathering or picnic!

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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs are my go-to for their tenderness and flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, boneless chicken breasts work fine. For a twist, try using shrimp or firm tofu for a vegetarian version.

Pineapple: Fresh pineapple offers the best flavor and juiciness. If fresh isn’t available, canned pineapple in juice (not syrup) is a good alternative. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

Bell Peppers: The mix of red, green, and yellow adds color and flavor. If you’re missing one color, feel free to replace it with another or even add zucchini or cherry tomatoes for variation.

Marinade Ingredients: Soy sauce is key for umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos or a homemade mix of broth and vinegar. For those sweetening options, maple syrup or agave can substitute honey nicely.

How Can You Ensure Juicy Chicken and Perfectly Grilled Kabobs?

The marinade process is crucial for juicy chicken. Letting the chicken sit in marinade for 30 minutes enhances the flavors. If you can, go for 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor absorption.

  • Start your grill so it preheats to medium-high before adding the kabobs. This helps to achieve grill marks and a nice sear.
  • Keep an eye on the kabobs. Turn them occasionally for even cooking—about 10-15 minutes total should do, depending on your grill’s heat.
  • Let them rest for a couple of minutes after grilling. This lets the juices redistribute for extra tenderness.

How to Make Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Kabobs:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 red onion, cut into chunks

For the Marinade:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Skewering:

  • Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes beforehand)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10-15 minutes of cooking time. Including time to marinate the chicken, you should set aside about 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how long you want to let it sit in the marinade. Perfect for a sunny day!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Marinade:

Start by grabbing a medium-sized mixing bowl. In this bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, ginger, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This blend will create a sweet and savory marinade that infuses all the flavors into the chicken.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

Add the cubed chicken to the marinade. Make sure all the chicken pieces get coated nicely. Once coated, cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for extra flavor.

3. Prepare the Skewers:

While your chicken is marinating, get your grill or grill pan heated over medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. Once ready, start threading the skewers. Alternate the marinated chicken with pineapple, chunks of red, green, and yellow bell peppers, and onion. Pack them closely but don’t overcrowd!

4. Grill the Kabobs:

When the grill is nice and hot, carefully place your skewers onto the grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is fully cooked and has those lovely grill marks.

5. Rest and Serve:

Once you remove the kabobs from the grill, let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve your warm and delicious pineapple chicken kabobs on a plate, and sprinkle with fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy every bite!

Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Kabobs?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the chicken for even cooking.

What Can I Substitute for Honey?

If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or agave syrup are great substitutes. You can also use brown sugar; just dissolve it in a bit of warm water to create a syrup-like consistency before adding it to the marinade.

How Do I Store Leftover Kabobs?

Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, or you can use the microwave but be careful not to overcook!

Can I Make These Kabobs in the Oven?

Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.

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